The new Global Biodiversity Framework is now, finally, in place. The hard work continues. We must shift our focus to implementation. That means engaging from the grassroots up to the governance structures that enable fair and effective area-based conservation.

Esri’s David Gadsden investigates how science and technology are actualizing the most vital priorities of planetary conservation. In this podcast, IUCN's James Hardcastle discusses the significance of the global initiative to protect 30% of the Earth by 2030, otherwise known as 30X30. 

The crescent shaped island of Bonaire has been a pioneer in coral restoration, as its economy is mainly dependant on coral reef tourism. In 1979 it was one of the first places to establish a marine protected area (MPA), and The Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) is one of the oldest marine reserves in the world.

Since 2019, Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB), under its mission of helping to protect, replenish and restore the biodiverse coral of the island, has developed larval propagation to produce millions of genetically unique coral offspring.

BIOPAMA hosted a side event at the CBD COP 15 to raise awareness about existing operational structures that can act as “regional cooperation support centres” in support of the implementation of the new targets adopted in the post 2020 Framework. Testimonials and support from CBD Parties (Ethiopia, Samoa, Guinee, Belize), intergovernmental regional organisations (COMIFAC, SPREP and the EU) and the CBD Secretariat demonstrated the value of the five regional observatories in supporting CBD Parties achieve their commitments.

Youths play important leadership roles in ocean conservation and the protection of marine areas. From the IUCN Congress in Marseille to the more recent United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal, young professionals are mobilising and taking action to protect the world's oceans. From the Pacific, six individuals have been selected to participate in IMPAC5 through financial support from the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) Programme, the IMPAC1 Organising Committee, IUCN Oceania and Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

We kicked off January of 2023 with over 100 000 enrolments on mooc-conservation.org since the launch of our first MOOC in 2015. For this new session, courses are open from 23 January to 18 June 2023. Anyone can enrol, join our community of learners and follow the courses at their own pace.

To enrol, simply go to mooc-conservation.org.

Papers in the current issue:

- Trends in Protected and Conserved Areas: Reflections from Regional Parks Congresses

- Anti-personnel mines affect tree diversity in the Selva de Florencia National Natural Park, Colombia

- Alternative approaches to integrated conservation and development: Equitable governance at Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda

- Developing an outcomes-based approach to achieving Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework

- Management effectiveness and deforestation in protected areas of the Brazilian Amazon

- Exploring community satisfaction in park management: Insights from protected areas in Myanmar

- Local Cooperatives´ Contribution to Realising a Green Economy in Nature Parks in Luxembourg

- Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Orans as a community conservation strategy under the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework

Rising rice, thriving cranes!

In Cheorwon, in the far north of South Korea, close to the demilitarised zone (DMZ), lies the remarkable ‘Rice Paddy for Cranes’ community conserved area. This patchwork of wetland and paddy fields sits within a mosaic of both production and wild landscapes. This area hosts and feeds critical habitat for populations of white-naped and red-crowned cranes, migratory species that are both on the IUCN Red List, vulnerable respectively.

Through evidence-based dialogue between local communities and policy-makers and application of the IUCN Green List standard benchmarked to Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs), IUCN with funding from GIZ is promoting the 30x30 target in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Montreal, Canada, 12 December 2022 (IUCN) – The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has admitted 16 new sites in China, France, Mexico, Peru and Zambia to the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, the global standard recognising well governed and effectively managed sites on the planet. Two existing Green List sites in China saw their status renewed.

The evaluation by 'Expert Assessment Groups', or EAGLs, in each country followed the IUCN assurance procedure, including an audit of the decision-making process. In addition, for these sites, an independent 'due-diligence' technical audit was conducted for each of the successful evaluations, to ensure the EAGL decision is in each case fully backed-up by good evidence and technical robustness in each case.  

The certificates were granted at a special CBD celebratory event to ensure good visibility and recognition for each of these sites' efforts and conservation successes. But the certificates come with conditions! 

Firstly, each protected and conserved area must continually maintain and demonstrate high standards.

Secondly, a global Green List Panel validation will be conducted in mid-2023, once the IUCN Green List governance review recommendations come into effect and a new Panel is established for such a purpose. 

In this way, an IUCN Green List certificate provides an independent verification that good, fair and effective conservation is taking place, right now, through the efforts of men and women in and around these stand-out protected and conserved areas.

