Global agreement for forests? May 31, 2005 The 5th session of the United Nation's Forum on Forests (UNFF) began and ended with near-consensus that serious changes are needed on a future international arrangement (IAF) on forests. Despite the fact that 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods, UNFF-5 failed to produce a new IAF or strengthen the current one, which threatens to drop forests further down the international agenda. Full storyIUCN Forest Conservation ProgrammeGlobal Partnership on Forest Landscape RestorationUNFF coverage

China’s Environment Protection Agency studies European Ecological Networks May 30, 2005 The Director General of the Chinese Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Dr. Wan Bentai, and five of his colleagues, have been visiting Brussels last week to learn more about the European institutions. IUCN Regional Office for Europe offered a seminar on its EU Liaison work, the Countdown 2010 and European Ecological Networks. Full storyPamphlet Accessing the EUCountdown 2010 Strategic FrameworkCountdown 2010

ParkLife profiles Countdown 2010 May 27, 2005 For the first time in Italy, Countdown 2010 was presented to the public today at the ParkLife Fair in Rome. The goal of the Countdown initiative is that all European governments, at every level, have taken the necessary action to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. Full storyCountdown 2010ParkLife

François Letourneux, de l'ONG Eurosite, élu nouveau Président du Comité français de l'Union mondiale pour la nature (UICN) May 27, 2005 A l'issue de leur Conseil d'Administration, mercredi 25 mai 2005, les membres du Comité français de l'UICN ont élu à l'unanimité leur nouveau Bureau et leur nouveau Président, François Letourneux, représentant l'organisation non gouvernementale Eurosite. Full storyComité français de l'UICN

IUCN completes evaluations of nominated World Heritage sites May 26, 2005 IUCN – The World Conservation Union has completed its year-long evaluation process of 12 new sites nominated for World Heritage status. As the official Advisory Body to the World Heritage Committee on natural heritage, IUCN carries out a long and rigorous process of evaluation each year, involving a field mission to each nominated site, input from a large number of independent experts, and a review by a Panel of World Heritage experts. Full storyList of New NominationsIUCN World Commission on Protected AreasUNESCO World Heritage Center

Tilburg, Netherlands, the first city in the world to join Countdown 2010 May 25, 2005 The municipality of Tilburg, the Netherlands, is the first city in the world joining the Countdown 2010 initiative to halt the loss of biodiversity in Europe. The goal of Countdown 2010 is that all European governments, at every level, undertake the necessary reforms in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries or tourism to halt the decline of biodiversity by 2010. IUCN – The World Conservation Union holds the Secretariat for the initiative. Full news releaseCountdown Secretariat at IUCN Regional Office for EuropeFact Sheet

First new monkey species to be discovered in Africa for over 20 years May 24, 2005 A new species of monkey, the highland mangabey (Lophocebus kipunji), has been discovered in the forested highlands of southern Tanzania. Full storyIUCN Species Survival Commission

IUCN cleans up tsunami-affected corals at Trincomalee, Sri Lanka May 23, 2005 IUCN – The World Conservation Union continues its post-tsunami reef and beach clean-up programme: at Swami Rock, a popular dive site on the east coast of Sri Lanka, IUCN in collaboration with Diving The Snake, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and the Coast Conservation Department, has lifted fishing nets and other debris deposited there by the Tsunami. Full storyIUCN Tsunami ResponseIUCN Sri Lanka Country OfficeIUCN Marine Programme

Endangered Crocodile Hatchlings Found in Lao PDR May 20, 2005 A survey team discovered a small breeding population of Siamese Crocodiles, marking the first time that hatchlings of this species have been observed in Lao PDR. Full news releaseMekong Wetlands Biodiversity Programme

Biodiversity needs you – MA releases Biodiversity Report May 19, 2005 The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment releases its Biodiversity Report today on the occasion of World Biodiversity Day. Full storyIUCN Response to the MAConservation Coalition StatementMillennium Ecosystem Assessment

CEESP Executive Committee kicks off new intersessional programme May 18, 2005 A flower has many petals that share a common heart. The new Executive Committee of the Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy accepted the flower model – with different Themes and Working Groups firmly connected to a common set of values and concerns - at its first meeting 11-12 May at IUCN headquarters. Full storyIUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy

IUCN Provides Guidance to the International Finance Corporation May 17, 2005 IUCN and its Members have participated in a series of regional consultations of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the arm of the World Bank that works directly with the private sector. They provided recommendations on biodiversity and natural resource management for the IFC’s Social and Environmental Policy and Performance Standards. Full statementInternational Finance CorporationIUCN Business & Biodiversity Initiatives

La interacción entre ONGs nacionales e internacionales que trabajan para la conservación de la naturaleza: ¿alianza o rivalidad? May 13, 2005 Se pueden registrar casos en los cuales se han establecido positivas alianzas entre los dos tipos de organizaciones, que involucran un trabajo constructivo con los gobiernos y las comunidades locales. Son también evidentes situaciones de descontento por parte de importantes sectores del movimiento ambiental y de la sociedad civil que consideran agresiva la manera como trabajan tales organizaciones. Noticia completaUICN Oficina Regional para América del Sur

