Press release | 02 Dec, 2020
Climate change now top threat to natural World Heritage – IUCN report
Gland, Switzerland, 2 December 2020 (IUCN) – Climate change is now the biggest threat to natural World Heritage, according to a report published today by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). A third (33%) of natural World Heritage sites are threatened by…
Story | 21 Nov, 2017
EU Court orders Poland to stop Białowieża logging or face €100,000 daily fine
The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ordered Poland to cease logging in the ancient Białowieża forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or face a possible fine of at least €100,000 per day. The Polish Ministry of the Environment has argued that the logging is necessary to counter a…
Press release | 05 Jul, 2017
Kraków, Poland, 05 July 2017 (IUCN) – The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has adopted a decision today urging Poland to immediately halt all logging and wood extraction in the old-growth forests of Białowieża. The decision follows the advice of the International Union for Conservation of Nature…
Story | 28 Apr, 2017
In one of the most dangerous regions on the planet, two heroes inspire their communities
Beyond conservation science, World Heritage is driven by human motivations such as pride, and passion. Bantu Lukambo and Josué Kambasu Mukura were recognised at the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress as Heritage Heroes for their outstanding contribution to the conservation of Virunga National…
Story | 04 Sep, 2016
Meet the Heritage Hero voted by the public – Bibhuti Lahkar
The public has spoken, choosing Bibhuti Lahkar as the people’s choice Heritage Hero, for his dedication to the conservation of India’s Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. The result of last week’s online voting was announced at the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawai‘i, USA.
Story | 15 Jul, 2016
Poland to report on impacts of felling in Bialowieza Forest in 2017, as advised by IUCN
The World Heritage Committee has requested Poland to submit, by February 2017, an evaluation of impacts of forest management within Bialowieza Forest, known for its undisturbed ecological processes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) noted yesterday at UNESCO’s annual…
Story | 22 Jun, 2016
An IUCN advisory mission was invited by the State Party of Poland to the Białowieża Forest this month to develop recommendations regarding how the recently adopted amendments to the Forest Management Plan for the Białowieża Forest District relate to the needs for protection of the…
Story | 02 May, 2016
Deadly poacher attack on Garamba staff horrific – IUCN
IUCN is shocked by the attack recently carried out by elephant poachers in Garamba National Park, which killed three rangers and injured another two, including the park’s manager Erik Mararv.
Story | 15 Nov, 2015
Report calls on aluminium industry to respect indigenous peoples' rights
Geneva, Switzerland, 16 November 2015 – While global demand for the world’s most popular metal – aluminium – continues to rise, it is critical that the aluminium industry address its environmental and social impacts, particularly in indigenous peoples’ territories, according to new report…
Story | 30 Jun, 2015
World Heritage site in danger: Man and nature in Virunga National Park
Among the World Heritage sites in Danger is Virunga National Park, which has been on the endangered list for more than 20 years. Over these years, Africa’s oldest national park has faced numerous threats, including armed conflict, poaching and the discovery and exploration of oil.