News
Identifying Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas on Seamounts
Seamounts are major topographic features on the high seas and form distinctive habitats in areas that would otherwise be dominated by sedimentary plains (Clark et al. 2010). They are typified by biota that is distinct from species in surrounding sedimentary areas and can be extremely vulnerable to disturbance (Clark et al. 2010). They are a focus for conservation within national boundaries but are not specifically managed on the high seas.
A workshop, organised by GOBI and Censeam and supported by Sloan Foundation, took place at the end of 2010 with three primary goals:
-Determine suitable data for identification of EBSAs (Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas) for seamounts
-Develop a process for the identification of priority EBSAs for seamounts
-Identify candidate EBSAs form existing seamount data and knowledge.
This report describes the provisional process for identification of EBSAs and gives an example from the South Pacific Ocean.
…
28 Feb 2012 | Downloads - publication
Political momentum on the value of EU islands and overseas territories
The full report of the conference on Islands and EU Overseas Entities’ Contribution to Biodiversity Conservation and the Fight Against Climate Change is now available. This conference aimed to create political momentum at the EU and international levels for the recognition of islands and overseas entities’ assets and values and highlighted their key role for successful climate change adaptation strategies and biodiversity policies. It took place in December 2011 at the European Parliament. …
27 Feb 2012 | News story
EU experts on IPBES thematic content
Over 80 experts, including those from the IUCN Secretariat and several IUCN Members, recently gathered for a workshop of the European Platform for Biodiversity Research Strategy (EPBRS) to discuss the proposed work programme of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). It was an opportunity to identify numerous ways for IPBES to collaborate with existing mechanisms so that its first activities are timely and effective. The workshop outcome is now available. …
21 Feb 2012 | News story
The future we want - preparing for Rio+20
Preparations are gearing up for the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development that takes place in June, with the release of the so-called ‘zero draft’ of the conference’s outcome document. … | Spanish
31 Jan 2012 | News story
IUCN expertise in UN push for sustainable energy for all
IUCN’s Director General joined United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon during the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi this week to outline his Sustainable Energy for All initiative to the media. …
22 Jan 2012 | News story
New Video: Adapting to climate change in Eastern and Southern Africa
In Africa, millions will suffer from climate change impacts on agriculture, water availability, ecosystem services and biodiversity. It's urgent for countries in the region to take action to reduce vulnerability and enhance local communities' capacity to adapt. …
16 Jan 2012 | Video
IPBES: the Birth Pangs of a New Assessment Process
“Much has been written in academic Journals on what the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) could, should and might do, but in fact remarkably little has yet been finally decided upon [..] While this may seem to many to be an interminable process, it is important to recognise the advances that have been made,” says Jerry Harrison, Head of Development at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. …
12 Jan 2012 | News story
IUCN comments on the way IPBES is being shaped
UNEP, acting as the interim Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), has published all comments received from governments and other stakeholders on the draft elements of the IPBES work programme, the rules of procedure of the plenary and related IPBES procedures. The comments also include contributions from the IUCN network.
…
10 Jan 2012 | News story
Participatory Video in Northern Uganda
Participatory Video (PV) is an innovative way of empowering and sharing communities’ voices on development and environmental challenges and solutions.Training of PV was introduced by the IUCN Water Programme, following the objective to visually document projects and strengthen communication capacities. …
16 Dec 2011 | News story