The IUCN Green List now counts 77 sites in 18 countries around the world.

La Unión Internacional de la Conservación de la Naturaleza y el proveedor global de servicios tecnológicos aúnan conocimientos en conservación y avances tecnológicos para reducir el impacto del turismo en áreas protegidas de España.

El primer espacio elegido para aplicar esta iniciativa será el Parque Natural de Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac, gestionado por la Diputación de Barcelona, donde se utilizará tecnología para equilibrar la afluencia de visitas al parque con el cuidado de las poblaciones de águila perdicera.

IUCN Asia Regional Office and UK OCPP (Ocean Country Partnership Programme) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology (Govt. of Maldives) organized a joint workshop, in Malé on 25 January 2023, on MPA Management and IUCN Green List Feasibility Assessment Validation.

Governance is a critical factor in protected and conserved area effectiveness, equity and sustainability. But what does governance look like in practice, and how and why does it matter? This collection includes 20 Solutions from the PANORAMA platform that can help shed light on that question. These Solutions highlight diverse approaches to recognising, supporting and improving the site- and systems level governance of geographically, socially and ecologically diverse protected and conserved areas.

What should sustainable tourism in Protected and Conserved Areas look like in a Post-COVID world? Discover existing good practices and solutions from Africa, Asia and Latin America. This publication takes the reader on a trip to amazing destinations, where local actors have implemented truly inspiring solutions that can demonstrate the development of resilient forms of tourism.

This Solutions in Focus publication aims to enhance Green Recovery from the COVID-19 crisis by providing a ‘Solutions Portfolio’ of case studies and guidance on positive lessons and approaches to wildlife and human health and provides a platform for dialogue, capacity development and exchange for practitioners, legislators and decision-makers at local, national and global levels.

Click below to discover the latest resources from the ‘Sustainable Tourism and Protected Areas in a Post-COVID World’ project!

Including:

- Solutions in Focus: Sustainable Tourism in Protected and Conserved Areas

- White paper on Sustainable Tourism in Protected and Conserved Areas: COVID-19 Impacts and Recovery

- Opportunities, Challenges and Recommendations on Virtual Tourism in Protected and Conserved Ares

- Policy brief on Tourism and Disease Risk Management in Protected and Conserved Areas

- One Health principles for sustainable tourism in protected and conserved areas

The Communications Officer is expected to contribute to and implement a wide range of communications strategies and activities, according to the needs of each project, and in line with the Protected and Conserved Areas (PCA) Team and the Centre for Conservation Action communications strategy.

The deliverables of the communications officer contribute to the successful PCA Team and Centre communications. The Communications Officer is expected to work independently on a variety of activities, with minimum supervision, to translate communications strategies into concrete actions and deliverables, and drive their implementation.

This year, the 10 February 2023 marks the second annual Arabian Leopard Day, a day designed to raise awareness of the plight of the Arabian Leopard, and the work underway to protect this critically endangered species.

Joining The Royal Commission of Al-Ula (RCU) in Saudi Arabia in marking of this day and working together to raise awareness of the leopard's plight and move towards a healthier future for this critically endangered species.

Make sure to keep a close eye on RCU’s Twitter and LinkedIn pages this week to learn about exciting activities happening!

#ArabianLeopardDay

Save The Waves Coalition has opened the process for selecting the next World Surfing Reserve. Over the next several months, surf communities from around the world will prepare their official applications with the hope to be officially recognized as a WSR and, through this designation, protect and celebrate their surf ecosystem.

The open application window is from January 25th to May 25th.

Hosted by IUCN and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, in collaboration with the International Ranger Federation, Re:wild, Conservation Allies, Universal Ranger Support Alliance, and WWF Tigers Alive Initiative, these awards are intended to improve rangers’ capabilities, raise awareness about the critical role they play in conservation efforts, and help share rangers’ unique stories and perspectives.

Last year we recognized 12 exceptional rangers and ranger teams, selected from 97 nominations across 35 countries.

In the third year, a total of $120,000 of award funds will be allocated to recognize the incredible work of 9 rangers or ranger teams who have dedicated their lives to protecting the planet, rehabilitating wildlife, and conserving wildlands.

The request for nominations will be open from 15th February! Watch this space!

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.

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