IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

The Global Coasts Initiative was launched in 2012 to build on IUCN's existing work on coastal themes across its regions by strengthening exchange of information and encouraging the joint development of new projects.

Synergies between regions have been identified on topics dealing with ecosystem management, such as the development of nature-based solutions to climate change and food security. A particularly strong opportunity for cross-region cooperation is that offered by projects dealing with tropical ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves and seagrasses.

Joining forces to promote sound policy and governance in favour of resource-dependent communities was recognised as another priority.

Future emphasis will be put on delivering results on the ground thereby enabling IUCN to use its local-level field experience to underscore its advocacy and influence in the policy and decision-making arena. Key to achieving this is to build on, and further strengthen, the strong IUCN tradition of producing sound knowledge products.