IUCN - WCPA Members Meeting Background Documents€¦ · Protected Areas: A Global Guide. Science, Knowledge and Management With over 130 WCPA members this Strategic Direction also

WCPA Members Meeting Background Documents

Barcelona, 4 October 2008

IUCN World Commission on Protected AreasIUCN World Commission on Protected Areas

Fisherman catching some shells in a traditional way at Doña-na National Park, Spain Coypright : IUCN Photo Library © IUCN / Arturo Mora

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Table of Contents Agenda........................................................................................................................ 1 Annex A: WCPA Report 2004-2008.................................................................... 5 Annex B: Reports from WCPA Steering Committee Members Regional Vice Chair reports Australia New Zealand .................................................................................... 9 Caribbean ...................................................................................................... 12 Eastern Africa ................................................................................................ 15 North Africa Middle East................................................................................ 19 North America................................................................................................ 21 Northern Eurasia ........................................................................................... 23 South America ............................................................................................... 24 South Asia ..................................................................................................... 27 South East Asia ............................................................................................. 29 West and Central Africa................................................................................. 31 Capacity Development Strategic Direction Tourism and PAs Task Force........................................................................ 33 Conserving Biodiversity Strategic Direction Caves and Karst Task Force......................................................................... 35 Marine Biome ................................................................................................ 37 Mountains Biome........................................................................................... 39 Governance, Equity and Livelihoods Strategic Direction Cities and PAs Task Force............................................................................ 41 Cultural and Spiritual Values of PAS Task Force.......................................... 43 Science and Management Strategic Direction .............................................. 45 Categories Task Force .................................................................................. 47 Protected Landscapes Task Force................................................................ 49 Wilderness Task Force.................................................................................. 50 Annex C: Future of Regional Vice Chair Roles and Governance......................... 51 Annex D: WCPA Draft Mandate 2009-2012 ............................................................ 55 Annex E: PPA/WCPA Programme 2009-2012........................................................ 59

WCPA Members Meeting

Agenda

WCPA Members Meeting Barcelona, 4 October 2008 1

WCPA MEMBERS MEETING – 4 October, 20081 Venue: H10 Marina Barcelona

Room Icaria, Av. Bogatell, 64-68 E-08005 - Barcelona (Barcelona) T: (34) 93 309 79 17 F: (34) 93 300 33 10 [email protected]

Aims:

1. To review WCPA activities and achievements from the 2004 – 2008 period and to identify lessons for the future

2. To brief members on the WCC and to highlight key issues relevant to protected areas

3. To obtain WCPA members views on priorities for the 2008 – 2012 period

1 Draft of 23 September, 2008


AGENDA Review of 2004 – 8 period 0900 - 0915 Welcome and Introduction to Meeting - Nik Lopoukhine

0915 - 0930 Review of 2004 - 2008 - Nik Lopoukhine – WCPA Chair

0930 - 0945 Review of 2004 - 2008 - David Sheppard – Head, IUCN Programme on

Protected Areas

0945 – 1000 Questions and discussion

1000 – 1015 Review of Regional Activity – Cristi Nozawa – on behalf of WCPA Regional Vice Chairs (15)

1015 – 1030 Review of Strategic Direction Activity – Graeme Worboys – on behalf of WCPA Strategic Directions (4)

1030 – 1100 Questions and discussion - relating to WCPA Regional and Strategic Direction Activity. Key Question: How can the performance of WCPA Regions and Strategic Directions be improved

1100 – 1130 Tea/Coffee

1130 – 1145 Review of Implementation Mechanisms Activity – Jason Spensley – on behalf of WCPA Implementation Mechanisms (3)

1145 – 1200 Questions and discussion - relating to WCPA Implementation Mechanisms (3: CBD, World Heritage and WDPA). Key Question: How can the performance of WCPA Implementation Mechanisms be improved ?

Briefing WCPA Members on the WCC 1200 – 1210 Briefing on World Conservation Congress and key areas relevant to

protected areas – Pedro Rosabal


1215 – 1225 Screening of the “Thin Green Line”, prepared by the International Ranger Federation (IRF) to highlight the work and commitments of rangers for protected areas. Introduction by IRF representative

1225 – 1230 Signing of Agreement between IUCN/WCPA and IRF

1230 – 1400 Lunch (participants own arrangements)


Future priorities for WCPA - 2008 – 2012 1400 – 1420 Key findings from the WPC+5 Meeting – Roger Crofts

1420 – 1430 Future challenges, opportunities and priorities for WCPA – Trevor Sandwith

– scene setting and introduction to Working Groups

1430 – 16302 4 Working Groups to identify future priorities and directions (Working Group Leaders: Penny Figgis; Marc Hockings; Ali Kaka; and Roger Crofts)

1630 – 1730 Report back from Working Groups – 15 minutes per Working Group


1745 – 1755 Packard Award(s) – to be presented by Nik Lopoukhine and David Sheppard

1755 – 1800 Closing Remarks – David Sheppard and Nik Lopoukhine

WCPA Dinner 20.00 Dinner – there will be a fully sponsored dinner3 for WCPA from 2000hrs at

Hotel AC Barcelona (next to IUCN Congress Centre) Room Sagrada Familia Passeig Taulat 278 08019 Barcelona, Spain +34 934 898 200

–

2 Coffee/tea will be available from 1530 to 1600 3 This will include dinner and some table drinks – additional drinks will be at participants own expense

Annex A

World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA)

Report 2004–2008

by the Chair

Nikita Lopoukhine

WCPA Members Meeting Barcelona, 4 October 2008

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Introduction WCPA is IUCN’s worldwide network of protected area experts. Its mission, as confirmed at the Bangkok World Conservation Congress in 2004, is: to promote the establishment and effective management of a worldwide, representative network of terrestrial and marine protected areas. In pursuing this mission, WCPA aims to become the world’s recognized source of guidance, support and expertise on protected areas. WCPA has a fully integrated programme with the IUCN Programme on Protected Areas (PPA), in line with the “One Programme” concept of IUCN. The main area of focus for the Commission in the 2004–2008 period has been on the implementation of the outcomes of the 2003 World Parks Congress and the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Programme of Work on Protected Areas. Accordingly, this report will briefly highlight key achievements during the 2004–2008 period. These priorities guided the design and appointment of a Steering Committee and the development of an IUCN-WCPA Strategic Plan. This Report is aligned along the key strategic directions of the Strategic Plan and the Commission’s regional structure. Conserving Biodiversity – Marine priority Working alongside and in support of partners on marine protected areas (MPA) actions across the oceans of the world, initiatives undertaken included holding a global MPA Summit in Washington, DC in 2007. A resulting coalition secured joint resources from IUCN members (CI, TNC, WWF US) to establish a WCPA Marine MPA Coordination Officer post. Membership in WCPA Marine was expanded significantly to include members in over 50 countries. Through a grant from the Packard Foundation a business plan was drawn up, including a funding strategy. WCPA Marine played a major role in the planning and implementation of the first International Marine Protected Areas Conference (IMPAC) in Australia. WCPA Marine launched an action plan (in all three IUCN languages) that includes the implementation of a marine web portal for MPAs to strengthen the effectiveness of MPA networks. Further, with Google and National Geographic concerted efforts have been launched to enhance public access to, and understanding of, MPAs and progress on implementing MPA networks. Work commenced on a quality assured “Wet List” of protected areas that can be used for global reporting and analysis on MPA progress. Conserving Biodiversity – Mountains priority The period was marked by the tragic loss of stalwart Commission members Mingma Sherpa and Chandra Garung. The retention and motivation of 500+ WCPA Mountains Biome experts was achieved in part through: providing an active listserver and a newsletter “Update” on mountain issues; sponsoring three international fora facilitating connectivity conservation in mountains; and publishing three publications: Guidelines for Planning and Managing Mountain Protected Areas (in English, Russian and Spanish), Managing mountain protected areas: Challenges and responses for the 21st Century, and Managing Protected Areas: A Global Guide. Science, Knowledge and Management With over 130 WCPA members this Strategic Direction also incorporates task forces on Protected Area Categories, Protected Landscapes, Wilderness, and Information Management. A program on alien invasive species and protected areas was also launched. A particular focus within the period was the project “Enhancing our Heritage: monitoring and managing for success in natural World Heritage sites”. Working with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre the project tested the IUCN-WCPA Management Effectiveness Evaluation Framework in nine world heritage sites in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Projects to extend application of the methodology to other world heritage sites, as well as other protected areas, are underway. Also, the Global study on management effectiveness of protected areas in collaboration with the University of Queensland,


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WWF International, The Nature Conservancy and UNEP-WCMC has compiled information on assessments of over 6000 protected areas in more than 80 countries. Results were reported at the CBD second meeting of the Ad Hoc Protected Areas Working Group meeting in Feb 2008 and will serve as an indicator for the 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership project. WCPA members have conducted training and capacity building workshops for management effectiveness evaluation in Europe, West Africa, East Africa and Southeast Asia. The objective is to develop a network of people who have the knowledge and capacity to assist countries in meeting their management effectiveness commitments under the CBD Program of Work on Protected Areas. The Categories Task Force is revising the guidelines to the IUCN protected area management categories in response to the Amman IUCN Congress resolution. The objective is to clarify application of the category system in light of current issues, changing attitudes and conditions within protected areas. A “summit” on the categories was held in Almeria, Spain, in 2007. The revised Guidelines are to be finalized in time for the World Conservation Congress in Barcelona. The Wilderness Task Force (WTF) launched a new website to update membership, post documents (including a growing library of wilderness materials – maps, laws/policy statements) and request/obtain comments on draft documents. This Task Force produced the Handbook on International Wilderness Law and Policy and launched The Wild Planet Project, an overview on wilderness conservation. The WTF also planned and implemented the very successful 8th World Wilderness Congress (Alaska) and began planning for the 9th Congress in Mexico in 2009. Capacity Building The Protected Area Learning Network (PALNet) www.parksnet.org/ was launched with great success at the 2nd Latin America Protected Areas Congress. This virtual platform allows all people related to protected areas to have easy access to a collective database where documents, projects and experts can easily be found. A series of workshops on the review of, and capacity-building for, the implementation of the Programme of Work on Protected Areas under the Convention on Biological Diversity were held in: Cape Town, South Africa, India and Sabah, Malaysia. These involved WCPA Regional Vice Chairs, IUCN members, the CBD Secretariat and a range of other partners The Sustainable Financing Task Force completed a global survey of PA funding and expenditure in 2007. The outcomes yielded a median figure of $9.04 invested per hectare per annum on existing protected areas, though the costs were highly variable, both within and between countries. Through the survey it became obvious that governments continue to fund PAs in the context of entire budget relativities rather than on a needs basis. The survey underlined the importance of governments continuing to fund protected areas as a public good. A 2007 meeting in London showcased protected area programs funded by carbon offset funding. Standards are needed for universal application to ensure recognition of the value of such programs. The Tourism Task Force provided advice on request on a variety of issues and determined that a global collection of park tourism data is feasible and this will be pursued. Linkages between tourism and financing protected areas were explored and the results were presented at the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas meeting in Rome in a paper entitled “Improving protected area finance through tourism”. Other publications included Tourism and Protected Areas: Benefits Beyond Boundaries. Governance, Communities and Livelihoods

Jointly managed by WCPA and CEESP, the focus was on promoting multiple forms, and the good governance, of protected areas, in particular national and local implementation. The “IUCN protected area governance matrix” was published. The concept of protected area governance, through both “type” and “quality” considerations was refined. Technical support, numerous workshops and missions were carried out within a dozen countries. Advances under the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas with regard to community involvement in PA governance and CCAs was tracked.


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The understanding and widespread application of, Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) were significantly broadened. Regional reviews of CCA status and needs were carried out. Papers, cases studies and information were made available. A Global Alliance in support of Community Conserved Areas is evolving out of an international workshop on CCAs, in Turkey.

Capacity building was addressed by developing regional learning networks for co-management of protected areas with indigenous peoples and regional networks. A new curriculum was established for PA managers in West Africa, and testing it was carried out at both classroom and field level in Morocco. Publications included Protected Landscapes and Agrobiodiversity Value, and Community Conserved Areas: a review of status and needs after Durban 2003 and CBD COP7 2004 Preliminary Synthesis. A WCPA Task Force took responsibility for implementing WCC 3.063, “Cities and Conservation.” The Task Force concentrated on the key role of protected areas in connecting urban people to nature, and in providing nature services to cities and their residents. This exploratory effort focused on urban protected areas and on building connections with urban institutions. Regional activity highlights Continued attention was paid to strengthening the network by selective recruitment and strengthening communications among members within Regions. Specific initiatives include having the Government of Benin declare a protected area day, and a week of exhibitions on this theme. A number of WCPA best practices guidelines were translated into Russian, Thai, Bahasa and Arabic, considerably broadening the outreach and application of these publications Numerous workshops and congresses were organized by WCPA Vice Chairs and publications realized over the period. These were undertaken through partnerships and a wide range of sponsorships. Reference below to WCPA Regions provides the link for following up with the Regional Vice Chair. • Managing Protected Areas in Times of Change: Leadership in Governance of Protected Areas.

WCPA Caribbean • Protected Areas: buffering nature against climate change. Proceedings of a WWF-Australia and

IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas Symposium. WCPA Australia New Zealand • Proceedings of the Regional Conference and the Kinabalu Action Plan. WCPA South East Asia • Gap Analysis for terrestrial protected areas. WCPA South East Asia • Case studies on protected areas management in SEA. WCPA South East Asia • Assessment of Institutional Arrangements of three pilot protected areas in SEA. WCPA South

East Asia Regional Vice Chairs were active in providing technical assistance on: implementing the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas; capacity building, including establishing training centres and focusing on training the trainer approaches; World Heritage management; specific protected area issues; the updating of the World Database on Protected Areas; in country reviews on protected areas; gender issues related to protected area management; management effectiveness assessments; securing financing for, in particular, indigenous communities involved in protected area management; connectivity conservation; gap analysis on both marine and terrestrial interests; opening lines of communication with local communities around PAs; establishment and management of protected areas; trans-boundary protected areas. WCPA was increasingly called upon to provide a service of Verification and Certification for assessing PA establishment and management against IUCN Categories. World Heritage WCPA continued to contribute to the evaluation and monitoring of natural World Heritage sites around the world as contemplated in the World Heritage Convention, while simultaneously seeking to improve performance. An independent evaluation of IUCN’s work on World Heritage was undertaken, and is being implemented as funding becomes available. Particular effort has been placed on developing an


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independent fund for natural World Heritage, capacity building for WCPA members carrying out field missions, and encouraging the use of World Heritage sites as models to promote the benefits of effective protected areas for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. International events with prominent WCPA representation • CBD Ad Hoc Working Group on PAs, Montecatini (June 2005) – Featured side events and

Chair’s plenary address • First Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC), Australia (October 2005) – Co-sponsored by

WCPA • Conservation and Sustainable Use in Protected Areas and Corridors, Brazil (October 2005) –

Co-sponsored by WCPA • 8th Conference of Parties (COP8) to CBD, Curitiba, Brazil (March 2006) – Featured side events

by WCPA • 8th World Wilderness Congress, Anchorage, Alaska (November 2006) – Organized by WCPA

Wilderness TF, Plenary address by Chair and release of Trans-boundary book edited by Deputy Chair

• Brazilian Protected Area Congress (June 2007) – Plenary address by Chair and other WCPA members

• Parks, Peace and Partnerships Conference commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Waterton Glacier International Peace Park (September 2007) – Plenary address by Chair and a final synthesis by Deputy Chair

• 2nd Latin American Congress, Bariloche, Argentina (October 2007) – Programme organized by WCPA featuring many WCPA members

• 2nd meeting of the CBD Ad Hoc Working Group on Protected Areas, Rome (February 2008) – Training workshops organized by WCPA

• 9th Conference of Parties of CBD, Bonn (May 2008) – Featured side events by WCPA Significant other initiatives An annual World Protected Leadership Forum was held and organized by IUCN WCPA/PPA with a host country Park Agency. CEOs from across the world used the opportunity to bring forward their preoccupation and share solutions as well as provide input to IUCN on the priorities faced by the leading protected area agencies of the world. Canada, Mexico and Scotland hosted the first three fora. South Africa hosted a meeting in Cape Town of invited participants at the Durban+5 meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to review the commitments coming out of the Durban World Parks Congress and to set directions for the next five years as well as begin to formulate ideas for the next World parks Congress.

