Climate change threatens a growing number of species, from Atlantic salmon to green turtles, the update to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ revealed. The update, released at the COP28 UN climate conference in the United Arab Emirates, also informs about the conservation success - two antelope species have successfully been brought back from the brink of extinction.

IUCN recognises the decision taken by governments at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) to transition away from fossil fuels as a step forward. We continue to call for greater climate action and a clear phase-out of fossil fuels. This phase-out is imperative to prevent the worst impacts of runaway climate change, and to allow nature to play its full role in addressing the climate crisis.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are two of the most important challenges and risks for human societies. But as the chairs of IUCN's seven expert Commissions write, the window of opportunity to address them is closing rapidly.

IUCN is deeply saddened by the passing of Nana Janashia – an inspiring leader and tireless advocate for a better and greener society.

Cooperation among Central Asia countries to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable management of natural resources is gaining momentum. The Regional Dialogue on Transboundary Conservation in Central Asia held 28-30 November 2023 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, made a significant stride in advancing this shared agenda. Government representatives from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, attended the event, as well as many national and international organisations.

Cold Winter Deserts of Turan and Tugay Forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve are newly added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, following IUCN’s advice and the dedicated work of national authorities and international experts who supported the nominations.

In a significant step towards the joint commitment to environmental conservation, Serbia and Romania have designated the Iron Gates Natural Park – Djerdap as a Transboundary Ramsar site on 12 October, in Belgrade, Serbia, during CC COP7, as part of their ongoing bilateral cooperation. This collaborative effort is aimed at reinforcing the implementation of the provisions of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The Transboundary Ramsar site designation is expected to enhance the implementation of various multilateral environmental agreements. Moreover, it will contribute to the improved management and conservation status of wildlife and their habitats, thereby playing a crucial role in safeguarding biological diversity.

PrespaNet, a network of environmental NGOs dedicated to the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the transboundary Prespa Lakes Basin, is proud to be passing its 10th anniversary this year! Founded in 2013 by three organisations with a rich history of environmental stewardship in the region – the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP), the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES), and Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA) – PrespaNet has made significant strides in advancing conservation efforts in the area since then.

Earlier in 2023, a new project funded by the National Geographic Society and Fondation Segre’ was launched aimed at strengthening efforts and cooperation for the conservation of the Persian leopard in Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan and the snow leopard in Kyrgyzstan.

IUCN, in collaboration with the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and the Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), has initiated a new project titled "Northern Forests Initiative: Forest Restoration in North Macedonia and Albania." This strategic endeavor aims to prioritise the restoration and preservation of forests in Albania and North Macedonia. The project's key objectives include bolstering the capacity and commitment of local, regional, and national stakeholders to promote sustainable forest management.

The regional dialogue titled "Scaling-up Nature-based Solutions for Resilient Landscapes in Central Asia" brought together distinguished global and regional speakers, governmental representatives, and conservation experts in the vibrant city of Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The purpose of the assembly was to address the pressing challenges confronting the landscapes of Central Asia. Participants engaged in discussions focused on scaling up Nature-based Solutions to enhance the resilience of landscapes and communities in the region.

The Center for Protection and Research of Birds has successfully implemented the project "Saving Salina for Nature and People," focusing on the urgent restoration of a 6.6 km stretch of embankments. This crucial initiative aimed at re-establishing the interrupted key ecological process - the flooding of the area with saltwater. The execution of works in the heart of this protected wetland involved meticulous planning and implementation of preparatory activities. A comprehensive geodetic survey for the entire Salina area, a hydrological study, and the procurement of excavators and a water pump were carried out.

The upcoming phases of the project will focus on the removal of invasive plant species, the establishment of a bird ringing station, and the construction of concrete channels to introduce seawater, to name some of them. Valued at 650,000 EUR, this project received support from MAVA and HWF Foundation and was implemented in partnership with Birdlife, EuroNatur, MSJA, Tour du Valat, and CZIP.

Around 20 decision-makers, natural resource managers, government planners, and practitioners from six Western Balkan economies visited institutions in the City of Bonn, Germany to exchange knowledge and experiences on the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in climate change adaptation, increasing community resilience, and disaster risk reduction.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection of Turkmenistan and IUCN signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 11 November 2023, agreeing to enhance their cooperation on sustainable management of natural resources, protection of biodiversity and other related issues.

The upcoming IUCN Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North, and Central Asia (RCF) is set to unfold in the city of Bruges, Belgium, a UNESCO World Heritage site, 30 September - 3 October 2024. As the Union prepares for the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2025, this forum is a pivotal moment for the organisation to set directions for the next quadrennial.

The interregional meeting of the IUCN Community for Europe, North, and Central Asia took place 16-18 October in Yerevan, Armenia. It brought together IUCN Members, Commission experts, along with other invited participants for engaging discussions and informal meetings aimed at strengthening conservation efforts and forging partnerships and friendships in and between the two IUCN Statutory Regions.

The selected examples illustrate the application of proven and piloted solutions for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, covering issues like flood prevention and mitigation, erosion control, wildfires prevention and management, wastewater, pollution mitigation and biodiversity loss in various landscapes and ecosystems (coastal, forest, lakes and streams, etc.).

Central Asia is home to some of the last migratory mammal species in the world. Over the course of a three-year initiative, IUCN Save Our Species supported seven projects in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan to protect threatened species affected by a fast-changing landscape.

This introductory report's target audience is professionals from governments, civil society, private sector, and other stakeholders who know multilateral processes and treaties but are not high seas “BBNJ (biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction) experts”. The report is more digestible than the treaty text itself, adding analysis and next important steps.

#WorldWetlandsDay #ActForWetlands

World Wetlands Day themed “Wetlands and human wellbeing”

14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory
Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14) will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan under the slogan "Nature knows no borders"

#WorldWildlifeDay

World Wildlife Day celebrates the world's wild animals and plants and their contribution to our lives and the health of the planet

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