DONATION OF SATELLITE IMAGERY TO HELP TSUNAMI-HIT PROTECTED AREAS
February 28, 2005
The restoration of protected areas devastated by the tsunami is to receive a significant boost with the major donation of satellite imagery to the conservation community by DigitalGlobe, a commercial satellite operation. The donation, made through IUCN member Global Land Cover Facility at the University of Maryland, USA , is for the use of IUCN members and partners worldwide on tsunami related work. The collection includes over 100 scenes of parks and protected areas in the region. The imagery donated by DigitalGlobe covers some of the most biologically diverse protected areas in the Indian Ocean region and will aid IUCN and its members to assess the environmental impacts of the tsunami and implement and support rehabilitation plans.
Full news release // IUCN Tsunami Response // DigitalGlobe // Global Land Cover Facility

IUCN REDUCES IMPACT ON GLOBAL CLIMATE
February 25, 2005
IUCN is striving to offset all emissions from travel by its headquarters and selected regional offices over 2004 through investments in community-based projects from the organization’s own portfolio. “We firmly believe that the conservation movement should not only call for emission reductions but also lead the way. IUCN is taking a giant step forward by taking responsibility for its emissions like many corporations are starting to do,” says Mr. Brett Orlando, IUCN’s Climate Change Advisor. The 430 tonnes of CO2 emitted in 2004 is equal to 100 passenger cars driven in one year, the electricity consumed by 60 households a year, 140 tonnes of waste landfilled, or 1000 barrels of oil burned.
Full story // IUCN Climate Change Initiative // IUCN’s work on climate change and forests // Climate, Forests and People Information Desk

THE UNION GETS STRONGER AS 21 ORGANIZATIONS JOIN
February 25, 2005
IUCN Council admitted 21 new organizations to the Union at the 63rd sitting of Council on 16 February. By connecting to like-minded organizations worldwide, the new members hope to, among other things, foster sound management of natural resources and protect the global environment. The ever-growing number of members not only increases IUCN’s influence in the conservation and development issues of our time, it also demonstrates that the Union’s role in stimulating interaction and joint action is as much needed now as it was over 50 years ago. The new admissions bring the total number of Government and NGO members to 1,084.
List of New Members // IUCN Membership Relations and Governance - Corporate Strategies Group

IUCN AND UNEP RENEW COLLABORATION FOR ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
February 24, 2005
At a time when the environmental movement faces greater demands and increasing challenges, IUCN – The World Conservation Union and the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) renew their partnership agreement. “It is urgent that we work closely together in helping to re-position the conservation and environment agendas as a key response to addressing the Millennium Development Goals and the poverty eradication agenda. By strengthening our collaboration we believe that we can help our respective communities and constituencies to make a difference,” said Achim Steiner, Director General of IUCN.
Press release // United Nations Environment Programme

DES BATEAUX POUR RENFORCER LA SURVEILLANCE MARITIME EN GUINEE BISSAU
February 23, 2005
La Fondation internationale du Banc d’Arguin a fait don aux autorités bissau-guinéennes de deux bateaux destinés à la surveillance maritime. Au cours de la cérémonie de réception, le Premier Ministre bissau-guinéen, M. Carlos Gomez Junior, a souligné l’importance de la surveillance des eaux territoriales de son pays, gage d’une pêche responsable et du suivi de l’évolution des stocks ainsi que de la conservation de la biodiversité. La Guinée Bissau, a-t-il indiqué, est devenu le pôle d’attraction des pêcheurs de la sous-région en raison de la richesse de ses eaux en poissons, ce qui accroît les risques de surexploitation des ressources halieutiques, d'autant plus que le dispositif de surveillance des aires marines protégées et des zones de réserve de pêche souffrent d’un manque criant de matériel.
Article complet // Bureau régional de l'UICN pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest

BOLETÍN DE ESPECIES AMENAZADAS DE UICN: NUEVA IMAGEN, INFORMACIÓN DE CALIDAD!
February 23, 2005
En el boletín electrónico de Especies Amenazadas de UICN América del Sur usted podrá encontrar información sobre la Evaluación Mundial de las Especies, la situación de los Tiburones de Galápagos, un análisis sobre el estado actual del Mono Araña de Cabeza Café, noticias y eventos. Desde la publicación de la Lista Roja de 2003, se han añadido más de 15,633 nuevos registros y se han reevaluado 3,579 especies. En la actualidad, existen 7,266 especies de animales amenazadas y 8,323 especies de plantas y líquenes amenazadas. Ya son 784 las especies de plantas y animales que figuran como Extintas, y otras 60 solamente se encuentran en cultivo o en cautiverio.
Noticia completa // Boletín Especies Amenazadas // Oficina Regional de la UICN para América del Sur