Annex B

Reports from

WCPA Steering Committee Members

2004-2008

WCPA Regional Vice Chair

Reports


AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

OVERVIEW The WCPA network in Australia and New Zealand has continued to add a science-based and apolitical voice to conservation policy debates, to share knowledge and stimulate initiatives across sectors. WCPA commenced the year with a major sense of satisfaction when after 3 years of solid advocacy the funding for Australia’s National Reserve System was boosted from a profoundly inadequate level of some $6 million for 07-08 to $180 million over 5 years to Australia's National Reserve System, as part of the Government's $2.25 billion Caring for our Country initiative. This is in addition to the $50 million already allocated to boost Indigenous Protected Areas, another area in which WCPA has been a strong advocate. Many Australian and New Zealand members make outstanding contributions to WCPA on a voluntary basis to assist work both here and in Australia. It is always a problem to single out people but a few outstanding efforts are the work Graeme Worboys puts in for the Mountains Biome leading international work on connectivity conservation, the international work of Dr. Robyn Bushell on tourism especially in World Heritage areas, Dr Marc Hockings on leading global efforts on monitoring management effectiveness, Peter Valentine as Editor of the Parks Series, and Dr Elery Hamilton Smith and John Watson in caves and karst. Many others are active in WCPA Task Forces or assist WCPA efforts through other means such as providing meeting venues. Some 30 members will be in Barcelona for the WCC, the majority being involved in organising at least one workshop, WCPA has high level access in Australia and members are regularly invited to participate in all major protected area forums at both state and federal level. We have senior members in New Zealand but less influence at policy level. We have not had a major members meeting in 2008 although many members will gather for the Australian Protected Areas Congress in November. We continue to be challenged by the ‘tyranny of distance’ and the voluntary nature of the network. Recruitment: The network continues to grow with continued recruitment in the last year. WCPA ANZ now has nearly 300 members. This includes very senior representatives in all sectors as well as some 25 younger conservation professionals. In 2007 we actively strengthened the marine membership which is led by Jon Day from the GBRMPA. More work is needed to add indigenous people from both nations. Communication: The network is primarily activated through a list server and regular newsletters and circulation of key reports. Since the last year’s report there have been 4 newsletters distributed. It has been harder to maintain a more frequent distribution due to the reliance on the Vice Chair (VC) and her multiple commitments. The feedback from members is very positive. Maintaining an up to date list server is a major on going task for the VC. Meetings: WCPA ANZ VC and members have had a strong involvement in the following meetings:

April, Durban +5 and World Commission Steering Commission Meeting, Cape Town April , 2020 The Prime Minister’s Ideas Summit, Canberra May, Parks Forum Conference 'A World without Parks?', Auckland May, Youth Leadership Forum WCPA /Parks Forum during the “World without Parks? “ August, Carbon and Biodiversity Roundtable, Sydney October, WCC Barcelona, over 30 WCPA ANZ members will be attending November, Australian Protected Areas Congress, Sunshine Coast

Publications:

WCPA issued a 40 page report of the First meeting of Specialist Members of IUCN WCPA-Marine (Australia & New Zealand)

The Value of Parks was launched in May. WCPA had a major input into the writing and editing of this publication which describes the social, health, environmental, cultural and economic benefits value that parks provide to our society.


CONSERVING BIODIVERSITY Focus: The following areas have been the foci of WCPA ANZ’s work in 2008:

Protected Areas Values Presentations and a publication to ensure that the full range of values is better understood in the community and among decision makers.

‘Connectivity Conservation’ Advocacy and publications have championed connectivity as a generic concept and specifically for the great eastern coastal ranges initiative - the ‘A to A’ Alps to Atherton Conservation Corridor. Graeme Worboys has been centrally involved.

Protected Areas and Climate Change Advocacy to promote that protected areas are a critical part of any response to climate change. WCPA convened a major forum to look at how our natural systems can benefit under the ‘carbon economy’.

Presentations: The VC has given represented the Commission at numerous meetings including the prestigious 2020 Prime Ministers Ideas Summit. The VC was a speaker at the Parks Forum Conference, Tasmanian Parks Managers Conference and will present at the Australian Protected Areas Congress in November. In late October the VC will give the Romeo Lahey Memorial Lecture, Australia’s foremost lecture on parks. A Vision for Northern Australia: WCPA, together with WWF Australia and other organisations, has continued to discuss a proposal for a workshop in 2009 to develop a 25-year shared vision and way forward for establishing a large interconnected network of protected areas in Northern Australia. The workshop would involve indigenous managers, government agencies and industry sectors. Tourism and Protected Areas: Internationally Dr. Robyn Bushell represents the WCPA and the Task Force on T & PAs on a joint UNESCO- World Heritage Centre, IUCN, ICOMOS, ICROM initiative Rethinking the Destination Management and Visitation at World Heritage Sites. The project has support and involvement from the UN-World Tourism Organisation, the World Bank and numerous conservation NGOs and tourism industry operators. A workshop at WCC will seek input from WH site managers. Similar input is occurring for cultural sites at the ICOMOS General Assembly in Quebec, Oct 2008. The VC continues to participate in a national steering committee with Tourism Australia, the Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) and Parks Australia over the ‘National Landscapes’ program, which aims at regional integrated planning to improve both visitor experiences and conservation outcomes. The Project is lead by WCPA member, Bruce Leaver of Parks Australia and Peter Valentine also participates on the Committee. The VC also sits on a Ministerial Taskforce in NSW to look at the relationship between parks and tourism. Carbon Economy: A key area for the future will be the capacity of WCPA to ensure that measures related to carbon offsets actually produce real benefits for biodiversity in general and protected areas in particular. The VC convened a high level Carbon and Biodiversity Roundtable to discuss this issue. The Roundtable subsequently communicated its preliminary views to the Prime Minister and senior Ministers. The Roundtable intends to reconvene in 2009. SCIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND MANAGEMENT WCPA ANZ is fortunate in having two of the international leaders in science, knowledge and management in Dr. Marc Hockings and Dr. Graeme Worboys. Marc chairs this theme on WCPAs steering committee and is an acknowledged global leader in developing the methodologies of assessing management effectiveness. Australian WCPA members collaborated to nominate Marc for the prestigious Kenton Miller Award for Innovation in Park Management which we are happy to say Marc has won. Graeme continues his prodigious efforts to promote connectivity conservation – the cross tenure, varied governance models of large scale conservation networks which will be so crucial to the resilience of species in the face of climate change. In Australia efforts are focussed on the eastern dividing range of


the continent but there are several other important initiatives which involve individual members and which WCPA will supports where possible. CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AND AWARENESS

Youth Development in WCPA:

WCPA ANZ has made good progress with recruiting young conservation leaders although there is a great deal more which could be done. We organised a forum with Parks Forum in May in Auckland which had good attendance and was particularly well supported by ANZ heads of park agencies who are individual members.

The VC is the WCPA SC mentor for youth activities and has been very involved in planning an international survey of young professionals and the workshop in Barcelona, as well as liaising with other IUCN related bodies to further youth development.

Australian Protected Areas Congress: IUCN WCPA has supported the Queensland Park Service in developing their conference. Nik Lophoukine, David Sheppard and many WCPA members will be speakers at the Congress. Health in Parks: The VC has been appointed an Ambassador for the International Healthy Parks Healthy People Congress in 2010. The Congress will promote the great cultural and health benefits of public parks and protected areas, building on Victoria’s successful and innovative programme. GOVERNANCE, EQUITY AND LIVELIHOODS Indigenous Issues:

Rangers WCPA was gratified after numerous representations aimed at securing increased funding for indigenous land and sea rangers to see a very substantial recognition of the importance of this work and a major increase in funding in early 2008.

Indigenous rights and sustainable livelihoods will be a critical component of the Vision for Northern Australia work.

IUCN Oceania: WCPA ANZ has long been keen to identify how Commission members could add value to IUCN’s work in the Pacific. We have not made as much progress on this as we would like and see it as a priority to progress in 2009. 2009: Priorities:

Continuing efforts to get PAs and biodiversity protection measures as policy priorities in the climate change response.

Assisting to build WCPA marine in the region. Helping to develop an alternative sustainable vision of Northern Australia Harnessing strong thinking on how to ensure the ‘carbon economy’ delivers biodiversity benefits. Enhance cooperation with other Commission members especially with a view to assisting the

Pacific. Investigate the feasibility of a cross Commission taskforce on the Pacific.

Thanks: Thanks are given to the National Committee in Australia who act as a crucial sounding board on many issues. Thank you also to key advisors in New Zealand, Cath Wallace and Wren Green. Particular thanks are due to Parks Australia for on going support, to the Queensland EPA for their financial support in 2007/08 and to Parks Victoria, South Australian Parks and Parks Conservation and Lands, ACT for their assistance in 2008/9. Penelope Figgis AO, Vice-Chair, Australia and New Zealand, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas


Caribbean

Floyd Homer, Vice-Chair, WCPA Caribbean September, 2008

WCPA Caribbean Membership The membership database was updated again over the past 4 months. Caribbean WCPA membership is comprised of 34 members from 10 countries (English, French, Spanish and Dutch) in the region. WCPA Caribbean Steering Committee The WCPA Caribbean Steering Committee (CSC) is comprised of four members: Enrique Hernandez (Cuba), Lloyd Gardner (US Virgin Islands), Susan Otuokon (Jamaica) and Floyd Homer (Trinidad and Tobago). Email has been used as the primary means to get inputs from the CSC on several issues related to protected areas and heritage sites in the Caribbean. WCPA Caribbean Action Plan Comments on the draft WCPA Caribbean Action Plan was received and incorporated into the final version. Many of the members were concerned about implementation in the context of lack of dedicated funding for the identified activities. The final version of the action plan was translated into Spanish. Both English and Spanish versions were distributed to WCPA Caribbean members in November 2007. Members were also requested to provide information on the activities in the Plan that were being implemented in their countries. Meetings and Workshops The report on Managing Protected Areas in Times of Change: Leadership in Governance of Protected Areas held during 14-17th October 2006 in Anguilla, was prepared in the first quarter of 2007 and is available at: http://www.sustrust.org The workshop was organized by WCPA Caribbean and the Trust For Sustainable Livelihoods in collaboration with IUCN/US and the US National Park Service. Technical Assistance Requests were received from several agencies and individuals in the Caribbean and elsewhere for technical advice on protected areas issues. Technical assistance on a voluntary basis, was provided as follows:

• Review and comment on the Caribbean Capacity Building Programme on cultural heritage sites in the Caribbean.

• Review and comment on the request for World Heritage funding by Jamaica. • Review and comment on the request for World Heritage funding by Dominican Republic. • Review and comment on the Training Needs Assessment for the OECS Protected Areas

and Livelihoods Project. • Review and comments on the draft management plans for the St Eustatius Marine Park,

and the Bonaire Marine Park. • Facilitate the visit of the IUCN Chief Technical Advisor-Caribbean Initiative. • Review and updating of Caribbean contact details for the World Database on Protected

Areas.


Challenges

• The major challenge is still the lack of timely or adequate responses from WCPA members in the region. Getting members excited and motivated to promote the WCPA agenda requires some innovative approaches.

• Awareness on the IUCN and WCPA and their relevance to protected areas and conservation issues in the Caribbean seem limited. How can IUCN and WCPA become more meaningful to members and potential members?

Implementation of the Caribbean Action Plan The WCPA Caribbean Action Plan was based on the previous WCPA Caribbean Action Plan (promoted at the World Parks Congress in Durban, 2003), the WCPA Strategic Plan 2005-2012 and on comments from members during April to July 2007. Members should note that there was no dedicated funding for the implementation of the Caribbean Action Plan. Therefore most of the activities outlined in the Plan were things that several members or their agencies were already doing or proposed to do. The Plan is intended to guide local WCPA action related to protected areas in the Caribbean and to serve as the basis for reporting WCPA work as a component of the IUCN Programme. The summary of activities under the Strategic Directions given below, is based on recent reports from WCPA Caribbean members. CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY

• Ecological GAP Analysis as part of the work to achieve the CBD PoWPA Goals by Bahamas.

• Participation in the development of the Invasive Alien Species Caribbean Project

proposal led by CABI. Project proposal grant approved by GEF. Pilot projects being developed for six Caribbean countries.

• Preparation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Anguilla.

• UNEP Caribbean Environmental Programme (CEP) collaboration with the CBD on the

2010 targets and support for conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles. SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT OF PROTECTED AREAS

• Review of the status of protected areas management in 6 OECS countries.

• Assessment of PAs for preparation of PA Master Plan for Bahamas.

• Supported efforts by The Ocean Conservancy to finalise management effectiveness protocols and planning for the East End Marine Park, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Assisted the British Virgin Islands on the review of the National System of Protected

Areas – included linking national categories to WCPA management categories.

• The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Environment and Sustainable Development Unit is supervising the preparation of protected area management plans for several countries in the OECS.


• Development of criteria and guidelines by UNEP CEP for the prevention of species from

becoming threatened or endangered. CAPACITY-BUILDING AND AWARENESS-RAISING

• Core themes for education, awareness and communication programmes relevant to protected areas in the Caribbean identified. Report in preparation.

• UNDP Early Action Grant accessed by some countries to support protected areas

management training and capacity-building programmes.

• Sustainable Finance Plan initiated in the Bahamas, including a Financial Gap Analysis.

• Information on training opportunities disseminated through regional PA network.

• Continued support for CaMPAM (Caribbean Marine Protected Area Managers Network) by UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme.

• Link to regional PA project inserted in PALNet site. Data on experts and documents also

added. Information and documents on Caribbean programme submitted to PA Office in IUCN-HQ to be added to WCPA Caribbean website.

GOVERNANCE, EQUITY AND LIVELIHOODS

• Promotion of increased community participation in a wider range of management activities in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

• Promotion of socio-economic related research – included in implementation plan for the

System Plan for the British Virgin Islands, opportunity being investigated in the East End Marine Park (U.S. Virgin Islands).

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EASTERN AFRICA REGION WCPA ANNUAL REGIONAL REPORT (2006/07) Prepared by Ali A. Kaka – Regional Vice Chair INTRODUCTION This is an update on progress in the Eastern Africa Region. MEMBERSHIP Recruitment

• The main first priority was to improve on membership numbers and representation for the region. The region is full of experts and practitioners on protected areas and yet the number is pathetically low. A basic survey of opinions indicated that awareness on the existence and work of IUCN, let alone WCPA is extremely poor. An introductory letter on WCPA was sent out to a number of potential individuals, organisations and agencies. Since this initiative a small number have responded with interest to join and contribute. But the process admittedly is slow and will have to remain a priority for the region for the future.

• Several regional “focal point(wo)men” have been selected for the following countries in the region: - Kenya - Uganda - Tanzania - Ethiopia - Eritrea - Somaliland - Seychelles - Burundi The point persons will be the national links for membership and serve as recruitment agents as well sources of information.