Un code de bonne conduite pour réglementer la gouvernance de l’eau dans la volta May 12, 2005 Un code de bonne conduite sur l’utilisation des ressources partagées en eau dans le bassin de la Volta sera bientôt élaboré. La deuxième réunion du Comité technique conjoint Burkina Faso Ghana sur la gestion intégrée des ressources en eau qui s’est tenue à Accra du 25 au 26 avril avec l’appui de l’UICN, a défini les contours de cet outil. Article completBureau régional de l’UICN pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest

Have your say on the Precautionary Principle May 12, 2005 The Precautionary Principle Project, a joint initiative of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), Fauna & Flora International, ResourceAfrica and TRAFFIC, is developing a “Best Practice Guideline” for the sometimes controversial application of the principle in the biodiversity conservation and natural resource management areas. They are holding a web-based conference from 7-19 June to hear your views. Precautionary Principle ProjectIUCN Environmental Law CentreIUCN Species Programme

Whale Workshop gets Underway May 11, 2005 A two day workshop following up the Independent Scientific Review Panel’s report on protecting the Western Gray Whale in light of planned oil and gas developments off Sakhalin Island begins today. Full storyFollow-Up Workshop main page

Post Tsunami Reef Cleanups Continue May 10, 2005 The World Conservation Union, together with local partners, recently organized another reef and beach cleanup at Unawatuna Bay on the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. The Indian Ocean tsunami inflicted substantial damage to coral reefs and, despite two previous cleanups in the bay, there were still large amounts of debris removed. The reef and beach now have a better chance of returning to a healthy state. Full storyIUCN Tsunami ResponseIUCN Sri Lanka Country Office

WORLD CONSERVATION UNION AND WWF BOOST COLLABORATION ON WILDLIFE TRADE ISSUES
May 9, 2005
The Directors General of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and WWF have signed a new agreement to guide the future development of TRAFFIC - the wildlife trade monitoring network. Welcoming the new agreement, TRAFFIC Executive Director Steven Broad said: “this is both an endorsement of TRAFFIC’s strong track record to date and a declaration of WWF and IUCN’s ambition to step up their joint efforts to help address wildlife trade as a key element of biodiversity conservation and human development”. TRAFFIC was established in 1976 and works under a unique arrangement as a joint WWF and IUCN programme, with a distinct profile, a strong reputation for sound and impartial analysis and a rich history of achievement. It operates through seven regional programmes with staff based in 24 countries, co-ordinated by TRAFFIC International, based in Cambridge, UK. , TRAFFIC website, IUCN Species Programme
Full story // TRAFFIC // IUCN Species Survival Commission

LA GUINEE BISSAU RECONNAIT L’AIRE MARINE PROTEGEE COMMUNAUTAIRE D’UROK
May 9, 2005
Le Gouvernement Bissau Guinéen vient de reconnaître officiellement la légitimité de l’aire marine protégée communautaire des îles d’Urok, dans l’Archipel de Bijagos. Une nouvelle qui récompense les efforts des populations locales qui s’organisent depuis quatre ans pour préserver elles-mêmes un patrimoine exceptionnel. Depuis une vingtaine d’années, l’archipel, haut-lieu de la biodiversité, notamment pour sa riche faune marine, subit des pressions de plus en plus fortes sur ses ressources. L’équilibre de cette biodiversité est fragilisé en particulier à cause de la monétarisation progressive de l’économie Bijago. Celle-ci favorise les cultures de rente, par exemple celle de la noix de cajou, qui tend à se substituer aux palmeraies naturelles et aux jachères. La présence des pêcheurs migrants étrangers, peu soucieux des usages locaux, met aussi en péril les efforts consentis par les populations résidentes.
Article complet // Bureau régional de l’UICN pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest

WHAT FUTURE FOR FORESTS?
May 9, 2005
World Conservation Union (IUCN) member organizations can help raise the profile of forests in advance of the upcoming session of the United Nation’s Forum on Forests (UNFF). In this fifth session, taking place in New York from May 16 to 27, the future of the world’s International Arrangements on Forests (IAF) will be debated. A recent IUCN membership study revealed that 590 IUCN members have active forest programmes, and they are invited to use the website to share their position statements and commentaries. Strengthening membership engagement in programmatic and policy activities is part of an overarching strategy of the World Conservation Union and its Forest Conservation Programme.
Brief on International Arrangements on Forests // International Arrangements on Forests // IUCN Forest Conservation Programme

