Story | 07 Jan, 2016
The List of World Heritage in Danger is not a disgrace, but an opportunity
A key success of 2015 was the removal of Colombia’s Los Katíos National Park from the List of World Heritage in Danger. It was danger-listed in 2009 at the request of the government, after suffering extensive damage from illegal activities. The park authority has now regained control of the site…
Story | 05 Jan, 2016
Why the new policy on sustainable development for World Heritage is a crucial step forward
Towards the end of 2015, the States Parties to the World Heritage Convention adopted a policy on sustainable development. This is a major step in ensuring that World Heritage sites contribute to socioeconomic well-being in a sustainable manner with long-term positive effects, both for the…
Story | 18 Dec, 2015
European IUCN members define future priorities for joint action towards 2020
The IUCN Regional Conservation Forum 2015, which concluded this week in Helsinki, and was attended by IUCN members and experts from across Europe, North and Central Asia has identified key opportunities for the Union to strengthen its impact on halting biodiversity loss and enhancing nature…
Press release | 11 Dec, 2015
Paris climate deal increases hopes for a sustainable future
Paris, France, 12 December 2015 (IUCN) – IUCN welcomes the new climate agreement adopted today by the world’s governments at the UN climate summit in Paris (COP 21), and its recognition of nature’s critical role in tackling climate change.
Press release | 05 Dec, 2015
Government and business representatives from Burundi, Honduras, India, Mexican States, KPK province of Pakistan and Asia Pulp and Paper have announced new pledges today to restore up to 18 million hectares of degraded forests, as part of the UN climate change conference (COP 21) taking place in…
Press release | 27 Nov, 2015
Climate agreement must recognise nature’s solutions – IUCN
Ahead of the UN climate conference, IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature – is calling for an agreement that recognises the role of nature in reducing carbon emissions and helping nations adapt to a changing climate.
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 | 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 | 11 Nov, 2015
IUCN and UNESCO welcome no-go pledge for World Heritage sites by Tullow Oil
IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, the official advisory body on natural World Heritage, and UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre have welcomed a new commitment by British company Tullow Oil plc to stay out of World Heritage sites. The firm had received a licence to explore for…