Networking Existing members were concerned over the lack of communication and information on any new developments in the region. A regional list serve explained below was set up and is now functional. New postings on the site has been slow but interest is growing. This was impressively highlighted on three distinct occasions; the degazettement of Mabira Forest in Uganda, the proposed development on Lake Natron - a Ramsar site in Tanzania and contributions to the draft new wildlife Policy of Kenya. For an entirely new idea, this is a good beginning for the region. WCPA-EA LISTSERVE With assistance from Gland a list serve has been put in place to enhance circulation of information and feedback within the region. Members have caught on to the listserve and have resorted to use it for relevant communication with other members also. A good example, in addition to the above cases, was an invigorating debate on the CITES position on elephants by countries in the region. TASK FORCE ON EQUITY, LIVELIHOODS AND PROTECTED AREAS Arising from the last WCC and the SC, TILCEPA was tasked with establishing a Task Force on Protected Areas, Equity and Livelihoods. After a great deal of discussion and brainstorming, the


first meeting of a regional sub committee of the TF was held in Africa. Sponsored by CARE International and organized jointly by CARE, WCPA, Eastern Africa region VC and IUCN-EARO, a workshop to discuss PAEL was held in Entebbe, Uganda in January, 2007. Participants were invited from all the WCPA regions in Africa. An action plan outlining activities to be undertaken has been prepared. Since the meeting in Entebbe, the Plan has been circulated widely with some pledges received for funding of specific activities. A second workshop was held in Bangkok for the Asian sector with similar outputs coming out of the meeting. The plan is to hold a third one in Latin America perhaps in 2008. The vision is to formulate a global TF on PAEL with regional activities. We are hoping to be ready to formally launch the TF at the next WCC in 2008. The initiative is timely with an increasing number of countries in the above regions adopting new policies and legislation to address the anomalies and animosities of and towards PAs. But these legal instruments will still come to naught if there are no concrete structures and preparatory activities taking place. The PAEL Task Force, if well supported, can take a crucial lead in this regard. Funding for the activities identified has been slow in forthcoming, but as of December, 2007, support from McArthur and Ford Foundations was pledged with additional funding expected from Care, International and other partners WORLD HERITAGE SITES MEETING – NANYUKI, KENYA A meeting was held in Kenya by the UNESCO WH Sites organizing Committee to discuss the guidelines and status of country sites in Africa. The meeting also discussed the status of the WDPA under WCMC. I was invited to represent WCPA, EA. The forum was informed about the plans for establishing a Fund to support the WH sites in Africa. The VC has now been incorporated into the WHS Panel meeting of December, 2008. SCIENTIFIC WORKSHOP ON THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY (represented Gland) UNESCO WH Office held a second meeting to discuss the proposal to list the Great Rift Valley as an integrated WH site stretching from Africa to Israel. I was asked to represent both IUCN HQ as well as the WCPA. At the end of the meeting it was resolved that each country with potential sites would, with assistance from UNESCO, begin the process of data collection with the ultimate aim of collating the same for a joint application for listing of the entire GRV as one single site but under separate management. DEGAZETTMENT OF MABIRA FOREST, QUEEN ELIZABETH N. PARK AND KALANGALA ISLAND, UGANDA The Government of Uganda decided early this year (2007) to degazette two protected forest reserves and one national Park for industrial and recreation projects. The industrial projects involved setting up a sugar cane plantation and a palm tree plantation for palm oil production. The recreational project was for the creation of Golf Course. All three areas are important either as water catchment areas or as a wildlife sanctuary for elephant and the rare Uganda Kob. Inevitably, I had to get involved as the Director of the EAWLS as well as the EA, VC for WCPA. Several meetings were held with the relevant Ministers who presumably sought sober advice from us. The advice given was NOT to go ahead with this plan. It however took more than this to make the government change its mind. PROPOSAL ON “AFRICAN PARKS CONGRESS” The idea of holding an Africa wide conference on protected areas has been explored with a number of Eastern African and West African (thru VC for WA) national agencies. There have been two responses which need to be discussed further. One is to have regional based


conferences which would eventually culminate into a continental Congress where issues and recommendations form the regional meetings would be proposed. Another approach is to have one continental congress with regional streams and a final plenary with all the regions. Interest on sponsorship of those so far approached has been shown by the WB offices in Kenya and Tanzania, UNEP/GEF, KWS, TANAPA, UWS. Ideas from members of the WCPA-SC would be appreciated. KENYA WILDLIFE POLICY AND LEGISLATION REVIEW After a period of 25 years, the Kenya Government agreed to review its wildlife policy and legislation. Initially, the concept and process was noble and in recognition of my role in WCPA/IUCN and the EAWLS, I was appointed as the Vice Chair of the review Steering Committee. Unfortunately, animal welfare activist groups hijacked the process and played an deserving influence resulting in a draft policy and legislation, though has some new instruments, gives very little room for innovative ideas and devolution to landowners and communities. The product is already being challenged and may not be tabled in Parliament before it is revised again. IUCN EARO MEMBERS FORUM (CHAIR-INTERIM REGIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE) IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Africa held its 2006 annual members meeting in September. I was asked to be the Chair for the regional members Advisory Committee with the task of forming a formal Committee to represent member’s interests in IUCN. The design adopted by Southern Africa was accepted. Members have expressed reservations on the plan to merge the two regions into one and would like to know the WCPA position on this matter. IUCN PROTECTED AREAS CATEGORIES SUMMIT – SPAIN I had the privilege of attending the Categories Summit in Spain and had the opportunity to present some critical views on the categories in the perspective of Eastern Africa. The categories need to be better propagated and monitored for management efficiency. New emerging PA systems will have to be recognized without compromising on the principles. Participatory management is fast becoming the accepted norm in our region and Africa as a whole and needs to be captured sufficiently. CONFERENCE ON CLIMATE CHANGE The Royal Society of London held a Symposium on climate change and sought information and advise on the status of change in different regions and mitigation measures taken, and what should the RS be doing globally. I was asked to make a presentation on the effects felt in PAs in East Africa. KWS CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IMPERATIVES WCPA-EA was duly recognised in a conference held in Nairobi by KWS to examine research imperatives in East Africa. I gave a presentation on the role of PAs and conservation in PAs in Africa. WCPA IN KENYA ENVIRONMENT POLICY DEVELOPMENT WCPA has through the VC been incorporated into the Steering Committee of the Environment Policy Development. PROJECT DESIGN FOR NORTHERN UGANDA Northern Uganda had been an area largely deserted by the populace because of the 20 year war


between the Government and the LRA led by Kony. Recent attempts at bringing peace has been successful and the IDP are beginning a slow process of going back to their homes. After a two decade absence of any utilisation of the land has allowed it to regenerate impressively. However, with the en masse return of the IDPs with no matching support for resettlement, the immediate source of basic needs will be the natural resources on their lands and surrounding areas. With this in mind, USAID, Uganda has plans to undertake projects to address this possible impact and help the communities in mitigating the adverse aspects. VC-EA was formally asked to join a team to study the situation and propose activities around sustainable natural resources management in Acholi land of northern Uganda. WDPA REVIEW OF REGIONAL CONTACTS

I was asked to assist in reviewing the list of contacts in the WDPA network. This was done and has raised expectations on WDPA, such as updated info on PAs, networking on global expertise on PAs, etc. which need to be met. FORECAST OF ACTIVITIES FOR 2007/08

Continue membership recruitment Improve on networking and regional consultations Organise a Regional Parks Congress? Launch Regional Newsletter Help coordinate African interests and concerns on PAs at 2008 WCC Continue with fundraising appeals

CHALLENGES 1. Activating the membership to participate and contribute to regional and global

activities of WCPA has proved to be more demanding and puzzling than I thought likely. Of course, lack of resources complicates and makes this objective even harder to achieve.

2. The absence of past WCPA consistent contact and involvement of the PA Agencies in the region has made it harder to reactive the interest of the officers in these Agencies. However, marked success has been seen in Uganda, Seychelles and Tanzania, while Kenya surprisingly has not been too interested in much outside their own mandate – even in the country. For the next 12 months focus will be drawn toward Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea.

3. Funding for VC office and regional travel expenses has not been enough, forcing me to exploit my Institutional treasury.


North Africa Middle East Major Accomplishments MENA RVC By Mohammad S. Sulayem 31 January 2008 Membership Membership has increased especially in the last three years. It includes several senior government officials as well as non-government high caliber experts in different fields. There is also increase in the number of women and youth. Recruitment of new members is still needed and continuing. Collaboration with IUCN WAME regional office: 1. Promoting Sound Protected Areas Management in WAME The protected areas program of WAME during its second year of operation focused on re-establishing IUCN’s position in the regional and sub-regional networks of institutions and experts concerned with protected Areas. The program focused on re-introducing IUCN and its value added to the regional context and confirming the vital role it plays as the global authority for knowledge and expertise in the sustainable use of natural resources and sound and effective management of protected areas. One sub-regional PA initiative in central Asia and seven country based initiatives in Oman, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Yemen were undertaken by the program including the delivery of more than fifteen workshops, assessment reports and technical missions. The re-establishment of cooperation with the WCPA with aims at enhancing the regional network of experts, supporting regional priorities, building technical capacities of regional members and partners and developing a set of at least three regional guidelines and best practices. The hope is for an eventual one program approach for WCPA MENA region & IUCN WAME regional office. 2. WCPA role in the 6th WESCANA RCF An excellent channel of communication regarding the role of WCPA and WCPA MENA RVC in the WESCANA Regional Conservation Forum was established with the IUCN regional office in Amman. The contribution of WCPA RVC and members at the 6th RCF, Tehran, May 2007, was significant and positive. 3. Net work More punctual network of email list of all members is being developed in joint collaboration with IUCN WAME regional office. Also the regional program news letter is covering a large number of PA related regional activities. 4. Translation of WCPA Best Practice Protected Areas Guidelines The translation of several WCPA Guidelines publications into Arabic was agreed and coordinated with the IUCN WAME office in Jordan. The plan is to translate 6 to 8 of the series before the end of 2008. Three books were translated so far. It was agreed with Environment Public Authority, Kuwait and the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research to fund the first translated book within the next three months. They are:

1. National System Planning for Protected Areas. 2. Guidelines for Management Planning for Protected Areas 3. Indigenous and Traditional Peoples and Protected Areas - Principles, Guidelines and

Case Studies. The remaining 3 to five books will be translated and printed later this year. 5. Revival of the Hema system. A workshop under the theme: “Conservation for Poverty Reduction; Traditional Approaches in West Asia: Hima Revival and Evolution Through the 21st Century” was held in Lebanon, 24-28


March 2007. The workshop was co-sponsored and organized by IUCN WAME regional office and other partners. Participants agreed to use, promote, and support a “road map” as an enabling framework for creating synergies and complementarities to advance traditional approaches to conservation such as the Hima concept in the region. Other Regional Activities: A Federation for Protected Areas in the Arab Countries The Council of Ministers Responsible for the Environment in the Arab League approved the establishment of a Federation for Protected Areas in the Arab Countries, December, 2005. This Federation was proposed and hosted by the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, Saudi Arabia. The proposed main objective of this Federation is the coordination and collaboration between Arab Countries in the establishment and management of protected areas. This objective includes providing technical and financial supports, capacity building, evaluation of protected areas and gap analyses, supporting rural sustainable development through sustainable use of protected areas resources and the participation of local communities and other stakeholders… Technical assistance to Abu Dhabi Upon a request from the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates to the IUCN WAME regional office WCPA MENA regional vice chair provided a suggestion on how best to design a national law enforcement scheme for wildlife conservation. Coordination with WCPA RVC for E. Africa In coordination with Dr. Ali Kaka, WCPA RVC E. Africa for Dr. Brahim Haddan from Morocco was appointed and attended the first meeting to establish the Task Force on Protected Areas and Equity, Africa. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve consultation A meeting was held at the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in the United Arab Emirates15, 16 November 2007. It was attended by Tony Williams and Greg Simkins from DDCR, Habib N. El-Habr UNEP Regional Office for West Asia, Charles Besançon WCMC, Khaldoun Al-Omari IUCN/WAME and Mohammed Sulayem WCPA/MENA. The main objective of the was to explore how to assist the efforts of the DDCR in being recognized in the UN List of Protected Areas and the World Database on Protected Areas and globally. This meeting set the stage for future interaction between organizations, opportunities for networking under the umbrella of WCPA and other organizations and opened the door to more accurate reporting on protected area systems through the World Database on Protected Areas managed at the UNEP WCMC. Several action points were agreed to.


North America Annual Report, October 2006–September 2007 Dave Harmon, vice chair Jessica Brown, deputy vice chair Accomplishments • The primary activity during the period was to begin the complex process of reviewing the U.S.

dataset of the WDPA and to agree upon a framework to assign IUCN protected area categories to individual protected areas. At the 2006 WCPA Steering Committee meeting the WCPA-NA vice chair was asked to review the U.S. dataset as then represented in the WDPA and to begin working with the U.S. Geological Survey Gap Analysis Program (USGS GAP), whose database on U.S. protected areas is one of the best available, on “crosswalking” their existing GAP categorization to the IUCN system. He did so, taking part in several meetings with USGS GAP and WDPA representatives. He also developed a background briefing paper and, separately, a draft crosswalking protocol. Using this material, USGS GAP has completed a pilot study that applies the crosswalking protocol to a portion of its U.S. dataset (the American Southwest). The goal of the project is to agree upon a rational system to apply IUCN categories to U.S. protected areas, for eventual inclusion in the WDPA. The USGS-GAP team will make a presentation on this work at the 2007 WCPA Steering Committee meeting in Yellowstone. An informal group involving a few WCPA-NA members will be working with USGS-GAP as the process moves forward.

• A second important activity was participating in the Categories Summit in May in Alméria,

Spain. Beginning in the fall the vice chair was asked to help ensure that a wide range of North American viewpoints were represented at the summit; this required close coordination with the summit’s organizers. WCPA-NA members also provided a number of background papers for the summit, including:

• “A barcode for protected areas” (John Waugh) • “Wilderness classification and the World Conservation Union” (Harold Eidsvik) • “What does IUCN’s protected area definition actually mean?” (Dave Harmon) • “Category II” (Cyril Kormos) • “Category V” (Jessica Brown, co-author) • “A commentary on the origins of the category system” (Kenton Miller) • “From accounting to action” (Jeffrey Parrish, co-author) • “In defense of protected landscapes” (John Morrison, Fausto Sarmiento, co-authors) • “Rethinking protected area categories and the new paradigm (Harvey Locke and Phil

Dearden) • “Private protected areas” (Brent Mitchell)

Most of those named above participated personally in the summit. WCPA-NA members also contributed to plenary panels (including K. Miller, Ernesto Enkerlin Hoeflich, H. Locke, C. Kormos, J. Brown), while others participated in other ways (Stephen Woodley, Tony Turner, Vance Martin, Brad Barr, Louis Bélanger). Also participating from North America were Kent Redford, Craig Groves, Sue Miller, Ben Boer, and Thomas Brooks.

In advance of the summit, a few WCPA-NA members (J. Brown, F. Sarmiento, J. Morrison) participated in a workshop on Category V hosted by the government of Catalonia and jointly organized by the WCPA Task Forces on Categories and on Protected Landscapes (see reports from these task forces).


• The vice chair spent a good deal of time arranging logistical matters as co-host of the 2007 WCPA Steering Committee meeting in Yellowstone National Park, 16–21 September. This included creating a meeting website.

• At the April 2007 George Wright Society Conference, there was an informal luncheon get-

together, hotsed by Nik Lopoukhine and Mike Wong, of those WCPA-NA members who attended. In addition, Harvey Locke gave a keynote speech and several WCPA-NA members presented at sessions on international protected area themes.

• The WCPA-NA listserv provided news updates and discussion of issues throughout the year. • The vice chair tapped Jessica Brown to serve as deputy vice chair, and has an acceptance

pending from Ernesto Enkerlin Hoeflich (president, CONANP) to serve as deputy from Mexico. An invitation to a Canadian deputy vice chair is forthcoming.

Objectives for the coming year • Reach final agreement on the GAP/IUCN categories crosswalk; work with USGS GAP to

apply the protocol to the remainder of the U.S. protected areas dataset; coordinate with WDPA to get the new data into the global database.

