Story | 28 Feb, 2018
In a changing climate European forests are of great value for society and the economy
On 27 February, EUSTAFOR (the European State Forest Association) hosted a seminar on forestry values, bringing together experts, policy makers and representatives of the forest sector for an exchange on how to strengthen innovation and attract investments in forests, while optimising the…
Story | 27 Feb, 2018
Nature’s rewards reach the women of Chitral
Until its merger with Pakistan in 1969, the forests of Chitral were owned by the state of Chitral. Local communities were only permitted to use the forests to graze animals and collect firewood…
Story | 21 Feb, 2018
Focus on reducing consumption of plastic, not just recycling, IUCN argues at EU debate
IUCN took part in a debate on 20 February on plastics and their role within a circular economy. Participants agreed that the EU Plastics Strategy is a step in the right direction as regards tackling the problems associated with plastic but for IUCN there needs to be…
Story | 19 Feb, 2018
Indonesia’s last frontier: indigenous peoples’ rights key to forest preservation
The forests of Papua in Indonesia have been referred to as a last frontier, and those that live in and around them are instrumental in their future. Clarifying and codifying rights to tenure and management may be the key to keeping these forests…
Story | 09 Feb, 2018
Amplifying women’s voices through radio in Malawi
Radio is generations old, but when combined with some ingenuity and a few modern technologies, it can accomplish great things. As farmers, foresters and providers, women have a unique understanding of the ecosystems they live alongside. A…
Story | 06 Feb, 2018
At the highest levels of international organisations and governments, policies and guidelines often support engagement with local stakeholders, and include their representation. These ideas are enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Target 16 which ensures responsive,…
Story | 05 Feb, 2018
60 year-old Sau Dung is a fisherman who lives by the Hau River, a tributary of the Mekong in Viet Nam’s Hau Giang Province. His family relies on his catch, and with his skill and hard work, he can earn VND 6 million (US$ 265) every month. But there are not many…
Story | 02 Feb, 2018
World Wetlands Day 2018: Focus on Urban Wetlands
For the seventh year in a row, the WEF Global Risk Report placed Water Crises in its Top 5 Global Risks. Such repeated warnings have led business and policy makers to seek solutions and innovation to avert water crises. Yet solutions often lie in the water ecosystems themselves. Today’s ‘World…
Story | 25 Jan, 2018
In the spirit of nature, everything is connected
To bring the natural system into balance, a new economy that is sustainable and respects the limits of natural resources and the functions of ecosystems is fundamental. This requires a shift in how we value, use and dispose of resources, creating a circular system, as in nature.
Story | 25 Jan, 2018
How do we know when forest landscape restoration has been achieved?
A principal rationale for restoring a landscape is to return ecosystem services in a way that makes the ecosystem functional and productive while providing for the needs of those who depend on the landscape. There may be some common indicators from restoration efforts that apply to a broad range…