IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Thinking on protected areas is undergoing a fundamental shift. Whereas protected areas were once planned against people, now it is recognised that they need to be planned with local people, and often for and by them as well. Where once the emphasis was on setting places aside, we now look to develop linkages between strictly protected core areas and the areas around: economic links which benefit local people, and physical links, via ecological corridors, to provide more space for species and natural processes.

The use of the protected landscape approach has many benefits. By including working landscapes that are rich in biodiversity, and demonstrate sustainable use of natural resources, the protected areas' estate can be extended. Protected landscapes can also reinforce more strictly protected areas by surrounding them and linking them with landscapes managed for conservation and sustainable use. They can help to conserve both wild biodiversity and agricultural biodiversity, and to conserve human history alongside nature. They can support and reward stewardship of natural resources, sustain rural economies, and help communities resist pressures from outside which could undermine their way of life.

Terms of Reference for the Task Force

Following the 1996 Montreal Resolution, which required IUCN to develop the protected landscape concept, and gain support for the wider use of Category V, the task force will develop a global programme for protected landscapes for WCPA.

The global programme will promote and demonstrate the use and value of Category V (Protected Landscapes) as a functional and practical mechanism for the protection of biodiversity, cultural diversity and the sustainable use of natural resources.

The Task Force will undertake a three year programme to develop products for delivery to the World Parks Congress in 2002. The programme will identify key partners, evaluate and research existing protected landscape areas, organise and develop case study material, help to develop training and build professional skills and work closely with specific regional protected landscape projects. The pilot programme in the Andean Region is to be a priority. The Task Force will stand down after the Vth. World Parks Congress unless it is decided that there is a further programme of work to undertake.

More specifically, the role of the Task Force will include:

• promoting the value, importance and understanding of the protected landscape concept as a management approach to a range of protected areas categories and the wider rural area;
• assisting and advising countries and agencies in developing appropriate protected landscape enabling legislation, organisational, financial and administrative structures;
• building partnerships with ICOMOS, the World Heritage Centre and other bodies to increase collaboration between protected landscape and cultural landscape interests;
• helping to empower local communities to be active participants in the identification and management of protected landscapes and demonstrate how the results can benefit the community;
• acting as a clearing house on stewardship principles and practice; and
• seeking appropriate funding to achieve the above goals with a view to presenting a report to WCPA members at the Vth World Parks Congress.