• Make progress on other items in the 2005–08 workplan. • Plan for effective North American participation at the World Conservation Congress. (Some

task forces led by WCPA-NA members are planning events in conjunction with the WCC.) • Pursue opportunities for closer cooperation with the U.S. National Park Service through its

Office of International Affairs.


Northern Eurasia Region Natalia Danilina 2004 -2008 - The most part of WCPA activities in the Northern Eurasia Region in the field was implemented in framework of successful UNEP/GEF project: “Strengthening the Network of Training Centers for Protected Area Managers in Northern Eurasia”. - On behalf on WCPA took part in the Civil -G8 and participated in the drafting the Recommendation for G8 in the field of Biodiversity conservation and PA - The books Best Practice series was translated into Russian, published and distributed via WCPA members, PA specialists all over the Northern Eurasia Region - Four Training Centres for PA staff were created and working in the Northern Eurasia Region under umbrella of WCPA (UNEP/GEF Project). More 30 trainings for trainers, PA staff, local people were create on the base of these TC. - Coordination the process of development of the Governmental Strategy for Russian Protected Areas. - Model programs of sustainable social-economical development of PAs and surrounded areas were successfully implemented in Russia. The best practice was disseminated in the Region. - the monthly newspaper “Protected Islands” (Zapovednye ostrova) regularly published and disseminated in Northern Eurasia. - The All-Russian conference The History and the Future of Protected Areas System was created in March 2006 in Moscow (Russia). - Very good links were built with Governmental PA Agency in the most countries of the region, as well with Russian Presidential Administration, Public House of Russian Federation. Close cooperation with International Projects in the Region (UNDP Wetland Project, Kazakhstan; UNDP Kamchatka and Low Volga Projects, Russia and others) . Close cooperation with IUCN Moscow office and IUCN members in the region, UNESCO Moscow office, WWF RPO .


South America REPORT ACTIVITIES –SEPTEMBER 2007 TO AUGUST 2008- IUCN WCPA HISPANIC SOUTH AMERICA REGION

By Carmen Miranda L.

Regional Vice Chair for South America IUCN – World Commission on Protected Areas

1. Strengthening the Commission: Over the last year the number of WCPA members in Hispanic South America has grown, involving an active and enthusiastic membership from all countries of the region. New members, especially experts from the national agencies of protected areas have become involved, and also after the Congress in Bariloche, senior representatives and young candidates from different sectors are eager to participate in the Commission. 2. WCPA Hispanic Southamerican Steering Committee: During the last period the following WCPA members have acted as focal points in each country of the region:

- Argentina: Miguel Pellerano - Bolivia: Oscar Loayza - Colombia: Heliodoro Sanchez - Ecuador: Roberto Ulloa - Venezuela: Maria Pia Bevilacqua - Peru: Silvia Sanchez - Chile: Jaime Rovira - Uruguay: Rossana Berrini - Paraguay: Victor Vera

During the last two decades there has been much progress in the development of Protected Areas Systems in the region, At the same time, it is also certain that lasting recent years, due to diverse factors, several of the region’s Protected Areas Systems face several threats. In this context, in some countries in the region, such as Peru, Uruguay and Bolivia, Commission members, , under the leadership of the WCPA focal point, organized activities in terms of mobilization and technical support to the national and local Protected Areas Systems. 3. II Latin-American Congress of Protected Areas, Bariloche – Argentina: One of our most important activities during this last period was the organization of the II Latin-American Congress of Protected Areas, which was held in Bariloche, Argentina, from September 30th to October 6th, 2007. I served as member of the Organization Committee, representing WCPA. Near 2,400 participants shared their countries’ experiences from over the last several years. They consolidated procedures for an integral management of national parks and others protected areas in order to exchange, encourage and implement methodological tools, planning elements and more adequate management policies. The broad evaluation and exchange developed during the Congress has resulted in renewed commitments, plans and programs for better management of the protected areas in the region. Preparations for the Bariloche Congress and the results achieved there have been very important in strengthening the involvement of WCPA members from the region. It has resulted in


reinvigorating the Commission in the region, helping in to be more proactive and better focused on the role of WCPA in the different countries of the region. 4. Reports about the status of National Systems of Protected Areas: The WCPA members participated in the elaboration of nine national reports about the National Systems of Protected Areas in South American countries, which were elaborated as part of the coordination between WCPA and FAO. The WCPA members participated also in the revision and discussion of the regional report about the general situation of Protected Areas in Latin America. 5. Preparation of publications: We are working to prepare the following documents:

• Regional report about the general situation of Protected Areas in Latin America. • A regional report about the IIRSA (Program of Regional Infrastructure) impact in the

protected areas

6. Technical Assistance: Technical assistance on a voluntary basis has been provided as follows:

• Requests were received from Uruguay to help in the design of the National Protected Areas System. This request has been to Nigel Dudley and their Task Force.

• Requests to advice in the elaboration of the initial proposal for a new bi-national Biosphere Reserve between Argentina and Bolivia, along the Andean mountain range.

• Conceptualization of local protected areas systems for some departments in Bolivia

7. Electronic discussions within the WCPA membership, about some important topics: With the WCPA members, regional discussions were developed focusing on the following topics:

• Revision of the Categories Guidelines. • Motions about Protected Areas and their threats to be presented in Barcelona’s World

Congress. • New arrangements of Protected Areas Governance

8. International Technical Review Committee (ITRC): During the period I was part of the ITRC uncharged to review country applications presented to the GEF and UNDP Supporting Country Action on the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas. 9. Meetings: During the period reported, I attend the following meetings:

• September 16th to 21th, 2007, WCPA Steering Committee meeting, Yellowstone, USA. • September 30th to October 6th, 2007, II Latin-American Congress of Protected Areas,

Bariloche - Argentina. • February 4th to 9th, 2008, 3er World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, Madrid, Spain. • April, Durban +5 and WCPA Steering Committee meeting, Cape Town, South Africa.


• April 27th to May 1st, 2008, Protected Landscapes Task Force meeting, “Advancing the Protected Landscape Approach. North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England.

10. Improving coordination with IUCN South American Region, the Regional UICN

Program: With the participation of the WCPA membership we have defined concrete tasks for the Commission in support of information and communication, coordination and articulation with the work of other commissions, exchange of experiences and the debate of prioritized subjects. We identified and propose to include the following main topics in the Regional IUCN Program for the coming period:

a) A GAP Analysis at the regional level b) Implementation of a monitoring program about the situation of progress and threats to the

protected areas of the region, that emphasizes the regional priorities identified in the II Congress of Parks and Other protected areas in Bariloche and the PoWPA of the CBD.

c) Systemization and dissemination of instruments and innovative tools on bioregional planning, connectivity conservation at the landscape scale, effectiveness of management, new governance arrangements and equity in the administration of the natural protected areas. In addition, we plan to organize an action platform, exchange and wide training about these instruments.

d) Incorporation of the role of protected areas as part of national strategies for adapting to climate change. We will collaborate in the establishment of mitigation measures and adaptation in critical ecosystems of the region, with an emphasis on learning and regional cooperation.

e) Promoting synergy with other institutions and organizations, for the contribution to increase the understanding and commitment of the authorities and the society in the effective management of the protected areas.

f) Cooperation in the design, planning and management of Indigenous Territories and other initiatives related with the protected areas, within the framework of collaboration agreements.

During the next period it will be very important to maintain the leadership about the needs of the protected areas in the region, as well as to create mechanisms to follow up the commitments from our last regional meeting.


South Asia

1. A Regional Seminar on Protected Areas was held (April 22-25, 2007) in Kathmandu under the leadership of Nepal's National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Department, National Trust for Nature Conservation, ICIMOD, WWF-Nepal, IUCN-Nepal. IUCN/WCPA South Asia supported the event and helped 140 participants of 10 countries of South Asia and East Asia to focus on the issues of future prospects and dynamics of PAs and the need of the day to remain innovative in their management. Several WCPA members of South Asia and East Asia attended the seminar.

2. A Sub-regional workshop on the implementation of the CBD PoW on PAs was held (April

2-4, 2007) in Dehradun, India. The Workshop reviewed the implementation of CBD PoW on PAs and explored areas for strengthening capacity of partners. The Workshop was organized by CBD Secretariat and supported by the European Union and the Government of India. The party delegates representing 13 countries of South Asia and West Asia participated in the Workshop, in addition to several INGOs including Nature Conservancy, WWF-International and WCPA South Asia. WCPA Regional Vice Chair presented a case study on sustainable financing as a resource person. The review focused on three distinct themes: (i) Filling ecological gaps in South Asia and West Asia sub-regions, (ii) Sustainable financing of PAs, and (iii) Management effectiveness of PAs.

3. Wildlife Conservation Nepal with the support of WCPA South Asia and Radio Nepal

conducted a workshop to sensitize media personnel of Nepal, especially targeting issues of wildlife conservation. Media personnel, representing the print, TV, and audio of the major houses, were shown the importance of responsible reporting of conservation issues and to develop skills to identify core issues.

4. Regional Vice Chair of South Asia provided regional inputs to the WDPA to update the

PA database.

5. Others: (a) Membership has remained steady. (b) Two newsletters produced and circulated among WCPA members in South Asia has helped to disseminate information and to seek feedbacks. (c) Vice Chair attended WCPA Steering Committee meeting in Yellowstone national Park (16-21 September 2007) and spoke (supporting other RVCs) for the need for greater clarity on the role of the WCPA Regional Vice Chairs, particularly in relation to the mismatch between the tasks increasingly demanded of RVCs and the lack of resources to do the job effectively. (d) Regional Vice Chair of South Asia highlighted the need of effectively implementing the CBD PoW on PAs in many fora he was invited in his personal or government capacity.

Finally, it seems we need to emphasize more clearly that WCPA would be more effective if we select committed members and pursue each one of them to remain active in the area/field they are in, in order to achieve the WCPA objectives. Uday Sharma Regional Vice Chair, WCPA South Asia 25/01/2008


South East Asia 2007 by Cristi Nozawa 1. Terrestrial Gap Analysis The workshop and the gap analysis report provides a platform for each of the 10 ASEAN member countries to undertake their own national gap analysis and work to complete the protected area networks to ensure representativeness. The report also could be used by each country as their first gap analysis work that with additional information in the future be completed and expanded. The project provided the seed for further action on ensuring representativeness of protected area systems in the countries covering the 4 hotspots of Sundaland, Indo-burma, Wallacea and Philippines). The workshop on governance and categories has also provided the national protected area agencies to consider protected areas under governance mechanisms other than national government managed. This can contribute much to the coverage of the national protected area system without necessarily adding or declaring new protected areas. A gap analysis report for the ASEAN countries will be published using available information from BirdLIfe International, Conservation International, UNEP WCMC and ACB. 2. MPA Gap Analysis A workshop session was convened at the regional PA conference. There is interest from ACB in the conduct of a gap analysis for the region covering the marine protected areas.

3. Capacity Building (more than 150 individuals trained in 2007) The project has definitely made a big contribution to building capacity of protected area managers, decision makers and local community leaders in South East Asia. With 100 individuals participating in the 4 training workshops and many or more participants to the regional conference, this project has greatly contributed to building the capacity of a core of people particularly those who manage the ASEAN Heritage Parks. A total of 33 protected area managers from 30 protected areas in the region including but not limited to ASEAN Heritage Park managers. Meanwhile a core of government individuals (36) from the national protected area agencies, national NGOs (21) and local community leaders including indigenous peoples (10) where given a chance to learn directly from other practitioners in the region through the training workshops. Of the total number of trainees, 24 were women. Some 14 of the trainees participated in more than one training workshop. The topics covered included are:

a) Management Effectiveness Assessments- (A follow up training on MEA for protected areas in the Philippines was convened by Haribon Foundation and the government of the Philippines. They are looking at a possible pilot to be supported by ACB.)

b) Improving Communications Planning and Implementation c) Protected Area Gap Analysis d) Governance and Protected areas Categories -(A follow up regional training on community

conserved areas was held in November 2007 with support from the ACB and the government of the Philippines)

Support was provided by WWF International for the MEA workshop allowing us to support 43 participants to the training workshop including 6 from Myanmar. This was on encouragement from Nik Lophoukhine, WCPA chair. 4. Regional Protected Area conference A total of 235 protected area practitioners participated in the 4th Regional Protected area conference that run alongside the 2nd ASEAN Heritage Parks meeting. The total number of protected area managers in the regional conference was 49. We also had almost all the heads of national park agencies in the 10 ASEAN member countries participating at the regional conference. We had 63 participants from national protected area agencies; 109 from NGOs and


14 local community leaders at the regional conference. This was co-hosted by Sabah Parks, Malaysia and the ACB. The resulting Kinabalu Action Plan contains follow up actions to the programme of work on protected areas for SEA countries. 5. 3 Pilot protected areas: Improving Communications and working relationships with local communities around PAS WCPA SEA has opened lines of communication by protected area managers with local communities in three selected protected areas in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. The protected area managers of the three pilot protected areas have considered local community groups as “causing the problems” in the protected area. With the project intervention, closer dialogue between protected area managers and local communities have been started particularly in areas were the protected area manager has felt that local communities are contributing to the destructive activities within the park. In all three areas, a local NGO acted as intermediary between the protected area management and the local communities. In Thailand, it was Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST). In Indonesia it was Komunitas Konservasi Indonesia -WARSI (KKI-WARSI). In the Philippines it was Haribon Foundation. Initial communication actions were started in all sites. In all sites face to face communication –dialogue between the park management and the local people was a key communication tool used. The project provided a venue for greater face to face and direct communication among the parties. Other communication tools or materials produced included the setting up of billboards along the roadside and access points, community assembly or meetings, radio plugs, print materials such as comics, brochures and fact sheets. 6. Networking, Publication and Translation of IUCN Guidelines

A working relationship with the ASEAN Center for Biodivsersity or ACB has been started with the joint implementation of the above activities. Discussions are on going for PALNet and also for ACB to act as a possible regional hub for WDPA covering the 10 ASEAN member countries. Peter is in discussion with ACB re: PALNet

Four publications are coming out based on the above activities. These are:

a) Gap Analysis for terrestrial protected areas b) Case studies on protected areas management in SEA c) Assessement of Institutional Arrangements of three pilot protected areas in SEA d) Proceedings of the Regional Conference and the Kinabalu Action Plan

English is not the first language in SEA and we need to reach out to PA managers who can only read in their own languages. We also produced in CD form the following guidelines translated into Bahasa Indonesia and Thai. WCPA members in Indonesia and Thailand made these translations possible. These are as follows: To Bahasa Indonesia-

a) Evaluating Effectiveness: A framework for assessing Management Effectiveness of Protected Areas;

b) Best Practice Protected Area Guideline Series No. 3 Guidelines for Marine Protected Areas

To the Thai language-

a) Guidelines for Management Planning of Protected Areas; b) Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas)


WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA 2005 – 2008 by Brice Sinsin

1. Regional strategic plan for protected area management a. Policy document setting: in June 2005 a strategic Action Plan was developed

based on the draft of the WCPA Strategic Plan discussed earlier at the steering committee meeting in Gland. This document was improved later and distributed through email addresses of WCPA members in West and Central Africa.

b. The key focus of the Action plan was the request to more aware decision makers particularly politician to take official and legal decision to support protected area activities. In that frame, the celebration of a Protected Area Days was suggested. Since 2006 the government of Benin had taken a government decree to establish an official national protected area day which became in 2007 a National Week of Protected Area. This event is a very important occasion and opportunity to launch exhibitions on protected area contributions to local and national economy. More than 30,000 people visitors were recorded and in 2008 delegations from Burkina Faso and Niger participated to that event in Cotonou (Benin) with the participation of three Benin ministers those in charge of protected areas, tourism and agriculture. In Burkina Faso, some WCPA members were engaged to organise such a protected area day with the involvement of their government.

