Story | 18 Jul, 2017
On May 5, IUCN organized the fourth leadership committee meeting of Ha Long-Cat Ba Alliance (HLCBA). The meeting marked the end of the first phase (2014-2017) of this USAID-funded initiative and the start of the extension phase through September 2019. The meeting focused on the results of the…
Blog | 09 Jun, 2017
Blog: Connecting to people connected to nature
I pulled my phone out of my pocket to find a new message: I was out of service and increased data charges would apply. For the next six days, contact with the outside world would be limited to late evenings in the guest house: freedom.
Story | 09 Jun, 2017
Is the tide turning for oceans?
This opinion editorial, authored by Aban Marker Kabraji, Regional Director for IUCN Asia, highlights how establishing marine protected areas could be a key means of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and curbing climate impacts.
DG Statement | 07 Jun, 2017
IUCN Director General's statement on World Oceans Day
Where did life on Earth begin? The fact is, no one really knows. Charles Darwin imagined a “warm little pond”, while some scientists today speculate about tide pools and hot springs. Increasingly, however, scientists are narrowing in on one hypothesis: that life began around a deep sea…
Story | 30 May, 2017
Tanguar Haor: A wetland in the hands of the people
After almost a century of exclusive ownership by wealthy elites, Tanguar Haor is finally back in the hands of the people who rely on it. A 10-year initiative of the government of Bangladesh, supported by IUCN and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, has recently drawn to a close.…
Story | 25 May, 2017
International Day for Biodiversity: Nature-based tourism integrated plan needed for Bangladesh
A well-managed ecosystem provides an important foundation for many aspects of tourism. Tourism revenue, in turn, can contribute to the maintenance, protection and conservation of key wildlife populations – which is why the theme of this year’s International Day of Biodiversity (IDB), announced…
Story | 22 May, 2017
Cacao tourism and an unexpected partner in forest landscape restoration in Guatemala
Forest landscape restoration (FLR) is simultaneously boosting tourism, creating jobs and enhancing biological connectivity in the Guatemalan highlands with the help of the diverse membership of the national FLR roundtable.
Story | 21 May, 2017
Banning vs. legalise and regulate in forest management
Two years ago, on a field survey in Bac Kan Province in Viet Nam, we heard about a farmer who needed 30 stamps to get a permit to harvest a single Styrax tonkinensis tree that was growing on his land. Even though the tree was on land that was designated as plantation forest and the farmer had a…
Story | 15 Mar, 2017
Training tour guides on the beauty of nature in Ha Long Bay
“The beauty of Ha Long Bay lies in its unique geographical, landscape, biodiversity and cultural-historical values. Currently, its biodiversity values are poorly known and tourists need more information on this issue. We lack knowledge to turn these values into better products and experiences…
Story | 10 Mar, 2017
Ecosystem services for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction – a ‘win-win’ approach
Nadi, Fiji, 10 March 2017 (IUCN) – The increasing incidence and severity of disasters are leaving more people vulnerable each year. The Oceania region is particularly prone to disasters with cyclones, floods, droughts and other natural hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis causing widespread…