Story | 24 Jul, 2017
Places of extraordinary natural value inscribed as World Heritage
UNESCO's 41st session of the World Heritage Committee took place in Kraków, Poland from 2 to 12 July 2017. Four natural wonders that have been inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2017 followed the advice of the IUCN’s advisory body on nature to the World Heritage Committee. Two new…
Story | 12 Jul, 2017
Europe agrees to step up the fight against invasive alien species
Following the opinion of the Committee on Invasive Alien Species (IAS), the European Commission adopted yesterday 12 new species onto the EU’s list of IAS of Union concern. These species, which include the raccoon dog, muskrat and giant hogweed, all pose serious threats to Europe’s biodiversity…
Press release | 05 Jul, 2017
Kraków, Poland, 05 July 2017 (IUCN) – The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has adopted a decision today urging Poland to immediately halt all logging and wood extraction in the old-growth forests of Białowieża. The decision follows the advice of the International Union for Conservation of Nature…
Story | 04 Jul, 2017
The Dutch-Flemish project ‘2B Connect’ is building bridges between businesses and biodiversity
On 26 June 2017, companies, policy makers and NGOs gathered in Leuven, Belgium for an event on businesses and biodiversity in which Interreg presented the midterm achievements and future plans of the ‘2B Connect’ project. IUCN, together with NGOs and companies, showcased the efforts they are…
Story | 03 Jul, 2017
The EU discusses future action on pollinators during European Bee Week
The annual European Bee and Pollination Week is an opportunity for the European community to reflect on one of its smallest but valuable contributors to the ecological health of our planet. During this year’s 6th Edition, MEP Mariya Gabriel hosted the event: “Bees & Biodiversity: new…
Press release | 30 Jun, 2017
Gland, Switzerland, 30 June 2017 (IUCN) – Illegal fishing, logging and poaching are impacting two-thirds of the 57 natural World Heritage sites monitored by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) this year, putting some of the world’s most precious and unique ecosystems and…
Story | 26 Jun, 2017
GROW GREEN: new partnership to demonstrate benefits of nature-based solutions in cities
Innovation will be the focus of GROW GREEN, which stands for "Green Cities for Climate and Water Resilience, Sustainable Economic Growth, Healthy Citizens and Environments." This new five-year demonstration project aims to achieve climate and water resilience in cities. Funded by Horizon 2020,…
Story | 19 Jun, 2017
EU Member States commit to enhanced action for nature
Today, European Member State Ministers responsible for the environment have agreed on the need to enhance actions for nature protection in the European Union. Recognising the negative impacts that unsustainable practices from agriculture, forestry, fisheries and infrastructure have on…
Story | 12 Jun, 2017
Climate change, biodiversity loss, air pollution, unsustainable land use practices, droughts and mental and physical health problems are just some of the many challenges that Europe faces today and which could be solved through investing in nature. Real-life examples of how nature can provide…
Story | 07 Jun, 2017
Plants are the cornerstone of life, providing oxygen, shelter, food and medicine for humans and animals alike. In this interview with Dr Malin Rivers, a tree expert and Red List Manager based at Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), she talks about her work and involvement in…