2. Capacity building

a. Workshops : many workshops had been held in different countries (Benin, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mauritania, Niger, Cameroon, Democratique Republic of Congo, etc.) dealing with participatory approach and experience in protected area management, gender and protected area management, effective management of protected areas, coastal and marine protected area initiative in West Africa, benefit sharing, members of parliament involvement in protected area, etc. Participants to that workshops where from protected area managers, local communities, politicians and universities.

b. Training activities: research activities to support protected area management were stressed and through my exchanges with colleagues from Benin, Burkina, Niger, Mali, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo more and more young students are trained on protected area issues. A field practical exercise was held in the W Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in Niger in August 2008. Students and lecturers from Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Senegal, and park managers from Niger were the main participants to that field training. A training of SIG utilisation and database management for research in protected areas was organised for students from Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Niger in Benin in February 2008.

3. Networking: Central African park managers with the support of European Union had

established the network of Central Africa National Park, the so called RAPAC (Réseau des Aires Protégées d’Afrique Centrale). A workshop in May 2007 was organised in Democratic Republic of Congo to exchange on Central Africa protected area management through the RAPAC.

4. Curriculum development: most of the universities in West and Central Africa deal with protected area management. So far at regional level, the wildlife school of Garoua (Cameroon) is the only one which houses a regional training college for medium level park managers. A new programme is in experimentation to organise higher level curriculum for park managers. The regional IUCN Office in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) through its programme on protected area supported by the French Found for Environment is developing a curriculum on protected area management for a Master degree at regional level and that training will begin in October 2008.


5. Some key realisations: a. First of all the government decree to celebrate on yearly basis a National Week

of Protected Areas in Benin b. The creation of the Central Africa Network ofn Protected Areas (RAPAC) c. The organisation of a workshop to stress the participation and the role of women

in protected area management in Dakar (Senegal in May 2007) d. The organisation of a workshop for members of parliament in West Africa in

Cotonou (Benin) which ended by the so called declaration of Cotonou in April 2008.

e. The development of a regional curriculum for setting a Master degree training on protected area management in Burkina Faso, starting in October 2008 with some fellowships for trainees.

6. Membership: recruitment of new members with regard to gender issue is ongoing. 7. activities in future:

a. Discuss with East Africa WCPA Vice Chair (Ali Kaka) on the organisation of an African Protected Area Congress

b. Establish a network of protected areas in West Africa c. Establish a West & Central Africa network for Protected Area Education to better

stress higher education to deal with training on protected area issues d. Improve communication between WCPA members through internet.

Capacity Development

Strategic Direction


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WCPA Tourism & Protected Areas Task Force Chair, Prof Paul Eagles Co-Chairs, Prof Robyn Bushell, Australia and Prof Steve McCool, USA There is a lot going on in the world of tourism and protected areas. The WCPA Tourism Task Force is charged with a mission of enhancing our understanding of the linkages between among tourism, protected areas and communities. The Tourism Task Force (TTF) views understanding such linkages as critical to building capacity among protected area managers to address issues of visitation and protection of the values for which protected areas are designated. Activity Highlights The Task Force is represented on a joint UNESCO- World Heritage Centre, IUCN, ICOMOS, ICROM initiative Rethinking the Destination Management and Visitation at World Heritage Sites The project has support and involvement from the UN-World Tourism Organisation, the World Bank and numerous conservation NGOs and tourism industry operators. A three year project it is expected to produce policies and processes for engaging the tourism industry in a more productive manner. Workshops Yosemite National Park holds Symposium on User Capacity The National Park Service hosted a user capacity symposium (symposium) in Yosemite National Park on February 6-8, 2008, at the Yosemite Lodge in Yosemite Valley. More than 130 people from around the country participated in the event representing various interest groups including over 50 local stakeholders and members of the general public The report can be downloaded at: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/symposium.htm. Limits of Acceptable Change Meeting of the Minds in Ft. Collins, Colorado explores issues associated with management of visitors and tourism in protected areas Colorado State University and the U.S. Forest Service hosted a 3 day workshop in June 2008 to discuss application of the Limits of Acceptable Change planning framework. Twenty-five protected area professionals from the Americas participated in the workshop, representing various governments and NGOs International Conference on Sustainable Tourism Management in Heritage Sites The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre jointly organized the conference at the Mount Huangshan World Heritage site in China from 24 to 27 March 2008. Task Force members were involved. International Workshop on Better Management of World Natural Heritage has been announced for 6-9 November at Jeju Volcanic Island World Heritage Site in the Republic of Korea. The Workshop is being organized by the newly established International Association of Protected Area Studies and the IUCN National Committee of Korea. Publications Hvenegaard, G. 2008. Summary of the workshop to explore relationships between protected areas and sustainable forest management. Sustainable Forest Management Network State of Knowledge Project. http://www.mun.ca/biology/ywiersma/sfmnproject/SOK_Ottawa_workshop_summary_DRAFT.doc. Spenceley, A. 2008 Responsible Tourism Critical Issues for Conservation and Development Earthscan


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McCool, S. 2007 Guest Editor PARKS Vol 16 -2 Special Edition on Visitor Experiences – numerous Task Force members contributed articles Bushell, R. & Eagles, P.A (Eds) (2007) Benefits Beyond Boundaries: Tourism & Protected Areas The Vth World Parks Congress, 2003 CABI Press.

numerous Task Force members contributed chapters Bushell, R. (2005) ‘Protected Areas and Tourism’. In, J.A. McNeely (ed) Friends for Life: New Partnerships in Support of Protected Areas. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. pp141 -154. Steve McCool is producing an electronic newsletter for the Task Force

Conserving Biodiversity

Strategic Direction


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Caves and Karst Task Force as at Dec 2007. Chair: Elery Hamilton-Smith, AM Introduction The task force has continued to operate as a wide-ranging network of karstologists drawn from many scientific disciplines and the ranks of amateur (but expert) speleologists. As chair, I also maintain close liaison with some 20 conservation and karst NGOs, both as an avenue of communication and as agencies able to support and foster the proper care of karst regions. The overall policy and program of the Task Force is based in the assumption that we must see karst as a complex and dynamic holistic system which demands integration of knowledge from many disciplines. In a way, this must also be reflected in our approach to conservation (and other) actions – in managing such a system, we can never only do one thing. One size does not fit all. This report summarises the evolution of the approach to the responsibilities of the task force. I find it useful to summarise our program according to the guiding principles of the strategic plan:

Knowledge: generating, integrating, managing and disseminating information is IUCN’s core business, with the volunteer networks of the Commissions (particularly WCPA) acting as the key collators of knowledge Most of the major investigators and scholars working on karst issues are either members of the Task Force or included in the support network established by the task force. A constant flow of e-mail, many WWW sites, seminars and access to journals are constantly used to exchange and disseminate knowledge. The task force regularly participates in and utilises all of these opportunities. We also place a high priority upon on-site support of cave and karst management by members of the task force to governmental and private land management and tourism agencies. In the period under review, on-site or internet advice and support has been provided in at least 67 countries. This fosters continuing dissemination of new knowledge at the local level where it is vitally important.. Empowerment: building capacity, responsibility and willingness of people and institutions to plan, manage, conserve, and use nature and natural resources The focus upon localised support is the major capacity-building program of the task force, but is supported by participation in many local or regional seminars. We also foster exchange between comparable sites, e.g., between Plitvice Lakes in Croatia and Jiuzhaigou in China. Governance: improving laws, policies, economic instruments and institutions for the conservation and sustainable use of nature and natural resources Significant contribution to governance often demands larger project development over an extended period. Current examples, each demanding an integrated multi-disciplinary team, include World Heritage planning and management in China, dealing with massive tourism problems in Vietnam, the development and management of conservation policy and strategies in


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Bosnia and Herzegovina and furthering the strategic plan for World Heritage in Papua New Guinea. Operations: providing the foundations for effective delivery and use of knowledge, empowerment, and governance through competent management, information, finance, human resources, and communications systems. This summarises the way in which the integrated action of the task force is aimed at ensuring higher quality of the conservation and management of caves and karst. Future Directions Currently, we have been working at a review and reorganization of the task force with a new Chair to be appointed. This has provided a significant opportunity for change and re-direction, and will be fully reported on in the near future. Specific issues to be given special priority include: - A revision of the 1997 Guidelines for Cave and Karst Protection in the light of new knowledge

and understandings - Special attention to the proper management of the massive reserves of karst groundwater - A major movement to improve management and quality of the tourism industry in karst areas Elery Hamilton-Smith 27th January 2008


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Marine Biome Overview Over the past two years WCPA-Marine has made substantial progress towards fulfilling its role of supporting the global MPA community in its work to develop an effective and sustainable global network of MPAs. Firstly, and in collaboration with various partners around the world, we have developed a global Plan of Action. The Plan of Action is a relatively short document intended to bring you quickly up-to-date on our global mission, the context for our work, how we add value to the global MPA community, who is involved in supporting WCPA–Marine, and other relevant issues. A key component to the success of WCPA-Marine is the effectiveness, extent, and reach of its global network of expertise. A cornerstone of this is the WCPA-Marine Regional Coordinator framework, whereby we have an in-situ expert appointed to coordinate WCPA-Marine activities in the region. Over the past year, we have greatly strengthened the capacity this network and now have a complete regional coordinator network covering all oceans of the world. We are currently in the process of further building the capacity of this network by appointing country-level coordinators where necessary, as well as developing an effective communications structure to support the efforts of the regional and country coordinators. Secondly, we undertook an exhaustive one-year Organisational Review of WCPA-Marine, with funding from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The results of this review have been built into our global Plan of Action and also form the basis of our Business Plan – it is the first time WCPA – Marine has had such a key document that will enable us to move our strategy forward. Thirdly, and as part of our commitment in the global Plan of Action to accelerate progress in achieving the global MPA agenda, we have developed an online ‘commitment tracker’ tool. This tool will be freely accessible to the MPA community, and is the first time that MPA commitments (both binding and non-binding) have been systematically stored and tracked. We hope this will greatly enhance the ability of the global community to keep track of MPA commitments that are relevant to their location, as well as celebrating progress towards them. Finally, and towards our goal of increasing visibility, understanding, and awareness of MPAs, we have formulated an implementation plan for the Protect Planet Ocean Review (aka the ‘Wet List’). This Review will provide a regular and globally consistent electronic publication which assesses progress towards MPA targets and celebrate successes globally at the scale of the WCPA Marine regions. Recent activities Publications and Reports The “How is your MPA Managed” project received a $50,000 USD grant from the Packard Foundation to hold a pre-conference workshop at WCC and publish a guidance document. The full technical version of “Establishing MPA Networks: Making it Happen” has been completed and will be released at WCC. The French version of the “Establishing MPA Networks” (summary version) was completed and will be released at WCC. It joins the English and Spanish versions, completed in 2007. The WCPA-Marine Plan of Action has been completed and will be released (in English, French and Spanish).


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Policy: WCPA-Marine participated in the following workshops and conferences:

i. IUCN GEF/IW-Learn Workshop on Payments for Ecosystem Services 3-5 April, Hanoi, Vietnam

ii. Global Ocean Forum on Oceans Coasts and Islands, 7-10 April, Hanoi, Vietnam

iii. CBD COP9, 19-30 May, Bonn, Germany iv. The Nature Conservancy Workshop on Payments for Ecosystem Services,

16-19 June, Bainbridge Island, WA v. Capitol Hill Oceans Week, 3-5 June, Washington, DC. vi. Marine Environmental Protection Product Specification Task Group

Workshop, International Hydrographic Organisation, 3-5 June, San Francisco, USA

At these meetings, WCPA-Marine liaised with Regional Coordinators and other partners, provided support for GMP and WCC planning, and liaised with partners and contacts involved in our MPA work. WCPA-Marine is also involved in a CBD Secretariat-led initiative in reviewing the Programme of Work on Marine and Coastal Biological Diversity (which met most recently at CBD COP9). WCPA-Marine also provided support for the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program workshop held in Washington DC in March. Partnerships: WCPA-Marine is working closely with CI, TNC and WWF on several initiatives aimed at raising visibility and increasing commitments towards 2012 MPA targets. Development of an MPA Web Portal is currently underway, to be launched at WCC. WCPA-Marine has assembled a steering committee of partners including NOAA, Natural England, PISCO, TNC, CI, WWF, which met in January, March and June. WCPA-Marine has appointed a network of 20 voluntary Regional Coordinators across the globe and a growing network of Country Coordinators to support them. WCPA-Marine was awarded an Organizational Effectiveness grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation at the end of 2007 and is undergoing a self-assessment process that will result in a Plan of Action and Business Plan, to be released at WCC. WCPA-Marine has endorsed the International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC) to be held in Washington DC in May 2009 and is serving on the MPA cross-cut steering committee.


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Mountains Biome Highlights of Achievements 2004-2008 OUR HIGHLIGHTS FOR THIS PERIOD WERE:

1. A (continued) vibrant and active membership of over 500 mountain protected area experts;

2. The publication and circulation of three significant IUCN WCPA texts:

Hamilton, L. and McMillan, L. (eds). (2004). Guidelines for planning and managing mountain protected areas. IUCN, The World Conservation Union. Gland. (Published in English, Russian and Spanish)

Harmon, D. and Worboys, G.L. (eds). (2004). Managing mountain protected areas: Challenges and responses for the 21st Century. Andromeda Editrice. Colledara.

Lockwood, M., Worboys, G.L. and Kothari, A. (eds). (2006). Managing protected areas: a global guide. IUCN. The World Conservation Union. Earthscan. London.

3. The running of 3 successful international forums facilitating connectivity conservation in mountains including:

Co-supporter (with the Y2Y Conservation Initiative) of the International Mountain Corridors Conference, Banff National Park, 8-13 September 2004

Co-sponsorship (with Fundació Territori I Paisatge) of the International Mountain Corridors in the Pyrenees Conference, 24-31 October 2005

Organiser of the International Mountain Connectivity Conservation Management Workshop, Papallacta, Ecuador, 14-17 November, 2006

4. Co-sponsorship of an annual Australian Alps-IUCN WCPA Science-management workshop featuring:

2006 Fire: science and management

2007 Climate change: science and management

2008 Visitor use: science and management 5. The establishment of a IUCN WCPA Mountains Biome website and an e-Update quarterly Mountain protected area newsletter OUR ACHIEVEMENTS HAVE BEEN: • A well organised and low cost Mountains Biome Executive Team which continues to deliver

for IUCN WCPA • The progressive implementation of relevant aspects of the IUCN WCPA 2005-2012 Strategic

Plan • The retention and motivation of 500 plus WCPA Mountains Biome experts • The preparation of 16 editions of “Update” during the 4 year period • A capacity to respond to key issues including the loss of Mingma Sherpa and Chandra

Garung • Continuous personal contributions by the executive including publications concerning

mountain protected areas, speeches, evaluations for IUCN and other tasks.

Governance Equity & Livelihoods

Strategic Direction


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Cities and Protected Areas Task Force Progress Report 2004-08 A WCPA task force took responsibility for implementing WCC 3.063, "Cities and Conservation." The task force concentrated on the key role of protected areas in connecting urban people to nature, and in providing nature services to cities and their residents. This exploratory effort focused on urban protected areas, and on building connections with urban institutions. The Task Force on Cities and Protected Areas (Cities TF) was set up in February 2004 following a successful three-day workshop at the 2003 World Parks Congress, “The Urban Imperative.” This was IUCN’s first-ever event focused on the urban dimensions of conservation. The TF is concerned with the many links between human settlements and larger environments, emphasizing the special role of protected areas. It has taken an incremental and exploratory – rather than strategic – approach to planning its activities.

At the Bangkok WCC, the TF was instrumental in passage of Resolution CGR3.RES049, “Cities and Conservation,” which calls for a systematic review of IUCN activities to identify opportunities for incorporating urban components in them.