TSUNAMI DAMAGE TO SEYCHELLES CORAL REEFS REPORTED
February 22, 2005
IUCN surveys of the Seychelles’ coral reefs reveal substantial damage, approaching 100 per cent, to most Northern and Eastern Islands’ mainly carbonate coral reefs, whereas Southern and Western parts of the islands suffered less damage, generally below ten per cent, owing to their sheltered location and granitic substrate. “Many of the damaged coral reefs were still in a recovery stage after the massive coral bleaching from El Niño in 1998 and suffering from the detrimental impacts of climate change. The Tsunami added to that stress, underlining the need for urgent action to conserve the Seychelles’ coral reefs,” says Carl Gustaf Lundin, Head of the IUCN Global Marine Programme.
Full story // Draft Report - Assessment of Tsunami Impacts on the Marine Environment of the Seychelles // UNEP - After the Tsunami: Rapid Environmental Assessment Report // IUCN Global Marine Programme // CORDIO Website

FAREWELL AND THANKS TO PROFESSOR JOHN SMYTH
February 22, 2005
IUCN regrets that Professor John Smyth of Scotland passed away on 14 February at the age of 80. As a valued member of the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication Steering Committee until 1996 and an active volunteer in the European CEC network, he always advocated learning to bring about a sustainable world. His work in Scotland, where he developed a multi-stakeholder participatory approach and education strategy for Scotland, served as a model for the world. He was also founder and past President of the Scottish Environmental Education Association (SEE) and represented the IUCN Member Scottish Heritage at many IUCN General Assemblies. He will be missed.
IUCN Commission on Education and Communication

SHARING OF INFORMATION GETS PUSH FROM CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
February 21, 2005
The free sharing of information and technologies to conserve biodiversity received another push last week at the meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Montreal. “The conservation community needs to share data, information and technology more freely if it is to effectively conserve biodiversity. The recognition of SBSTTA of the Conservation Commons as a key step to achieve that goal is good news”, said Mr. Tom Hammond, Senior Programme Advisor of IUCN – The World Conservation Union. The Conservation Commons is an international cooperative effort amongst like-minded conservation groups that seeks to promote open access and fair use of data, information, knowledge, and expertise on the conservation of biodiversity.
Full story

CONSERVER LES RESSOURCES NATURELLES DE L’AÏR TENERE
AVEC LES COMMUNAUTES LOCALES
February 18 , 2005
Depuis la fin de la rébellion et du Programme d’appui à la gestion des ressources naturelles de l’Aïr et du Ténéré (PAGRNAT) qui a fermé en 2001, la Réserve naturelle nationale de l’Aïr Ténéré (RNNAT), au Niger semble livrée à elle-même. L’une des plus vastes aires protégées d’Afrique - restée sans conservateur depuis 2003 - est victime d’un braconnage continu combiné à la pression accrue qu’exercent les populations de la ville voisine d’Arly sur ces ressources, en particulier avec les coupes abusives de bois de chauffage. Les ressources de la réserve deviennent rares et l’accès à celles qui sont encore disponibles occasionne des conflits entre les utilisateurs.
Article complet // Bureau régional de l'UICN pour l'Afrique de l'Ouest

SAKHALIN WHALE REPORT URGES PRUDENCE
February 16 , 2005
The Report of the Independent Scientific Review Panel, convened by IUCN at the request of SEIC, is now available. The Panel consisted of 14 leading scientists from Russia, Europe and North America and operated independently from IUCN, SEIC and other stakeholders. Their evaluation of the potential implications of planned oil and gas developments on the critically endangered Western Gray Whale has taken into account the risks, mitigation options and monitoring needs in relation to planned oil and gas developments, in particular the three pipeline options being considered by SEIC. Their conclusions and analysis are presented in the Report.
News release // News release in Russian // Full report (screen resolution) // Full report (high resolution) // Executive Summary in English // Executive Summary in Russian // IUCN Business & Biodiversity Initiatives

KYOTO PROTOCOL A TURNING POINT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
February 16 , 2005
IUCN – The World Conservation Union celebrates today’s entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement aimed at slowing global warming, but warns much deeper cuts in CO2 emissions and adaptation measures in natural resource management are needed to avoid dangerous levels of climate change. “This day will be remembered as the day when the world went to work on emission reductions as well as the start of a new era in international collaboration for the sake of our planet and its people. It also launches the most ambitious attempt to harness economic forces to tackle the most dramatic global environmental challenge,” said IUCN President Mr. Valli Moosa. Temperatures have risen by more than 0.6 °C since the start of industrialization, and this has been linked to a 30% increase in the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. The current level of CO2 in the atmosphere is around 376 parts per million.
News release // IUCN Climate Change Initiative

