Story | 10 Aug, 2020
An ocean hero dedicated to vaquita conservation succumbs to COVID-19
IUCN is deeply saddened by the loss of Mexican conservationist Paco Valverde, who dedicated his life to protect the vaquita – the world’s smallest porpoise and most threatened marine mammal. Paco was regarded as an ocean hero who inspired his community to care for the marine environment on which…
Story | 06 Aug, 2020
Around the world, the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed and deepened existing patterns of social inequality and vulnerability. In particular, indigenous peoples face disproportionate and severe impacts, reflecting long-standing disparities in health services, economic access and…
Story | 06 Aug, 2020
Mozambique: Maximise planting of mangroves, urges Deputy Minister
Over the next two years the Mozambican government intends to maximise the planting of mangrove trees. Under its "Mangrove Management Strategy" adopted in April and launched on 26th July 2020 the government intends to bring environmental, social and economic benefits to the population.
Story | 05 Aug, 2020
The IUCN SSC/WCPA Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force (“the Task Force”) today announces the approval of thirteen new Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) in the Extended Southern Ocean Region.
Story | 04 Aug, 2020
Guidelines target plastic pollution hotspots
From promoting innovative eco-design to banning the use of single-use plastic straws, efforts to curb plastic pollution are as ubiquitous as plastic itself. However, the problem is not going away. It is time to adopt a new strategy.
Press release | 23 Jul, 2020
IUCN Standard to boost impact of nature-based solutions to global challenges
Gland, Switzerland, 23 July 2020 (IUCN) – IUCN today unveiled a Global Standard providing the first-ever set of benchmarks for nature-based solutions to global challenges. The new IUCN Global Standard will help governments, business and civil society ensure the effectiveness of…
Story | 17 Jul, 2020
Blue carbon and more: mangroves as superheroes
Mangrove forests and swamps are nature's superheroes, a vital ecosystem for climate mitigation, adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and many other benefits for humans and animals alike. On this International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem 2020, we present an interactive…
Story | 15 Jul, 2020
Plastic Waste-Free Islands recommencing its work in the Caribbean
In light of the fast-moving and unpredictable situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and regarding the health of staff, consultants and contractors, IUCN has been taken measures to continue with the project’s work remotely, and together with partners, looks forward to keep working, innovating and…
Story | 15 Jul, 2020
IUCN’s Marine Plastics and Coastal Communities (MARPLASTICCs) initiative rolled out a series of national workshops in Thailand, Viet Nam, South Africa, Kenya, and Mozambique from December 2019 to March 2020. The workshops kicked-off the pilot testing of IUCN-UNEP National Guidance for Plastic…
Story | 06 Jul, 2020
Deep-sea mining effects may be felt from top to bottom, surface to seabed
Seabed mining effects will probably not be confined to the sea floor, argues a Proceedings of the National Academy (PNAS) journal article from the University of Hawaii, co-authored by IUCN's High Seas Adviser, Kristina Gjerde. The effects will be…