Story | 28 Jun, 2024
Protected and Conserved Area leaders from across Eastern and Southern Africa and the Pacific came together to share progress, lessons learnt and best practices towards achieving local and international conservation goals, under the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) initiative…
Publication | 2024
The state of protected and conserved areas in Eastern and Southern Africa : second edition
This second edition of The state of protected and conserved areas in Eastern and Southern Africa builds on the first edition published in 2020 and provides updates on how the region is managing and governing protected and conserved areas, effectively providing a regional update on the progress…
Story | 27 Jul, 2023
Inspiring places: why are national parks so important to the people of Kenya?
When Kenya’s first post-independence leader, Jomo Kenyatta, gazetted what is now known as Nairobi National Park for the exclusive use by wildlife, he had this to say:
“The natural resources of this country – its wildlife, which offers such an attraction to visitors from all…
Story | 29 Jun, 2023
Vjosa, a National Park in the making
A number of national and international experts and relevant authorities visited the Vjosa River Valley in Albania on a study tour this June, making the first steps towards building an effectively conserved and managed, and equitably governed Vjosa Wild River National Park.
Press release | 15 Mar, 2023
Vjosa, one of our last wild rivers, becomes Europe's first Wild River National Park
Today, the Vjosa River in Albania, one of the last wild rivers of Europe is declared a National Park by the Albanian Government, becoming the first Wild River National Park in Europe. In future, the Vjosa will be conserved as a living, free-flowing river, to the benefit of people and nature.…
Story | 13 Feb, 2023
Commitments to save the Blue Heart of Europe
Freshwater conservation was in the focus at the CBD COP15 Biodiversity Summit in Montreal, when IUCN hosted a side event on “Conserving the Vjosa-Aoos River”, with participation of Mr. Ryan Gellert, CEO Patagonia, H.E. Dr Mirela Kumbaro, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Albania, H.E. Mr.
Story | 13 Feb, 2023
Vision, roadmap and feasibility study presented for pioneering freshwater conservation in Albania
A vision, roadmap and feasibility study for the protection of the Vjosa River and its free-flowing tributaries under the IUCN Category II management classification, have been presented
Story | 09 Mar, 2022
UNEA Resolution - ‘End Plastic Pollution’ - and IUCN role in implementation of the Treaty
The new UNEA Resolution, ‘End Plastic Pollution: Towards a legally binding instrument’, establishes an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee that will develop the specific content of the new plastic pollution treaty with the aim of completing its work by the end…
Blog | 29 Jul, 2021
Protecting people and biodiversity: Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and conservation links
Around the world, GBV creates a barrier to conservation efforts and the sustainable and equitable access and control of natural resources.
Story | 28 Apr, 2021
Protection study of the Vjosa River Valley based on IUCN protected area standards now available
There is a need to protect the Vjosa River Valley along its full length, including its tributaries - confirms the new IUCN WCPA authored study.