Since Bangkok, the Cities TF has: • Published the proceedings of the Durban workshop as The Urban Imperative (168 pp, 2005),

and contributed articles to other IUCN publications based on the proceedings. • Produced a report, Global Urbanization and Protected Areas: Challenges and Opportunities

Posed by a Major Factor of Global Change – and Creative Ways of Responding (49 pp, 2007), for the IUCN Secretariat; it draws on TF work in Kenya, South Africa, and the USA.

• Developed a detailed plan for a volume on management of urban protected areas in WCPA’s Best Practice Guidelines Series, and secured sponsorship for it of a major national park agency, with another pending (this project has been delayed because of funding and a review of WCPA publications policy).

• Helped organize Urban Nature 2006 as a side event to a general assembly in Cape Town of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, and assisted with organizing ICLEI’s Local Action for Biodiversity (LAB) project at meetings in Rome and South Africa.

• Taken part in ongoing talks about applying the biosphere reserve concept to urban areas. • Participated in planning and launching InterClimate Network, a new international partnership

organization aimed at engaging citizens in finding solutions to causes and effects of climate change in their local areas.

• Participated in meetings sponsored by UNEP, UNESCO, and other international organizations in places such as Bali, Havana, Nairobi, and New York.

• Stimulated informal visits of leaders and staff between such countries as Australia, Brazil, Croatia, India, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, South Africa, the UK, and the USA.

• Maintained a Web site, www.citiesandconservation.org, with information about the TF as well as texts of related publications. In the past year, the site received 55,000 pageviews.

• Sent regular circular e-mails to an “IUCN Cities List” numbering well over 100. In Barcelona, the TF is cosponsoring a workshop, “Climate Change as an Opportunity for Conservationists to Build New Alliances,” focusing on urban schools. The TF has 86 members from 26 countries and three UN agencies; some dozen inactive members are being shifted to mailing list status. The TF has working groups on Urban Protected Areas and Urban Biosphere Reserves; a group exploring next steps for linking urban affairs,


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climate change, and conservation in IUCN; and a theme on cities in the world’s Mediterranean-type ecosystems. The TF is drawing conclusions from its experience to date. In Barcelona, it will be discussing with IUCN leadership next steps in implementing the Bangkok resolution, “Cities and Conservation,” with emphasis on protected areas and on climate change. — Ted Trzyna, Task Force Leader, 17 September 2008

For more information: www.citiesandconservation.org


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Cultural & Spiritual Values of Protected Areas, Task Force 2005 – 2007.

Robert Wild1, Leader, IUCN Task Force on Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas (CSVPA). The Task Force was formed in 1998 under the name Task Force on Non-Material Values of Protected Areas, and was renamed Task Force on Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas (CSVPA) following the World Parks Congress in 2003. CSVPA GOAL: Improve the understanding and recognition of, and respect for, cultural2 and spiritual values3 of Protected Areas, including community conserved areas, and promote the full integration of these values into policy, planning, management, and evaluation, where appropriate. CSVPA OBJECTIVES: 1. Explore the conceptual basis for including cultural and spiritual values in protected area management, considering the many worldviews and their expression in their respective languages. 2. Develop a comprehensive framework for the identification, assessment, and valuation of cultural and spiritual values related to protected areas. 3. Promote understanding regarding the urgent need to (a) recognize and support the protection of sacred natural sites, and sacred landscapes; and (b) respect the rights and worldviews of the cultures that hold these sites sacred. 4. Develop and promote methodologies and guidelines for the governance, planning, and management of sacred natural sites and cultural landscapes through pilot projects. 5. Explore and promote the use of the arts as a medium for expressing the cultural and spiritual relationships to protected areas, and as a way of strengthening the conservation of those areas. 6. Promote the inclusion of cultural and spiritual values in impact assessment procedures.

Leadership Changes:

Early in 2007 Allen Putney the founder of the Task Force passed on the leadership to take on the role of WCPA Vice Chair for World Heritage. Allen’s leading role and considerable efforts in developing the Task Force is herewith recognised. The leadership role was taken over by Robert Wild (UK) with Co-Leaders Guillermo Rodriguez-Navarro (Colombia) and Bas Verschuuren (Netherlands).

Main Activities:

The main focus of the Task Force’s work in the period of 2005 to 2007 has been on the conceptual basis for including cultural and spiritual values in protected areas. There has been a specific focus on sacred natural sites (SNS), and in particular developing guidelines on sacred natural sites for protected area managers. This work has been taken forward with UNESCO MAB. Main activities of the Task Force have been:

1 Mr. Robert Wild, LTS International Ltd, Pentlands Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Nr. Edinburgh, EH24 OPH, UK. [email protected], www.csvpa.org. 2 The definition of the cultural values of protected areas used by the Task Force is: Those qualities, both positive and negative, ascribed to protected areas by different social groups, traditions, beliefs, or value systems that fulfill humankind's need to understand, and connect in meaningful ways, to the environment of its origin and to nature. 3 The definition of the spiritual values of protected areas used by the Task Force is: Those qualities of protected areas that inspire humans to relate with reverence to the sacredness of nature.


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c) Guideline development. Working guidelines were presented in Tokyo 2005, and published in 2006. Since then a volume in the WCPA Protected Area Best Practice Guidelines series has been under development. This is now in the final stages of production and due to be launched at WCC. This focuses primarily on the sacred natural sites of indigenous and local communities but work has been initiated looking at the sacred natural sites of mainstream faiths. This work is being taken forward by the Delos Initiative.

d) Sacred natural sites in technologically developed countries The Delos Initiative was formed in 2005 with the objectives to: (1) understand the position of the major religions in developed countries on nature and on the sanctity of natural sites; (2) assess the pertinence and importance of sacred natural sites for contemporary people, and attempt to estimate the significance of their spiritual values; (3) study how these spiritual values can be maintained and enhanced and investigate whether and how these values can be used as additional means for the conservation of sites; and (4) attempt to resolve eventual conflicts between the character of sacred sites and conservation and management requirements, establishing instead synergies, where possible. http://www.med-ina.org/delos/

e) Communications An updated website has been developed www.csvpa.org, which now provides a much improved profile of the task force, news and links to other organisations. Thanks to the Nature Valuation and Financing Network for hosting the website.

f) 3S – Sacred Sites and Species The 3S Sacred Sites and Species is an initiative of the recently formed Cambridge Centre for Landscape and People, with a successful meeting on sacred sites and species in October 2007. http://www.cclp.group.cam.ac.uk/cclp.html

g) Other Initiatives Other ongoing initiatives include work on the Grand Ruta Inca, the performing arts and protected areas, integration of cultural and spiritual values into protected area planning, development of indicators for SNS, Sacred natural sites in India and coordination with GRF small grants programme.

Collaboration: Sacred Land Film Project: CSVPA works closely with the Sacred Land Film Project, who have played a key role in guideline development and are currently developing a film on international sacred sites. Task Force Related Reports: UNESCO. 2006. (Lee, C and Schaaf, T. (Eds.)) Proceedings of UNESCO-IUCN ‘Conserving Cultural and Biological Diversity: The Role of Sacred Natural Sites and Cultural Landscapes’ Tokyo, Japan (30 May to 2 June 2005). Mallarach, J.M. and Papayannis, T. eds. 2007. Nature and Spirituality. Proceedings of the First Workshop Delos Initiative Montserrat 2006. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN & Montserrat; Spain Publicacions de l’Abadia de Montserrat. Mallarach, J.M. and Papayannis, T. eds. In Prep. Proceedings of the Second Workshop Delos Initiative Ouranoupolis, Greece October 2007. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN Hooke et.al. in prep Proceedings of the Sacred Sites and Species. Meeting held in Cambridge UK 2007.

Science and Management

Strategic Direction


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Science, Knowledge and Management of Protected Areas Strategic Direction for 2004-2008 Marc Hockings, Vice-Chair General narrative The new Strategic Direction on Science, Knowledge and Management of Protected Areas encompasses the Commission’s work on management effectiveness evaluation, protected area categories and an expanded program on contributions of science and knowledge to management. Over 130 WCPA members have nominated to be members of this Strategic Direction. The Strategic Direction incorporates Task Forces on Protected Area Categories, Protected Landscapes, Wilderness and Information Management. Highlights

• Enhancing our Heritage: monitoring and managing for success in natural World Heritage sites This US$2million project led by IUCN/WCPA in conjunction with UNESCO World Heritage Centre with funding support from the United Nations Foundation, has tested the IUCN-WCPA Management Effectiveness Evaluation Framework in nine world heritage sites in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The project will end in early 2008. The project methodology and associated guidelines are being published by UNESCO as part of their technical guidelines. Projects to extend application of the methodology to other world heritage sites are underway.

• Global study on management effectiveness of protected areas This global study which is being led by IUCN-WCPA in collaboration with the University of Queensland, WWF International, The Nature Conservancy and the UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre has compiled information on assessments of over 6000 protected areas in more than 80 countries. Analysis of the data and development of a common reporting format for management effectiveness information will be reported on at CBD second meeting of the Ad Hoc Protected Areas Working Group meeting in Feb 2008.. The project will provide the methodology and the data for inclusion on management effectiveness information as an indicator for the 2010 target on biodiversity conservation as part of the GEF-funded 2010 Biodiversity Indicators Partnership project.

• Training and capacity building for management effectiveness evaluation

WCPA members have conducted training and capacity building workshops for management effectiveness evaluation in Europe, West Africa, East Africa and Southeast Asia with funding support from IUCN, UNESCO, WWF and the World Bank. The objective of these programs has been to build a wider network of people who have the knowledge and capacity to assist countries in meeting their commitments under the CBD Program of Work on Protected Areas. Fund raising efforts to support this work have already secured over US$1 million and further fund raising is being undertaken.

• Protected Area Management Categories Taskforce The Categories Task Force led by Nigel Dudley is revising the guidelines to the IUCN protected area management categories to clarify application of the category system in light of current issues, changing attitudes and conditions within protected areas. A “summit” on the categories was held in Almeria, Spain, in 2007. The revised Guidelines will be submitted to WCC in Barcelona


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Main results and achievements

The Science, Knowledge and Management Strategic Direction has delivered strongly in continuing IUCN’s work on management effectiveness of protected areas and in the work of its component Task Forces on Protected Area Categories, Protected Landscapes, Wilderness and Information Management. A program on alien invasive species and protected areas is in its infancy. • Establishment of the Science, Knowledge and Management Strategic Direction and

expansion of membership of this group • Development of management effectiveness evaluation capacity through conduct of

training programs and extension activities • Revision of the IUCN Management Effectiveness Evaluation Framework publication • Preparation of the revised IUCN Protected Area Categories Guidelines


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Categories Task Force This report covers the second part of 2007 and early 2008. The main focus of the task force is currently directed towards revision of the categories guidelines; other work planned after these are completed at the World Conservation Congress is also mentioned. Electronic discussion: IUCN hosted an electronic conference on categories during spring 2007, which addressed issues of importance to IUCN members and others and was summarised by Kari Lahti. The results will be included in the proceedings of the IUCN Categories Summit. IUCN Protected Area categories “Summit”: IUCN held a meeting of around 100 people in Almeria in Andalusia, Spain in May 2007 to discuss key policy issues relating to the IUCN protected area management categories. The meeting was sponsored by Junta de Andalucia along with support from the central government and a Spanish NGO and was organised with the IUCN Mediterranean Office in Malaga. The meeting addressed issues related to the IUCN definition and categories and was based around a set of over 40 papers, prepared in advance. It discussed the relative importance of different priorities within protected area management, relative importance of the categories, issues of governance and community conserved areas, marine protected areas and proposals for the six categories. Although not a decision-making meeting, the summit provided clear guidance to the revision of the category guidelines. Revision of the guidelines: the first draft of the new guidelines was completed in August 2007 and discussed at the WCPA steering committee meeting in Yellowstone National Park. Feedback was received from a few Steering Committee members and a further version was prepared by mid January; this is now out for general discussion by IUCN members and others: comments are already being received. There are still some missing sections – on marine, inland waters, geology, indigenous reserves etc – and processes are in place to fill these gaps. The forthcoming CBD meeting in Rome and the Durban plus 5 meeting in Cape Town are major milestones in helping to complete this process. It is planned to publish the new guidelines at the WCC. Revision of the definition: one outcome of the Almeria meeting was a proposal to refine the definition in line with several proposals made before and during the meeting. A definition was proposed and thrown open to WCPA members for comment: this elicited over 50 responses, which have been analysed. A new version of the definition was included in draft 2 of the revised guidelines along with a short paper outlining the debate. Field testing: we are committed to “field testing” the guidelines during spring 2008 and have interest from eight countries: Italy, France, Australia, Peru, Tanzania, Namibia, Tanzania, UK and Malaysia. Field testing will in most cases involve in-depth discussions with protected area agencies and hopefully in some cases actually testing on site: several other agencies have expressed interest and some task forces (e.g. Wilderness and Cat V) will be running their own processes. We are also hoping to work with some indigenous peoples groups in this process. Capacity-building: we are preparing plans for a major capacity building effort following publication of the guidelines and have meet with IUCN to discuss funding for this process. Effectiveness of the categories: we have limited funding to start the process of developing a project to look at the effectiveness of different management approaches and governance types in meeting their objectives, to be initiated after the new guidelines are launched. Funding and acknowledgements: the funding is coming to an end, despite generosity from various regional and national government departments in Spain, from BP and much volunteer effort. We are looking for further support. Many thanks are due to WCPA members and to the David and his team at PPA for help throughout this process! Nigel Dudley, 25th January 2008


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Protected Landscapes Task Force Highlights of 2004 – 2008 Jessica Brown, Task Force Chair January 2008 Introduction

The IUCN-WCPA Protected Landscapes Task Force (PLTF) promotes the protected landscape approach by documenting and presenting experience worldwide, mobilizing global expertise, and developing guidance on protected landscapes – protected areas based on the interactions of people and nature over time. The mission of the Task Force is to promote and demonstrate the value of Category V Protected Landscapes as a functional and practical mechanism for the protection of biodiversity, cultural diversity and the sustainable use of resources. Its members are drawn from many different countries and bring a diversity of experience and expertise.

Review of main results and achievements of the Protected Landscapes Task Force

1. We contributed to the review of IUCN Protected Area Management Categories, addressing issues and concerns related to Category V Protected Areas

Activities included:

• In September 2006, in cooperation with the Management Categories Task Force, we convened a workshop on Category V protected areas in preparation for the upcoming Categories “Summit” in 2007. Hosted by the General del Medi Natural of Catalonia, the meeting was held at Olot in the Parc Natural de la Zona Volcanica de la Garrotxa, and brought together selected members of both Task Forces, as well as key specialists from Catalonian protected areas. Participants discussed key issues related to Category V, provided input into the discussion paper for the Summit, and developed plans for a research project that will document examples globally of the contributions of Category V protected areas to bio-diversity conservation and other natural values.

• In advance of the IUCN Categories Summit we prepared a discussion paper on Category V protected areas that explores the role, definition, application and importance of this category. This paper was one in a series of papers on each of the management categories that was commissioned by the Management Categories Task Force as part of the review process.

• In addition, as an output of the workshop in Catalonia, a group of Task Force members prepared a paper providing a point-by-point response to criticisms of Category V. Their paper, “In Defense of Protected Landscapes,” was included as one of the background papers for the Summit and posted on the web-site for the Summit.

• Several Task Force members participated in the Summit in Alméria, Spain. Presentations included a discussion paper on Category V and a presentation on “The Importance of Applying All the Categories,” which responded to critiques of Categories V and VI.

2. We have produced and disseminated publications on Protected Landscapes

These include:

• The Protected Landscape Approach: Linking Nature, Culture and Community (Brown, J. ,N. Mitchell and M. Beresford 2005)


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• Protected Landscapes and Agro-biodiversity Value (Amend, T., J. Brown, A. Kohtari, A. Phillips and S. Stolton. 2008)

• Several popular articles on this topic.

