Story | 02 Feb, 2017
On the occasion of World Wetlands Day on February 2, IUCN is announcing the launch of a regional project to enhance the resilience of wetlands in Lower Mekong countries. Funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation,…
Story | 26 Dec, 2016
Representatives of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam recently met in Bangkok to discuss the objectives and work plan of the newly established Indo-Burma Ramsar Regional Initiative (IBRRI). IBRRI was approved by the 52nd meeting of the Ramsar Convention Standing Committee (SC 52)…
Story | 28 Nov, 2016
Over 200 species found during Deep-Sea surveys of submarine canyons in Lebanon
After a one month deep sea expedition in unexplored areas of the Mediterranean, scientists have found over 200 species, including new records that have only been previously reported in the Atlantic Ocean and in polar regions.
Story | 30 May, 2016
IUCN recommends five World Heritage listings
IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, recommends World Heritage status for five sites nominated for their outstanding natural values. The advisory body on natural World Heritage, IUCN also recommends action against major threats in listed natural sites and danger-listing for two…
Story | 04 Mar, 2016
Getting SMART about tackling wildlife crime on the frontline.
With illegal wildlife trade being a core issue of the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016, the role and value of SMART conservation software is pertinent. Marking World Wildlife Day March 3 2016, we travel to the Okapi Faunal Reserve in Democratic Republic of Congo to learn more about…
Story | 15 Nov, 2015
Report calls on aluminium industry to respect indigenous peoples' rights
Geneva, Switzerland, 16 November 2015 – While global demand for the world’s most popular metal – aluminium – continues to rise, it is critical that the aluminium industry address its environmental and social impacts, particularly in indigenous peoples’ territories, according to new report…
Story | 07 Jul, 2015
Kishore Rao’s 40-year journey through protected areas and World Heritage
As the 39th World Heritage Committee concludes, Kishore Rao steps down for retirement after having headed UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre for over four years. With a background in nature conservation, he has worked on the World Heritage Convention from the perspectives of its secretariat, its…
Story | 08 Jun, 2015
To have healthy oceans we need healthy marine wildlife
According to the United Nations, World Oceans Day is about a healthy planet being based on healthy oceans – so true and in so many ways! The ecological pressures on Earth’s oceans are as diverse and daunting as the storms that can roll across its blue horizons. But there is hope rolling in the…
Story | 16 Apr, 2015
Surveys funded by SOS lead to an increase of the known population of Yuanbaoshan firs
The known population size of the Critically Endangered Yuanbaoshan fir (Abies yuanbaoshanensis) more than doubled following extensive surveys in Yuanbaoshan National Nature Reserve (NNR), China in 2014. IUCN Member, Fauna & Flora International’s Xiaoya Li explains what this discovery means…
Story | 15 Jan, 2015
Mount Huangshan: first World Heritage site on the IUCN Green List
China’s Mount Huangshan was the first World Heritage site to achieve the IUCN Green List of Protected Areas Standard, based on conservation excellence recognised in the IUCN World Heritage Outlook.