View in your browser
Mapping equitable, effective paths to achieving 30x30

Isla San Pedro Mártir Biosphere Reserve, Mexico_IUCN Green List, ©Comunidad y Biodiversidad, A.C.

The IUCN Green List certifies that the Isla San Pedro Mártir Biosphere Reserve meets high standards of effective management and fair governance. This recognition highlights the reserve's successful conservation outcomes, including the protection of its rich biodiversity and the maintenance of its ecological integrity. The reserve is home to several endangered species, including the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) and the fishing bat (Myotis vivesi), which is endemic to the Gulf of California.

Want your photo featured? Read on below to find out how!

 
Highlights
A Journey of Conservation Success Stories with the Green List

The Green List is more than just a certification; it's a global movement that brings together diverse stakeholders to promote sustainable management practices in protected areas. This participatory process involves experts, mentors, organizations, managers, and local communities, all working towards a common goal: the effective and fair management of natural resources.

Read more
Empowering conservation action in Europe’s Overseas biodiversity hotspots

The second call for proposals under the BESTLIFE2030 Programme has been announced. This is more than just a funding opportunity—it’s a call to action for projects that will deliver tangible conservation results in Europe’s Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories. These areas are not only critical for Europe’s biodiversity but also play a vital role in achieving global conservation goals.

Read more
Scaling Up Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainability in the Caribbean Region

BIOPAMA II has been a journey towards improving the long-term conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries across protected and conserved areas, and surrounding communities. The outcomes of BIOPAMA II can be scaled up to achieve greater sustainability across the region.

Read more
The path to protect 30x30

We're committed to supporting nations around the world to achieve Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and with it, to conserve 30% of the world's ecosystems by 2030.

Leveraging World Heritage for biodiversity action

IUCN experts participated in a UNESCO meeting which confirmed the relevance of the World Heritage Convention to almost all the 23 global targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework, while making recommendations for further action. The meeting was made possible by Germany, Switzerland, and Norway.

Read more
Government of Canada announces five sites recognised as conserved areas

The five newly recognized OECMs span across various landscapes and ecosystems, offering a diverse range of habitats that are crucial for the protection of biodiversity. These areas contribute to Canada’s ongoing efforts to protect biodiversity and meet the nation’s goal of conserving 30 per cent of lands and waters in Canada by 2030.

Read more
What counts? - Ensuring effective conservation

Through the IUCN Green List Standard, the global benchmark for Protected and Conserved Areas governance and management, we are working to ensure that 30x30 means real and effective achievement of conservation goals.

Paving the road for the Green List in Tunisia and Catalonia

The Green List can be used both to guide improved management at the site level, as well as a framework for protected area management at national level by integrating its principles and components into the design of management plans from the outset. During the discussion session with government and site representatives, it was agreed that centralised support from public authorities would improve capacities to join the Green List.  

Read more
Enabling Nature Conservation Together:Tech4Nature Summit 2025

With a focus on Latin America, this year’s Tech4Nature summit in Mexico explores our current and next steps on the Tech4Nature journey. In 2020, Huawei and IUCN launched the Tech4Nature global partnership to develop innovative tech solutions for protecting nature. Working with local partners across the globe, our journey so far has proven the value of tech, innovation, and partnerships in creating a sustainable home for future generations.

Read more
The role of IUCN in the BBNJ Agreement

IUCN has provided crucial scientific and legal support to negotiators, aiding in the development of guidelines for Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The efforts, particularly through the IUCN Oceania BBNJ Project, have been instrumental in helping Pacific Island Countries (PICs) understand and implement the BBNJ Agreement, fostering informed decision-making and sustainable ocean management.

Read more
Harmonising economic growth and natural heritage preservation in Africa

IUCN supported a UNESCO training on heritage impact assessments in Africa, as part of the World Heritage Leadership Programme. In an era of rapid urbanisation, infrastructure development, and tourism growth, World Heritage sites across Africa face unprecedented challenges in protecting and managing their outstanding values.

Read more
Conserving Biodiversity in Europe’s Overseas World Heritage sites  

IUCN is inviting proposals to preserve and restore biodiversity in the EU's Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), including Ecologically Sensitive Areas such as World Heritage sites, Ramsar sites and Biosphere Reserves. This grant scheme is tailored to provide effective support for locally-driven, small-scale and impactful initiatives by target beneficiaries.

Read more
Who counts? - People at the centre of conservation

As important as 'what counts', is 'who counts'. We are working to put people at the centre of conservation through supporting Indigenous peoples and local communities to lead and benefit from 30x30.

 
Stories of Change: Oracabessa Marine Trust, Jamaica

Travis Graham highlights that the BIOPAMA grant was pivotal for the Oracabessa Marine Trust, allowing them to maintain operations and adapt to challenges
posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through innovative approaches, such as digital patrolling and the establishment of social enterprises, the Oracabessa Marine Trust has enhanced its capacity to manage the sanctuary and generate independent income in Jamaica.

Watch the video
Ann Singeo, hero of the ocean, leads women to sea change

The Ebiil Society, led by Ann Singeo, works to preserve Palau's marine habitats while supporting women fishermen in Ngardmau. As part of IUCN Oceania's Kiwa Initiative, the Ebiil Society is causing concerns in the community with their ingenious method to environmental conservation and sustainable fishing practices.

Read more
Riding the Rapids, Protecting the Wildlife: A Conservation Adventure

The river's roar echoed through the towering cliffs as we prepared for our adventure. My heart pounded in anticipation, and excitement and nervousness surged through my veins. Experiencing whitewater rafting at the Upper Navua River Gorge in Fiji was an opportunity to witness the extraordinary wildlife that calls this protected area home.