THE NETHERLANDS RENEWS COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION
May 6, 2005
During a visit to IUCN Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, the Minister for Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, Agnes Van Ardenne, signed a 4-year Partnership Agreement with The World Conservation Union to support the implementation of the 2005-2008 Programme. “The Netherlands has a strong interest in sustainable development, and using ecosystem services for poverty alleviation. The World Conservation Union is a key partner in ensuring that development decisions are based on the sound management and use of natural resources,” the Minister said. The signing followed an informal discussion between the Minister and her delegation and several senior IUCN staff on the progress made in the implementation of the IUCN Programme over the past four years. The discussion focused on conservation projects where restoration or improved management of natural resources demonstrate clear benefits to poor communities.
Full news release

GESTION DURABLE DES RESSOURCES FORESTIÈRES :
LES ACTEURS DAVANTAGE IMPLIQUÉS
May 6, 2005
Dans le but de contribuer à la gestion durable des ressources forestières dans et autour de la concession forestière 1050, exploitée par la Fabrique Camerounaise de Parquet (FIPCAM), une soixantaine d'acteurs impliqués dans l’exploitation, la conservation et le développement durable de ladite concession se sont réunis à Ebolowa (Province du sud du Cameroun) du 26 au 28 avril 2005. Des échanges fructueux découlant des différents exposés, il s’est dégagé la nécessité de poursuivre la sensibilisation les populations impliquées dans la conservation et la gestion durable des ressources forestières ; de faciliter la circulation de l’information et la communication entre les acteurs ; d'impliquer toutes les parties prenantes au processus de conservation et de gestion durable des ressources forestières ; de promouvoir les activités alternatives pour assurer la conservation et le développement durable ; de respecter et d’appliquer les lois en matière de conservation et de développement durable ; de se concerter et de travailler en synergie d'action.
Article complet // Communiqué Final // Bureau régional de l'UICN pour l'Afrique Centrale

GETTING DOWN TO THE BUSINESS OF SUSTAINING ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
May 4, 2005
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) have agreed to intensify cooperation in strengthening global efforts to protect the earth, its forests, its wetlands, its biodiversity and its vitality for human wellbeing and development. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment completed earlier this year vividly shows the threat to human well being and prosperity resulting from the unsustainable use of many of the world’s valuable ecosystems. The assessment reminded us all of the essential services provided by nature. “Nature, business and human well being are intricately linked,” said World Conservation Union (IUCN) Director General Achim Steiner. “Businesses can play a vital role in the sustainable use and delivery of ecosystem services. Exploring the scope for innovative and smarter approaches are key objectives of our collaboration with WBCSD”.
Full news release // IUCN Business & Biodiversity Initiatives // World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

‘OLULU – THE HAWAIIAN PALM: SAVE IT FROM EXTINCTION
ON YOUR WINDOW SILL
May 4, 2005
Have you ever thought of keeping a pet Ethiopian wolf or black rhino to contribute to their conservation? Rather difficult for most people. Yet the house plant buyer can make a real contribution to conservation efforts for some of the most endangered species in the world. This is now the case with the unusual and eye-catching ‘olulu palm (Brighamia insignis) which compares to no other plant currently on the market. Once very common on several Hawaiian islands, there may now be as few as seven ‘olulu palms left in the wild, isolated on the island of Kaua’i. The species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The remaining plants grow on steep volcanic slopes, some more than 1,000m high. Conservation efforts have required scientists to become mountaineers, using climbing equipment to hand-pollinate the flowers and collect seeds. These seeds have been distributed to botanical research centres around the world.
Full story // Article complet // Factsheet // IUCN Species Survival Commission // IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

FOUR CLEAR GOALS FOR WORLD COMMISSION ON PROTECTED AREAS
May 3, 2005
The four strategic priorities for IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) over the next four years are set: Conserving biodiversity, developing capacity, improving protected area management, and addressing issues of governance, equity and livelihoods. “IUCN has gained an extremely dynamic, highly professional WCPA Steering Committee that can deliver on these promises,” said Mr. Nik Lopoukhine, Chair of the WCPA. The four-day WCPA Steering Committee meeting, guided by Lopoukhine, was attended by twenty WCPA Regional and Theme Vice Chairs from around the world. They developed a strategic plan focused on implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Programme of Work on Protected Areas - which recognizes WCPA as one of its main parties - the Durban Action Plan and the Millennium Development Goals.
Full story // IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas // WCPA Steering Committee

REBUILDING HOPE AFTER THE KILLER WAVE
May 2, 2005
The villagers of Wanduruppa village, a small settlement nestled in the southern coast belt of Sri Lanka, organised a simple, heart-warming ceremony on 28 April to recognise the work of IUCN to enhance sustainable livelihoods in the aftermath of last December’s tsunami disaster. The ceremony marked the presentation of US $ 2,000 grants by IUCN, one each to 12-orphaned children to support their long term educational needs. Also presented were livelihood enhancement grants to several identified villagers and dictionaries, advanced level texts and model examination papers to high school children. This support constitutes part of the larger relief and rehabilitation programme undertaken by IUCN after the tsunami.
Full story // IUCN Sri Lanka Country Office // IUCN Tsunami Response

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