Story | 08 Jun, 2017
Mexican World Heritage site is in danger as vaquita faces extinction, according to IUCN
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommends in-danger status for Mexico’s World Heritage-listed Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, after a mission confirmed the vaquita – the smallest and most endangered species of porpoise – is at risk of imminent…
Story | 02 Jun, 2017
IUCN says Ivorian park should come off World Heritage ‘danger list’ as chimps make comeback
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recommends withdrawing in-danger status from Comoé National Park in Côte d’Ivoire after seeing chimps and elephants return to the park. IUCN also recommends the Landscapes of Dauria in Russia and Mongolia to become a new World Heritage…
Story | 30 May, 2017
Tanguar Haor: A wetland in the hands of the people
After almost a century of exclusive ownership by wealthy elites, Tanguar Haor is finally back in the hands of the people who rely on it. A 10-year initiative of the government of Bangladesh, supported by IUCN and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, has recently drawn to a close.…
Story | 25 May, 2017
Paper showing damage to natural World Heritage wins international award
A study revealing the extent of damaging activities and forest loss in Natural World Heritage Sites, led by the University of Queensland with a team of international experts, has won one of the most prestigious international publishing awards.
Story | 19 May, 2017
IUCN recommends listing key habitats for species conservation as World Heritage
The advisory body on natural World Heritage, IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature, recommends World Heritage status for three sites nominated for their outstanding natural value. IUCN also recommends danger-listing for the Cerrado Protected Areas in Brazil, and action to tackle…
Blog | 03 May, 2017
Blog: Environment, Gender and Bangladesh
IUCN’s Environment and Gender Information (EGI) platform provides evidence and knowledge to guide action toward women’s empowerment and gender equality in environmental spheres. Based on recent EGI dataset (2015−2017), this article analyses gender mainstreaming in the environmental sector of…
Story | 28 Apr, 2017
The Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia (PNNC) hosted this year’s annual WCPA Steering Committee meeting in Cartagena, Colombia. The meeting was the first since Kathy MacKinnon was elected Chair and focused on the Commission’s achievements and challenges, the 2017-2020 Joint Work Programme…
Story | 28 Apr, 2017
In one of the most dangerous regions on the planet, two heroes inspire their communities
Beyond conservation science, World Heritage is driven by human motivations such as pride, and passion. Bantu Lukambo and Josué Kambasu Mukura were recognised at the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress as Heritage Heroes for their outstanding contribution to the conservation of Virunga National…
Story | 26 Apr, 2017
Planting roots for a sustainable and equitable future
In Malawi, when asked what trees should be planted as a part of forest landscape restoration (FLR) projects, local stakeholders—predominantly male—suggested trees that provide timber, charcoal, and furniture-making materials commonly used only to provide sources of income. However, in these…
Story | 07 Apr, 2017
COMPACT workshop: engaging local communities in world heritage stewardship
A three-day training workshop on “Engaging indigenous peoples and local communities in participatory management of protected areas and benefit sharing” took place from 28 February to 2 March 2017 at the Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, Phetchaburi Province, Thailand. The…