IUCN REPORTS ON TSUNAMI DAMAGE TO TERRESTRIAL COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS IN SRI LANKA
February 15 , 2005
The IUCN Sri Lanka Country Office undertook a rapid environmental assessment of the inland and sub-tidal biodiversity in the Rekawa, Ussangoda and Kalametiya (RUK) coastline areas of south-eastern Sri Lanka shortly after the tsunami. Having worked in this area since October 2002, the rapid assessment team was able to use the baseline information collected over previous years to record the tsunami-related environmental and biodiversity impacts on the coastal terrestrial and wetland ecosystems in this area, including the threat faced from invasive species. The assessment also gathered scientific evidence on whether coastal natural ecosystems such as sand dunes, estuarine mangroves and lagoons contributed to reducing the damage caused to inland landscapes including human settlements and agricultural areas. The findings from this survey will help enable integration of environmental concerns into the current redevelopment activities planned in the affected coastal areas of Sri Lanka.
IUCN Sri Lanka Country Office // IUCN in Asia // IUCN Tsunami Response

CONOZCA LOS RESULTADOS DEL FORO ELECTRÓNICO SOBRE ADB
February 15 , 2005
El acceso y la distribución justa y equitativa de los beneficios derivados de la utilización de los recursos genéticos (ADB) es un tema que ha sido considerado en varias reuniones de expertos, reuniones de la Conferencia de las Partes y foros internacionales. Existen diversas preocupaciones, prioridades y desafíos para el desarrollo y aplicación de provisiones de ADB, así como la necesidad de identificar aspectos claves para la negociación del Régimen Internacional en ADB en el marco del Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica, CDB. (El ADB está contemplado en el tercer objetivo del CDB). Con miras a contribuir a la discusión que se lleva a cabo en la Tercera Reunión del Grupo de Trabajo sobre ADB, la UICN organizó durante el mes de enero un foro electrónico al cual se suscribieron 108 personas.
Noticia completa // Oficina Regional de la UICN para América del Sur // Portal sobre conservación y equidad social

OIL, NATURE AND THE WESTERN GRAY WHALE: REPORT TO BE RELEASED
February 14 , 2005
IUCN – The World Conservation Union last year convened an Independent Scientific Review Panel in the context of widespread concerns over the environmental impacts of proposed oil and gas development off the coast of Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East. The Independent Scientific Panel, requested by Sakhalin Energy Investment Company (SEIC), and convened by IUCN, is composed of 14 international experts on Gray Whale ecology and behaviour, oil spill risk analysis, noise and bio-acoustics, and other pertinent issues. Panel members were identified and selected in close consultation with the conservation community, governments, lending organizations and SEIC. Dr Randall Reeves, Chair of the Cetacean Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, chairs the Panel.
Full media advisory // Russian version // Background to Scientific Review Panel // IUCN Business and Biodiversity Programme

REVISION OF THE OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES OF THE WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION COMPLETED AFTER FIVE YEARS OF WORK
February 11 , 2005
A more complete and user-friendly set of Operational Guidelines for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention came into force on 2 February 2005. Over five years of debate and redrafting were required for the States Parties to agree on this key document. IUCN, official advisory body to the World Heritage Committee on natural heritage and co-drafter of the Convention itself, was deeply involved throughout the whole process of the revision to ensure that the credibility of the Convention was maintained. “World Heritage sites have become flagships for the commitment of our societies to cultural and natural heritage,” commented Achim Steiner, IUCN Director General, “By revising the Operational Guidelines the World Heritage Convention is able to reflect the evolving concepts and paradigms guiding future conservation efforts.”
Full story // IUCN’s role in World Heritage

PAIX ET SECURITE DANS LA REGION DES GRANDS LACS :
DES PARLEMENTAIRES CONGOLAIS AU BRAC
February 11 , 2005
Le Bureau Régional pour l’Afrique Centrale de l’Union Mondiale pour la Nature (BRAC-UICN) a reçu ce jour la visite de trois Parlementaires de la République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). Il s’agit des honorables Roger NZAMA KILUNDO, Benjamin BANGALA BASILA et Salomon BANAMUHERE BALIENE. L’objet de leur visite portait sur la recherche du soutien de l’Union Mondiale pour la Nature à la restauration de l’environnement de la RDC et à l’identification d’autres partenaires potentiels susceptibles de s’impliquer dans les actions environnementales dans le contexte de la pacification du pays actuellement en cours. La dynamisation du projet Parcs pour la Paix a également été évoquée. Reconnaissant le rôle d’Agence de Facilitation de la Conférence sur les Ecosystèmes de Forêts Denses et Humides d’Afrique Centrale (CEFDHAC) confiée à l’UICN, les députés ont su apprécier le travail de l’Union dans la région des Grands Lacs et l’encourage à mettre en œuvre les recommandations issues de la visite du Directeur Générale en RDC en Octobre 2003.
Bureau régional de l'UICN pour l'Afrique Centrale

