Launch of Policy Matters issue 20 and issue 21

Policy Matters Issue 20 – From Solutions to Resolutions: A New Social Compact for Just and Effective Conservation of Biocultural Diversity explores where we stand with regard to rights standards and infringements related to both protected and conserved areas as well as other contestations over land and resources. At the World Parks Congress 6 New Social Compact dialogues were carried out with small and diverse right- and stakeholders to discuss challenges related to governance, rights, resources and extraction. The dialogues provided a space to debate how IUCN and other conservation organisations can more firmly adopt diverse knowledge systems, values and governance to promote a ‘new conservation ethic’ that encourages equitable and rights-based approach to the design, implementation and management of protected and conserved areas as well as in areas subject to large scale extraction. This issue provides case studies from China, the Philippines, Vanatou, Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Costa Rica and Hawai’i, demonstrating the universal need for dialogue, critical action and reflection on actual implementation processes. The editorial team is Catie Burlando, Aroha Te Pareake Mead, Meher Norshiwani, Caroline Seagle, Trisha Kehaulani Watson.

The launch of Policy Matters 20 is scheduled for Friday, September 2, at 6 pm at the Hawai’i-Pacific Pavilion A.

Policy Matters Issue 21 – Certification and Biodiversity – How Voluntary Certification Standards impact biodiversity and human livelihoods presents valuable case studies that demonstrate a positive (or negative) impact on biodiversity and associated human livelihoods, providing evidence for recommendations and lessons learned from certification in a wide range of habitats. This provides insights for policy makers, NGOs, certification organizations, the private sector, and the general public. The editorial team is Diana Shand, Pavel Castka, Danna Leaman, Doris Cellarius, Tim Healy, Marina Rosales Benites de Franco, Anastasia Timoshyna, Aroha Te Pareake Mead and John Robinson.

The launch of Policy Matters 21 is scheduled for Sunday, September 4, between 1 and 2:30 pm at the Business and Biodiversity Pavilion.