3. We are conducting research on impact and effectiveness of Category V Protected Areas

The TF is undertaking a global research project to document examples globally of the impact and effectiveness of Category V protected areas in conservation of diverse values. As one product of this inititative:

• We have launched a series of publications on Values of Protected Landscapes and Seascapes. The first volume of this series, Protected Landscapes and Agro-biodiversity Values, which was published this month, presents case-studies on the role of Category V protected areas in conserving and sustaining agro-biodiversity. Two more volumes will be produced in 2008 on the following topics: Protected Landscapes and Cultural, Spiritual and Artistic Values and Protected Landscapes and Wild Biodiversity.

4. The Task Force is supporting IUCN’s role related to World Heritage Cultural Landscapes

• Several Task Force members have assisted with reviews of selected World Heritage Cultural Landscape nominations in 2006. In early 2008 we will be exploring how to formalize this role so that we can better support IUCN’s involvement in the evaluation and monitoring of WH Cultural Landscapes

5. Regional workshops

The Task Force has convened or contributed to several regional workshops on topics related to Category V protected areas. These include:

• A workshop for protected area managers and their partners from throughout Bulgaria at the Central Balkan National Park, Kalofer, Bulgaria (July 2005)

• Several presentations on protected landscapes at the day-long workshop, “New Directions in Protected Areas: Protected Landscapes and Partnership Parks,” at the QLF Alumni Congress (Hungary, March 2006), a global event that brought together 160 alumni, partners and donors of the Quebec-Labrador Foundation/Atlantic Center for the Environment (QLF).

• A workshop for protected areas managers and municipal officials in the Stara Planina Nature Park, a Category V protected area (Serbia, December 2006).

• A two-day capacity-building workshop on Protected Areas Governance and Management Categories at the ASEAN Heritage Parks Conference and Regional Conference on Protected Areas in Southeast Asia (Sabah, Malaysia, April 2007).

• A workshop on Civic Engagement in Conservation for protected areas managers from Romania (Romania, July 2007).

• A workshop on Cultural Landscapes at the II Latin American Parks Congress bringing out experience from countries of Latin America (Bariloche, Argentina, September 2007)

• Plans are underway for a workshop and international symposium on protected landscapes to be held in the UK at North York Moors National Park (April 2008).


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Wilderness Task Force 2007 Activity Highlights

The Wilderness Task Force (WTF) launched a new website making it considerably

easier to update members, post documents (including a growing library of wilderness materials – maps, laws/policy statements) and request/obtain comments on draft documents - http://www.wildernesstaskforce.org/;

The Wilderness Task Force engaged extensively in IUCN’s protected area guidelines review process, including:

o Reviewing and commenting on the Speaking a Common Language report, and engaging other WTF members to do so as well;

o Leading a process to draft revised Category 1b guidelines with extensive input and participation from WTF members

o Participation in the Almeria Summit, including presenting the revised guidelines in plenary.

Attended the Steering Committee meeting in Yellowstone National Park; Produced the Handbook on International Wilderness Law and Policy (in press and

due out on February, 2008), and The Wild Planet Project, an overview on wilderness conservation.

Initial planning has begun for WILD 9 - -the 9th World Wilderness Congress (Mexico, November 2009), and as per the TOR for the Task Force, the WTF will integrate WCPA/IUCN perspectives and be the official liaison between WILD 9 and WCPA.

Submitted by Vance G. Martin Co-Chair, Wilderness Task Force President, the WILD Foundation

Annex C

IUCN WCPA FUTURE OF

REGIONAL VICE-CHAIR ROLES

AND GOVERNANCE


IUCN WCPA FUTURE OF REGIONAL VICE-CHAIR ROLES AND GOVERNANCE This is a personal note from an outgoing Regional Vice-chair to help inform the discussion amongst us and with the Commission Chair and Deputy Chair. Some major things have changed in the last few years to raise questions about the current capacity of volunteers to undertake the role of Regional Vice-Chairs in WCPA:

1. the terms of reference have been considerably expanded 2. the programme of the Commission and the role which WCPA members in Regions are

expected to play in its delivery have both increased 3. WCPA programme implementation has not defined how the members in the WCPA

Regions are expected to contribute individually and collectively 4. the demand for WCPA members in the Regions to play a more active role in delivering

global programmes regionally has increased, especially the implementation of the CBD PoW on PAs

5. the capacity of the Protected Areas Programme team in HQ has only expanded to take on the additional roles on World Heritage

6. secondments to support the PPA team have proved difficult to obtain and to maintain 7. support from IUCN Regional office staff is generally very low or non existent with one or

two only notable exceptions. As a result, both longer standing Regional Vice-Chairs and those appointed after the Bangkok Congress have found it increasingly difficult to deliver what is expected of them. They feel overwhelmed and somewhat demotivated. In addition, some Regional Vice-Chairs have, for a variety of reasons, not found it possible to contribute as much as is now expected. The current situation cannot be allowed to continue. There are a number of changes that are essential. The overall objective of any changes should be to ensure that:

the WCA programme is informed by the diversity of needs, opportunities and resources in the different regions,

regional needs are reflected in the allocation of resources, and the governance of the Commission is re-adjusted to take into account modern principles

of governance and individual capacity, and ability to oversee the delivery of a one Commission programme, and

only those who are actively contributing to the WCPA programme remain as members. The misalignment of the WCPA Regions to the IUCN statutory regions and to the Regional Offices of the IUCN Secretariat needs to be urgently reconsidered. There seems to be no benefit in the different geographically defined areas of WCPA which are born out of history and do not reflect the regionalisation of IUCN which was rolled out in the mid 19990s. If there is to be greater synergy and improved working and support between Commission members and the regional secretariats then a re-alignment is necessary. Proposal 1: the WCPA Regions should be re-aligned to conform to the IUCN statutory regions and the regional secretariats. Second, it is essential that the IUCN Programme is revised to better reflect the contribution of protected areas and the role which WCPA and its members can play. A resolution to this effect has been drafted for submission to the IUCN General Assembly in Barcelona. Proposal 2: the IUCN Programme for 2009 to 2012 should be revised to provide a formative and substantially increased role to protected areas and to WCPA.


Third, it is essential that the resources from IUCN for work on protected areas are substantially increased. This will require additional resources to the Commission and additional staffing in the Protected Areas Programme team in HQ and to the protected areas specialists which should be placed full-time in each Regional Office. A recommendation to this effect will be drafted for WCC Barcelona. Proposal 3 the resources allocated from IUCN central funds for protected areas should be substantially increased, by at least 5 fold, to enable fulfilment of the protected areas work programme through WCPA members, the PPA team and dedicated staff in all IUCN Regional Offices. Fourth, the WCPA programme needs to be revised to reflect regional realities. It should remain themed based, but greater recognition needs to be made to the contributions that regions, individually and collectively, can provide and also to the capacity of each region to make the appropriate input. A matrix approach as developed at the WCPA Global Steering Committee meeting in Geelong, but not completed, should be developed as a crucial element of the revised WCPA and PPA programme for 2009-20012. Proposal 4: the WCPA Programme for 2009-2012 should be revised to indicate the precise inputs and contributions that regions can make to the delivery of the global themes. Fifth, at present there is a gross imbalance between the regions in terms of number of members, number of countries, and size of the area. There is no justification to having regions that consist of one or two countries compared with others that have 3 dozen. Proposal 5: a more equal and rational division of regions is required to provide a more balanced size for future regional WCPA leaders. Sixth, the fundamental question arises ‘has the role of the regional Vice-Chair passed its sell by date?’ Yes it has in the context of increasing difficulty to recruit for all regions someone who has the capacity to undertake the job in fulfilment of the current terms of reference and the expectations placed on the role. There seems little point in Regional Vice-Chairs making sure that their regional members participate in task forces and other globally thematic activity. There needs to be greater recognition that members around the world are perhaps more likely to participate in thematic activity than in regional activity of the Commission. On the other hand, if Proposals 3, 4, and 5 above are implemented, this would make the job more do-able. So at this stage, let us not throw the baby out with the bathwater, and a revised and more restricted role for Regional Vice-Chairs should be considered provided the reousrces are enhanced. Proposal 6 Scrap the Regional Vice-Chair roles if additional resources for the role and support from the PPA and regional secretariats are not achieved. Seventh, the Commission is governed by a Steering Committee comprising the Chair and Deputy Chair, Themes Leaders, Biome Leaders and Regional Vice-Chairs. Task Force Chairs are not formally represented on the Steering Committee, although they do attend and are allowed to participate fully in the Committee’s business when they do so. This confuses lines of accountability and is out of date with modern governance practice. The Steering Committee as presently constituted is too big and takes too long to make decisions and do its business. In the past, an Executive Committee was established, but I do not know whether this works. Abolition of the role of Regional Vice-Chairs would substantially reduce the size of the Steering Committee and this should be considered. But, it is essential to avoid loosing the diversity of experience and approach which is gained from participation of those from different nations and regions of the world. So in the appointment of strategic direction, theme, biome and task force leaders it is essential that one criterion is geographical diversity (alongside gender, age and other factors). Proposal 7: the WCPA Steering Committee should be reduced in size to no more than 12 members, comprising Chair, Deputy Chair, and Strategic Direction leaders. Proposal 8: Regional Vice-Chairs, if they still exist, should no longer be members of the Steering Committee.


Proposal 9: a regional balance of representation should be achieved through the appointment of strategic direction, theme, biome and task force leaders. Finally, the membership of the Commission needs to be addressed. There has been in a considerable increase in the last period since Bangkok. We have more younger and female members and more members in key positions in protected areas bodies. However, the perception I have is that the majority of members do not actively participate and give their time to WCPA Programme activities. The membership needs to be rigorously reviewed after the Barcelona Congress and only those members who are prepared to commit themselves to active engagement (along with a long standing ‘honorary’ members who have contributed a great deal in the past) should be re-appointed, and a recruitment drive for willing participants established. Proposal 10: membership of WCPA is rigorously reviewed after the Barcelona Congress and only those willing to commit to active participation (plus ‘honorary’ longer standing members) should be re-appointed. Proposal 10: New members who are willing to commit time should be recruited. Roger Crofts IUCN WCPA Regional Vice-Chair Europe May 2008

Annex D

World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA)

Draft Mandate 2009–2012


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World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) Draft Mandate 2009–2012 CPA and its partners strive to provide leadership on protected area issues to governments, NGOs, communities and other key stakeholders. Emphasizing its power to convene a diversity of actors, WPCA works by bringing science, knowledge and experience to bear on decision making to address the existing challenges and on future issues and opportunities in order to realize a common vision: “that society fully recognizes and supports the importance of protected areas in the 22nd Century by: securing key places for biological and cultural diversity, promoting equity and justice, maintaining the quality of the environment, and ensuring the sustainable use of the natural resources for poverty reduction, food and water security, and the prevention of conflicts.” To realize this vision the mission of IUCN’s World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) is: “to promote an effectively managed, representative system of marine and terrestrial protected areas as an integral part of the IUCN mission.” Protected areas serve a variety of purposes for society. They are vital for life on Earth, they conserve vital biodiversity and many also offer the world a model of how people can live in harmony with nature. There are treasured landscapes reflecting the inherited cultures of many generations, and they hold spiritual values for many societies. Protected areas also represent the diversity of the Earth’s history and the current natural processes, and provide many ecosystem and wider environmental services, such as clean air, copious supplies of water and nutrients. Protected areas are an expression of community goals to maintain the value of biodiversity and to ensure these values can be passed on to future generations. Indeed, protected areas are a promise of perpetuating today’s values for the generations to come. Protected areas are an expression of hope for the future while providing immediate reciprocity. Protected areas contribute a myriad of services that include clean air, water, sources of fibre and protein, spiritual experiences, recreation, sources of knowledge, livelihoods, protection of unique cultures, and educational experiences from connecting with nature. This latter opportunity will become increasingly important to the ever-increasing world population that lives in urban areas. The recognition of all of these values is reflected in the dramatic growth in the numbers and extension of protected areas over recent decades. 1. Objectives

(a) Provide strategic advice to governments and others on the optimum planning approaches to

establishing protected areas and how best to integrate them into all sectors; (b) Strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of protected area managers and their staff, through

learning, exchange and the development of information and guidance in a managed professional network;

(c) Enhance the level of investment in protected areas and protected area systems, by persuading

public and corporate donors of the value of protected areas; and (d) Enhance the capacity of WCPA members, including through co-operative ventures with partners

and in particular IUCN members, and recognize their contributions. 2. Priorities To meet the above objectives requires setting priorities and assuring that these are congruent. To make the point, science and tools of good management of protected areas can only be effective if a solid system of governance and an internal capacity is in place. As well, having an appropriately


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designed protected area, be it in the form of a system or an individual area, is of course essential for achieving objectives. Accordingly, the four following priorities should not be viewed as being separate but rather as an interrelated approach to meeting objectives and addressing the overall WCPA Mission through partnerships, in particular with IUCN members. (a) Conserving biodiversity WCPA will actively assist jurisdictions in the design and completion of systems of protected areas,

with particular focus on the marine biome, as well as promotion of ecological networks and the ecosystem approach to ensure sustainable use and to mitigate effects of climate change on biodiversity.

(b) Generating knowledge WCPA will focus on the integration of conservation science, including traditional knowledge, in

management effectiveness, conservation tools and mechanisms, protected area management categories, and the setting and maintenance of standards for protected areas.

(c) Building awareness WCPA will promote the values of protected areas through effective conservation education and

building up practitioners’ skills, developing strategies for sustainable financing, and generating and disseminating knowledge, including through PALNet.

(d) Improving governance and equity WCPA will promote the full range of governance types for protected areas; increased participation

of indigenous peoples and local communities; and promote the values of protected areas to human well-being and livelihoods.

(e) Celebrating WCPA WCPA will build up the capacity of its members and celebrate their contributions to the

advancement of the establishment and effective management of protected areas, while seeking and developing strategic alliances among members for more effective implementation of WCPA’s strategy.

3. Structure and Organization WCPA has 1400 members from 140 countries that are organized by Region and/or Strategic Direction. WCPA is led by the Steering Committee composed of Regional Vice-Chairs and four Strategic Direction Vice-Chairs and a representative of UNEP WCMC. The Steering Committee meets annually and decisions are taken between Steering Committee meetings by the WCPA Executive comprising the Chair, Deputy Chair, two Vice-Chairs and the Head of the Programme on Protected Areas. Membership of the Commission will be revised in 2009 with a view to improving regional performance and to achieving gender and geographic balance. Task Forces are reviewed at the beginning of the Intercessional Period and renewed mandates are assigned where warranted. 4. Expected Results (a) The role of protected areas in biodiversity conservation is effectively fulfilled.

(i) Representative network of marine protected areas established and effectively managed, by 2012, as a contribution towards the WSSD Targets regarding marine conservation;

(ii) Global gaps in PA biodiversity coverage identified and filled at global, national and regional levels using the best conservation planning science available;

(iii) Climate change addressed through planning and effective management to ensure protected areas continue their provision of ecological services.

(b) The effectiveness of management of terrestrial and marine protected areas is improved and

assessment methods applied. (i) Global Initiative on Management Effectiveness of Protected Areas implemented; (ii) Revised IUCN System for PA Management Categories is applied globally as the international

framework for protected areas, including national data collection and reporting to the CBD Secretariat on protected areas;

(iii) Certification of protected areas developed and selectively applied.


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(c) The capacity of protected area managers and their staff is enhanced.

(i) Global capacity development initiative for protected areas, including PALNet, developed and implemented;

(ii) Effective contribution provided by IUCN/WCPA to the implementation of the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas;

(iii) Values of ecological services from protected areas more effectively assessed and factored into decision making and poverty reduction strategies;

(iv) IUCN input to the World Heritage Convention effectively managed to enhance the role of the Convention in biodiversity conservation.