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN AQUACULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
February 10 , 2005
The world's fisheries are in crisis. There is mounting scientific evidence of a sharp decline in global catches. However, fish farming has appeared as a possible solution to answer the growing demand for seafood which the catching of wild fish cannot provide. Yet, from the conservation point of view, aquaculture also raises a number of issues of concern for the environment. These include the release of waste materials, the occurrence of disease, maintenance and assurance of product quality and the introduction of new species. More and more IUCN – The World Conservation Union, is cherishing the principles of establishing constructive relationships and long standing links with sectoral professionals. By mainstreaming conservation into business, IUCN has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) which aims at assuring high standards in quality food production while respecting environmental considerations and consumers’ demands.
Full news release // IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation // IUCN Global Marine Programme // Federation of European Aquaculture Producers

STUNG TRENG WETLAND VITAL TO HOUSEHOLDS IN VEUN SEAN VILLAGE, CAMBODIA
February 8 , 2005
Households in the village of Veun Sean of Cambodia depend on the Stung Treng wetland for their fish, water supply and transport, a participatory assessment shows. “The wetland meets their day-to-day needs for food and income, and helps people cope with shocks and stresses. It is vital for these households that the wetland resources and functions are protected and maintained,” says Ms. Joanne Chong, economist with IUCN – The World Conservation Union in Sri Lanka. The total benefits of the wetland amount to US$ 3,200 per household per year. Poorer households are most dependent on wetland resources for providing food security and income. They make on average 77% of their income out of fisheries, compared to 56% for the less poor households.
Full news release // Case Study // Water and Nature Initiative

THE MEDITERRANEAN DEEP-SEA: HIGHLY VALUABLE ECOSYSTEMS IN NEED OF PROTECTION
February 7 , 2005
Submarine canyons, cold seeps, brine pools, cold water corals and seamounts are the hidden secrets of Mediterranean deep seas. Deep water ecosystems are highly vulnerable to commercial exploitation due to the low turnover rates of the species adapted to these environments and the lack of adaptation of deep ecosystems to cope with strong external perturbations. The CoP-7 (the 7th Convention of the Parties) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (Kuala Lumpur, 2004) invites states to raise their concerns regarding the issue of conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources of the deep sea bed beyond the limits of national jurisdiction. A proposal to ensure the long-term sustainability of Mediterranean deep-sea ecosystems based upon sound scientific information currently available has been recently published by a joint initiative between the WWF Mediterranean Programme and the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation. You can now access this publication on-line in English as well as short summaries in English, French and Spanish.
Full publication // Summary in English // Español // Français // IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation // IUCN Marine Programme

TSUNAMI DECISION-MAKERS GUIDE URGES BUILDINGS AND BIODIVERSITY TO BE RESTORED TOGETHER
February 4 , 2005
IUCN – the World Conservation Union today releases a Decision-Makers Guide to help policy makers and project managers design and manage post-tsunami reconstruction, taking into account ecosystem rehabilitation that restores the livelihoods of survivors. Decisions are now being taken to quickly rebuild infrastructure and livelihoods in the affected countries. “Houses, schools, hospitals and hotels have all been damaged, along with fishing grounds, forests, beaches and other natural environments,” said Dr Bill Jackson, Director of the IUCN Global Programme. “All of these support the livelihoods of people in the affected areas, so the buildings and the ecosystems need to be restored at the same time for people to regain their daily income and standard of living”. The IUCN Decision-Makers Guide summarizes a large amount of technical information drawn from IUCN’s extensive global network of over 10,000 scientists and experts, as well as over 1,000 government, state agency and non-governmental organization members.
Full news release // Recovery from the Indian Ocean Tsunami - Guidance for
Ecosystem Rehabilitation incorporating livelihoods concerns // IUCN Tsunami Response // IUCN in Asia

SPAIN AND ANDALUCIA REINFORCE THEIR INTERNATIONAL ROLE IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
February 3 , 2005
The Spanish minister of Environment, Cristina Narbona, Andalucia’s regional minister of Environment, Fuensanta Coves, and IUCN General Director, Achim Steiner, yesterday re-endorsed the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2000 to create the Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation. The core financial support provided by the two institutions will allow the centre, based in Malaga, to continue its activities from 2005 up to 2009. These generous contributions by the two Spanish governments position Spain, in the Euro-Mediterranean and global arena, amongst those countries most seriously engaged in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. “Thanks to the visionary support of the Spanish and Andalucian Governments, it is with great satisfaction that we are reinforcing the programme, the team and the resolution of IUCN Mediterranean members that together make up this Centre in Malaga,” said Achim Steiner, IUCN General Director.
Full sotry // Noticia completa // IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation

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