Story | 14 Dec, 2016
Update on global statistics from Protected Planet Report 2016
The latest update to the Protected Planet Report 2016 shows that there are now just under 15,000 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) spread across 18.5 million square kilometres of ocean and sea. Up to 13% of territorial waters are now protected, and dramatic progress has been made towards achieving…
Story | 07 Nov, 2016
World Commission on Protected Areas - Marine: making a big splash for the future of our ocean
The 2014 World Parks Congress in Sydney saw a significant scaling-up of recognition of ocean issues by IUCN, WCPA-Marine and partners. Since then, much has taken place behind the scenes to expand WCPA-Marine action areas,whilst strengthening existing programmes, membership services and…
Press release | 08 Jul, 2016
Whale sharks, winghead sharks and Bornean orangutans slide towards extinction
New IUCN Red List assessments reveal that growing human pressures on whale sharks, winghead sharks and Bornean orangutans are putting these species at an increasing risk of extinction. Whale sharks and winghead sharks are now listed as Endangered and Bornean orangutans as Critically Endangered…
Story | 01 Feb, 2016
World Wetlands Day: Wetlands & Sustainable Livelihoods
Each year, 2 February marks World Wetlands Day, to celebrate our planet’s wetlands but also to draw attention to the challenges that their degradation brings.
Story | 05 Dec, 2015
Building the next level for coastal blue carbon action
Today, Australian Minister for the Environment Greg Hunt announced the establishment of an International Partnership for Blue Carbon. The partnership creates a collaborative network of governments, non-profit organisations, intergovernmental agencies, and scientists to scale up and amplify…
Story | 22 Nov, 2015
Valuing natural capital key to tackling climate change – says IUCN
Edinburgh, UK, 23 November 2015 -- IUCN Director General Inger Andersen highlighted the vital role of natural capital in addressing climate change in a…
Press release | 19 Nov, 2015
A global re-assessment of polar bears highlights loss of sea ice habitat due to climate warming as the single most important threat to the long-term survival of the species, according to the latest update of The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ released today by IUCN, International Union for…
Story | 18 Oct, 2015
Scientific panel to advise industry on how to lessen its impact on rare whales
IUCN has recently appointed a team of distinguished scientists, who will examine the impacts of oil and gas development on rare whales found off the coast of Russia’s Sakhalin Island, just north of Japan.
Story | 07 Oct, 2015
A sea change: new global commitments to oceans and sustainability
As the UN, governments, NGOs and civil society organisations met at the Sustainable Development Goals Summit in New York last month, the world seems to be waking up to recognise the critical roles that a healthy environment, and healthy oceans can play in addressing current challenges, including…
Story | 23 Sep, 2015
Sustainable Development Goals recognise role of business
The United Nations' new development agenda presents a historic opportunity for the private sector to actively participate in addressing the world’s global challenges, and building a more inclusive and sustainable society.