Read more
Women in conservation embodying strength, passion, and courage

"Join the movement, challenge the norms, and make a difference in conservation." Conservation is more than just saving species—it is about strength, passion, and the courage to challenge barriers. Driven by a deep personal connection to nature, women like Asma Akhter lead impactful conservation projects with IUCN Bangladesh, focusing on Marine Protected Areas, wildlife protection, and habitat restoration. Success stories from Zenifar, Tania, Sanjida, and Dominica demonstrate that true progress occurs when barriers are shattered, voices are amplified, and nature is safeguarded for future generations.

Read more
Women shellfish: guardians of the marine-coastal resources of the Gulf of Fonseca, Honduras

In a joint effort between Membership and Secretariat, IUCN supports groups of women shellfish farmers for the conservation, sustainable use and restoration of marine-coastal resources in protected areas and wetlands of the Gulf of Fonseca, for a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future. This job requires full-time dedication, a lot of physical effort, and long hours in saline waters and under the sun. In addition to this arduous work, these women also have to fulfill domestic tasks and care for their children and families.

Read more
Hot off the press
The Meaning of Nature

The report emphasizes the need for an integrated definition of nature, combining geodiversity and biodiversity, to enhance conservation efforts and achieve broader environmental and societal benefits.

Read more
State of Protected and Conserved Areas in Eastern and Southern Africa

The French translation of the State of Protected and Conserved Areas in Eastern and Southern Africa (SOPACA 2) is now officially available! 

Read more
Unpacking OECMs: Pathways for effective implementation and optimisation in Asia

This paper examines the operationalisation of OECMs in Asia, highlighting their transformative potential for achieving inclusive biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development goals. 

Read more
Utilising Protected and Conserved Areas for Human Health and Well-being

This technical note focuses on initiatives intended to generate human health and well-being benefits derived from visiting protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs).

Read more
Events and Getting Involved
Vital sites World Heritage Webinar, 30th April

Join us as we explore potential journey of World Heritage sites engaging through the Green Standard  for improved and effective management in biodiversity  conservation.

Register here
Webinar: Celebrating BIOPAMA's Legacy in the Caribbean, 24th April

Join us in celebrating the impact and legacy of 12 years of BIOPAMA's support to Caribbean conservationists. This webinar will provide an opportunity to share the key results on the Regional Observatory CPAF Caribbean Protected Areas Gateway and its information system.

Register here
Opportunity: Training on World Heritage and disaster risk management

IUCN and ICCROM are seeking 25 participants for the online course ‘Integrating DRM into World Heritage management’, held in English in six online sessions from 5 to 16 May 2025. Deadline to apply is 13 April.

Enroll now
Call for Changemakers: IUCN WCC'2025

IUCN is searching for the next generation of young innovators leading the way in nature conservation and sustainability! Selected changemakers will join global leaders, experts, and practitioners at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 to showcase their transformative initiatives, exchange ideas, and drive impactful action for a nature-positive future. Deadline to apply is 27 April.

Apply here
30x30 WG Webinar, WCPA-Europe: Financing nature conservation, 3rd April 2025 at 16:00 CET

Join us as we explore ways of financing nature conservation. Expanding nature conservation to 30% protected and conserved land and sea will cost a lot to do. In this webinar we will try to look into the needs and the possibilities for financing.

Register here
Webinar: Nature Restoration Law-opportunities and challenges, 9th April 2025 at 16:00 CET

The webinar will discuss core elements and objectives of the EU Nature Restoration Law; expected impact on nature conservation and societal benefits, as well as cross-sectoral engagement opportunities and implementation strategies. 

Register here
Feature your conservation photo!

Tell our readership of +11,000 conservationists about a story that matters to you. Send us your photo, a 50-word caption and the photo credit, with 'Feature My Photo' in the subject line, to have it featured in one of our upcoming newsletters.

Send your submission to namrata.dentan@iucn.org

Donate
Help us keep nature alive

Since its establishment in 1948, IUCN has become the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. IUCN’s new legacy gift options will help ensure IUCN keeps playing this essential role for years to come.

Read more

Learn More

Websites

IUCN Protected and Conserved Areas 
IUCN World Heritage Programme
IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
IUCN Program on African Protected Areas and Conservation
BIOPAMA, From Knowledge to Action for a Protected Planet
PANORAMA, Solutions for a Healthy Planet
IUCN Green List
LIFE4BEST
BEST2.0+
MOOC-Conservation
Act30

Tech4Nature

BestLife2030

Social media TAGS:

#IUCNGreenList - #PanoramaSolutions - #WorldHeritage - #BIOPAMA - #act30 - #Tech4Nature - #BestLife2030

Facebook:

Protected Areas
Program on African Protected Areas and Conservation
Protected Area Climate Change
Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas
Marine Protected Areas
#NatureForAll
PA and Conservation Learning News
Tourism and Protected Areas
Young Protected Area Leaders

Linkedin:

Protected and Conserved Areas

Instagram:

Act30

Subscribe to:

Protecting the Planet Newsletter, other Commission Newsletters, the World Congress Newsletter, and other IUCN Newsletters 

 

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) © 2022

The monthly Protecting the Planet Newsletter aims to keep IUCN WCPA members, IUCN staff, and the wider IUCN network up-to-date with protected area news and announcements.

Unsubscribe - By unsubscribing to this newsletter you are unsubscribing from all future IUCN announcements

 Facebook  X / Twitter  Linkedin  Instagram