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| PREFACE |
In early 2006 I met local communities whose livelihoods had been improved and I saw bird populations that had flourished through ecosystem restoration in the Senegal Delta. It provided a graphic demonstration of how good ecosystem management can improve both human and environmental wellbeing.
During that same trip, I met with the President of Mauritania. He asked the World Conservation Union to use its convening power and scientific credibility to help assist with a complex and controversial issue of off-shore oil and gas extraction and its potential impacts on the environment and local livelihoods.
In only a few days, I experienced a cross-section of the issues that IUCN’s Programme engages in – from local community management of resources, to river basin management, to national and international energy and development policies.
You will find many examples in this progress report of how the Programme links IUCN’s core work on biodiversity with social and economic processes that impact on the natural environment. IUCN does this by adding value to its members and partners, by linking practice and policy, by sharing knowledge and by building capacity of key actors on sustainable development.
The Programme Report 2006 encourages us to reflect on the progress we have made with the IUCN Programme 2005–2008. It also reminds us to use the lessons learned so far to plan the next programme. We have made tremendous progress towards fully realizing our ability to catalyse global change. But determining which issues we should focus on remains a challenge, because of the complexity and number of environmental problems we face today.
Our response to the rapid increase in interest in climate change provides a good example of how IUCN adapts to address issues of societal importance. Global warming is having a direct impact on biodiversity and also works in concert with other direct drivers such as land use change and invasive species to disrupt ecosystem functioning. But where should IUCN put its effort? Promoting mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions? Assisting to develop marketbased mechanisms for carbon trading? Working with scientists and businesses to develop and share technology? Or, reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation of ecosystems? Striking a balance between these issues and being able to make a difference is a key challenge.
At this half way point in the Programme for 2005–2008, I have marked three areas for investment if we are to realize our goals. Sound conservation and development decisions depend on reliable, useable, accurate and timely biodiversity information and knowledge. We have made substantial progress with the Species Information Service, Conservation Commons and other tools, but more resources are needed to enable IUCN members, Commissions, partners and the Secretariat to mainstream biodiversity knowledge and make it more accessible to a wide range of actors.
IUCN’s investments in new areas of work and new ways of doing business are helping integrate the work of members, Commissions and the Secretariat on issues such as poverty reduction through conservation and energy, ecosystems and livelihoods, and in engaging business as a positive force for biodiversity conservation. However, to bring these efforts to a scale that makes a global impact requires greater investment.
Finally, to deliver the Programme and to better demonstrate accountability and clear outcomes demand improved information technology systems so that we can take advantage of recent developments and improve our efficiency.
William Jackson
Director of Global Programme
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