(d) Local communities and indigenous peoples are more effectively involved and engaged with

protected areas to assure their contribution to sustainable development. (i) Role of indigenous peoples and local communities in establishing and managing PAs

recognized by national governments, including through incorporation of Community Conserved Areas (CCA) in national systems of protected areas;

(ii) Global Initiative on the Cultural and Spiritual values of Protected Areas implemented; (iii) Improved methods available for the planning and establishment of Community Conserved

Areas (CCA) and other conservation areas managed by indigenous peoples and local communities.

(e) The Programme on Protected Areas (PPA) and WCPA are effectively managed.

(i) WCPA Strategic Plan revised to include Durban+5 and Barcelona WCC outcomes; (ii) Strategic alliances among IUCN members with professional support from WCPA developed to

increase capacity for implementation of Strategic priorities; (iii) Capacity of PPA/WCPA enhanced to ensure effective management and full accountability of

financial and human resources; (iv) WCPA members valued and recognized; (v) PPA/WCPA Communication Strategy implemented.

Annex E

PPA/WCPA Programme 2009-2012


PPA/WCPA Programme 2009-2012 INTRODUCTION

Protected areas are vital for life on earth - they protecting biodiversity and support essential environmental services, such as the provision of clean air and water. Many protected areas protect unique landscapes and seascapes reflecting how different cultures have been able to live in harmony with nature. Protected Areas also support local economies thus contributing to sustainable development and the livelihoods of poor people.

IUCN has played a major role in protected areas since its establishment in 1948 and this area is considered one of the “heartland” areas of IUCN. The Programme on Protected Areas has a fully integrated programme with the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). This integration has promoted synergy between the IUCN Secretariat and the Commission thus enhancing the capacity to deliver results in relation to protected areas. PPA and WCPA demonstrate the reality of “One Programme” and share the same mission which is:

“to promote an effectively managed, representative system of marine and terrestrial protected areas as an integral part of IUCN mission.”

In the context of the IUCN 2009-2012 Programme, PPA and WCPA will aim to consolidate IUCN’s leadership on protected areas issues, by supporting governments, NGOs, communities, and other key stakeholders, to address key challenges facing protected areas in the 21st century. This will be achieved by:

Convening relevant actors to develop effective responses to protected areas and conservation priorities;

Developing new policy approaches, management options and responses in relation to key protected area issues such as climate change, connectivity conservation, and the conservation of marine, mountain and freshwater biomes;

Facilitating the inclusion of global conservation priorities in national priorities and action plans, such as those on social development, poverty alleviation and climate change;

Strengthening the impact and influence of protected areas by bringing science, knowledge and experience to bear on decision-making;

Setting global conservation standards, such as in relation to application of the IUCN Protected Areas Management Categories, Management Effectiveness, Governance options for PAs management, and development of a Certification Scheme for Protected Areas;

Strengthening knowledge by enhancing ongoing learning networks among practitioners, capacity building and dissemination of tools using PALNET; and

Strengthening the role and function of WCPA by diversifying WCPA membership and strengthening links between WCPA and IUCN regional and Country Offices

I. Situation Analysis – Status and Trends on Protected Areas

There are now 107,035 protected areas covering over 19.6 million km² or close to 12% of the global land surface (UNEP-WCMC, 2006). This is almost the same area as the entire continent of South America. While the number of protected areas has tripled over the past 20 years there remain serious gaps in coverage of many important ecosystems. Marine biodiversity is of particular concern as marine protected areas cover only 0.5% of the world’s global marine surface. In addition the management of many existing protected areas is not effective, suffering particularly from inadequate financial resources and limited management capacity.


Protected areas are established for a variety of management objectives, reflected in the use of the IUCN Protected Areas Management Categories. In the past decade, while the majority of protected areas are still been established under Category II (National Parks), increased attention have been given by governments to the use of Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape) and Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Areas). This reflects the increasing emphasis on the role of protected areas in sustainable development and in supporting the livelihoods of local people. Category VI is now the predominant protected area category applied in Latin America, Australia and New Zealand, North Africa and the Middle East, Eastern and Southern Africa, the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

A range of new models of protected areas are being established, including those established by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (Community Conserved Areas). These broaden and strengthen the contribution of protected areas to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development and broaden support at local levels. In many regions protected areas have also been established and managed by the private sector. Increasingly protected areas are being established at broader scales, including transboundary protected areas shared between two or more countries, and a range of connectivity conservation initiatives, such as the Yellowstone to Yukon Initiative in North America. Collectively these approaches provide practical lessons in applying the ecosystem approach promoted by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

It is important to highlight the increasingly important role of protected areas in contributing to sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Many protected areas in developing countries exist side by side with indigenous peoples and poor rural communities who often have the least access to health, education and other services. There are many examples showing that effectively managed protected areas can substantially contribute to improving human welfare. However protected area establishment and management has often been conducted in ways that worsen rather than improve the lives of indigenous peoples and local communities. This needs to be addressed by the development and adoption of more appropriate policies and models of protected areas that more effectively integrate the concerns of local communities and indigenous peoples.

The involvement of local communities and indigenous peoples in PAs management has increased during the past decade. This is particularly important as indigenous peoples and local communities live in some of the most important biodiversity regions in the world. The international community has recognized indigenous peoples’ knowledge as an important element in managing natural landscapes and natural resources and this needs to be better applied in protected area management. Linked to the above, and associated with democratization and decentralization processes occurring in many countries, is the development of different governance mechanisms for protected areas management, including government-managed, co-managed, private, charitable and community-based structures.

Despite the massive growth in the number of PAs and in the complexity of the planning and management issues facing them, there has been only modest growth in the resources available for protected areas in most countries. Overall, available resources are inadequate for the effective planning and management of protected areas. In country financial allocation to PAs has been supported by international financial mechanisms and initiatives, particularly through projects funded by the WB, GEF, EC and other bilateral donors. Yet, these resources are normally allocated for a short period of time, thus making it difficult to achieve financial sustainability for protected areas.

While considerable progress has been achieved in establish a global network of protected areas many challenges remain. The foremost are:

A global system of protected areas representing all the world’s ecosystems is far from complete, and there are many major gaps remaining. Some ecosystems, particularly


freshwater systems and marine ecosystems, including on the high seas, are largely unprotected. The increasing number of threatened species is also of major concern. Urgent action is required to ensure protected areas are better targeted to protect threatened species and to address biodiversity loss;

Global change, including climate and socio-economic change, represents an overarching threat to the world’s protected areas. These changes are having a negative effect on species and habitats and the effective functioning of landscapes and ecosystems;

Reconciling development needs with protected areas. This is particularly important considering population growth and increasing levels of poverty resulting in greater demand for land and resources. There is limited recognition of the crucial role protected areas play in contributing to sustainable development; rather, many key stakeholders see protected areas as a barrier to their activities and aspirations;

Under-investment by governments in protected areas means that these areas are often failing to meet their conservation and social objectives. Inadequate human and financial resources result in many protected areas lacking effective protection and management, particularly in developing countries. On the other hand there are many subsidies and other perverse financial instruments which adversely impact on protected areas and contribute to species loss;

The costs and benefits of maintaining protected areas are not equitably shared. In particular, local communities often bear most of the costs and receive few of the benefits; and

Indigenous Peoples, local communities, young people, ethnic groups, women and other key interest groups are not sufficiently engaged in the identification and management of protected areas.

The challenge for PPA/WCPA is to develop and implement a focused and achievable 2009-2012 Programme which addresses these challenges. The programme set out in this document builds on key recommendations from three external reviews of the work of PPA and WCPA (1998, 2000 and 2003), which noted the need to:

focus on a limited number of key priority issues; integrate PPA/WCPA’s work with other global and regional component programmes of IUCN,

as well as with other IUCN Commissions and partners; build on the strengths, core competencies and niche of PPA/WCPA; and maintain and strengthen the leadership role of IUCN in relation to protected areas.

While there are an increasing number of institutions actively involved in protected areas, the work of PPA/WCPA is unique in view of:

its highly specialized global network of experts, covering 1,400 members in 130 countries, with a proved track record of achievement over the last 40 years;

its track record in convening major protected areas events such as the 10 yearly World Parks Congresses;

its track record in developing and applying standards for protected area management, such as in relation to the IUCN PA Categories System;

its long standing partnership with UNEP-WCMC and joint copyright of the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA);

the multiplier effect of PPA/WCPA work which is very high relative to available funding; its links with the global and regional components of IUCN, in addition to links with other IUCN

Commissions and networks; the combination of a thematic and regional structure of the work within PPA/WCPA; the recognition of PPA/WCPA in Global Conventions, such as the World Heritage Convention

and the Convention on Biological Diversity, where it is a key actor in relation to the Programme of Work on Protected Areas;


the leadership role of PPA/WCPA on behalf of IUCN on areas such as mountain conservation, mining and protected areas, tourism, management effectiveness, transboundary protected areas and peace parks; and

the ability of PPA/WCPA to convene and address challenging issues on behalf of IUCN such as those related to mining and protected areas, indigenous peoples, and highly sensitive political issues associated with the state of conservation of World Heritage sites.

II. Component results, sub-results and indicators

Thematic Priority Area 1 – Conserving the Diversity of Life Global Result 1.1 – Biodiversity-related policies and governance systems enable action towards the achievement of biodiversity conservation Component Result 1.1.1 - The CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas (CBD/PoWPA) is applied in at least 10 priority countries not yet implementing it at the national level. Rationale: The CBD/PoWPA is a key policy tool to promote national actions in support of biodiversity conservation and it is increasingly applied in a number of countries. However there are countries where capacity of protected area agencies and staff needs to be developed and strengthened. In 2009-2012 PPA/WCPA will focus on the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas to support its implementation. This work of WCPA on the CBD will be implemented by undertaking regional workshops and technical clinics with a number of IUCN members and partners and with other global and regional programmes of IUCN. PPA/WCPA has been identified within the PoW as an important contributor to its implementation. The CBD provides a major opportunity for IUCN to reinforce its global leadership regarding protected areas and its role as a convener of experts. Accordingly, PPA/ WCPA will provide specific technical assistance and policy guidance to the 190 Parties to the CBD, and protected area agencies and leaders in those countries. Priority will be given to the provision of tools and knowledge to support the establishment and effective management of protected areas.

Component Sub-results Indicators of Success Implementation 1.1.1.a Guidelines for implementing the CBD/PoWPA, incorporating IUCN gender strategy for CBD, prepared and distributed (K) 1.1.1.b Capacity building programmes implemented in 3 regions (Asia, Africa and Latin America) in relation to key goals of the PoWPA (e.g. governance mechanisms for protected areas, management effectiveness evaluation). (E) 1.1.1.c The CBD/PoWPA adopted in at least 5 countries as official policy on PAs. (G) 1.1.1.d PALNet redesigned to support capacity building for implementing the CBD/PoWPA. (K)

1.1.1.a Guidelines produced and distributed in IUCN languages 1.1.1.b Reports and outcomes from the workshops; countries apply information from capacity building within their protected area policies and programmes 1.1.1.c National legislation and regulations of the selected 5 countries reflect the PoWPAs 1.1.1.d New and fully functional module for capacity building on CBD/PoWPA as part of PALNet.

Leading: PPA and RCOs involved in the implementation of these results. Supporting: WCPA Vice Chair Capacity and WCPA Task Force on Information Management, WCPA Strategic Direction programmes; IUCN Global Policy Unit. Key partners: TNC, CI, WCS, WWF, CBD Secretariat, IUCN Senior Advisor on Gender


Component Result 1.1.2 - The political and scientific credibility of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention (WHC) enhanced and endorsed as a tool to promote the implementation of other relevant MEAs on biodiversity conservation.

Rationale: World Heritage sites are natural and cultural sites of “outstanding universal value”. World Heritage natural sites include some of the most easily recognized and high profile areas on earth, such as the Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) and the Grand Canyon (United States). These sites are globally significant and can serve as models for demonstrating how protected areas can contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. IUCN has a unique role in relation to the World Heritage Convention (WHC) and it is identified as the Advisory Body to the Convention in relation to natural and mixed World Heritage Sites.

IUCN’s advisory services cover: (a) the evaluation of new sites nominated by State Parties for addition to the World Heritage List; (b) preparation of State of Conservation Reports on the conservation status of existing World Heritage sites; (c) support for capacity building programmes in World Heritage Sites; and (d) preparation of global studies to achieve a balanced WH List. WCPA mobilizes its membership to support delivery of IUCN advisory services to the Convention.

The WHC is increasingly gaining international recognition and political support. A number of conservation success stories are associated with the monitoring of World Heritage Sites. Enhancing the implementation of the WHC will help IUCN to use World Heritage as a tool to support the implementation of other Multi Lateral Environment Agreements (MEAs).

Component Sub-results Indicators of Success Implementation 1.1.2.a A targeted and effective WH Communications Strategy for using the WHC as a tool to support key MEAs developed and implemented. (E) 1.1.2.b At least 10 natural WH sites are showcased as flagships and standards setting for biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. (K) 1.1.2.c A new state-of-the-art package of methodologies for the identification and selection of new WH sites in areas of high biodiversity values prepared and tested in 3 regions. (K) 1.1.2.d The capacity of at least 100 WH site managers enhanced to undertake Management Effectiveness Assessments and use them as a tool to address threats to sites. (E)

1.1.2.a Number of statements and recommendations from key MEAs to promote and enhance joint work with the WHC. 1.1.2.b Number of PAs with enhanced management due to the application of WH standards. 1.1.2.c At least 8 new natural WH sites (2 per year) listed in the WH List. 1.1.2.d Number of WH managers trained and number of WH sites with enhanced management as a result of management effectiveness assessments.

Leading: PPA and RCOs involved in the implementation of these results. Supporting: WCPA WH Network; WCPA Management Effectiveness Network, IUCN Global Marine Programme. Key partners: UNESCO/WHC, UNEP-WCMC, TNC, CI, IUCN National Committee of France, Federal Agency for Nature Conservation of Germany.


Global Result 1.2 – IUCN standards, tools and knowledge for sustainable natural resource management available and used for biodiversity conservation including effective management of global and regional common natural resources.

Component Result 1.2.1 - The revised IUCN System of Protected Areas Management Categories is applied by national governments in at least 10 countries as an international standard on protected areas planning and management, primarily for monitoring & reporting on the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas (CBD/PoWPA).

Rationale: The IUCN System of Protected Areas Management Categories has been applied in a number of countries to guide national efforts of PAs management. It has been recognized by the CBD/PoWPA as an international standard for monitoring and reporting on PAs. The system has been updated and enhanced through a participatory process over many years.

However, better guidance on the designation of protected areas and the application of the Categories is required and this should be coupled with efforts to assist countries to apply the Categories to their respective protected area systems. Only 62% of all protected areas currently listed in the World Data Base on Protected Areas (2005) are assigned to a PA Category. The inclusion of protected areas in the WDPA must be checked and the accuracy and completeness of listings improved. With regard to categories, there is a need to consider not only the objectives of protected areas, but also protected area systems. In addition, a governance type for protected area management needs to be considered in applying the system.

The effective application of the Categories System may lead to the development of a certification scheme for protected areas, which may open new opportunities, benefits and incentives for protected areas management at national and international levels. PPA/WCPA will explore this possibility with protected areas agencies and key PAs stakeholders. Indicators of management quality to assess the potential application of methods for “certification” of protected areas at national and international levels will be reviewed and applied, as appropriate. This may lead to, among other products, certification of management effectiveness and a global list of protected areas under threat.


Component Sub-results Indicators of Success Implementation 1.2.1.a Capacity building workshops for applying the revised IUCN System of Protected Areas Management Categories implemented in 4 regions (Mediterranean, Asia, Africa and Latin America). (E) 1.2.1.b Five to ten countries applying the revised IUCN System of Protected Areas Management Categories in their national legislation & regulations on PAs. (G) 1.2.1.c Additional policy and technical guidance prepared and widely distributed on mainstreaming equity and gender approaches in applying the categories system. (K) 1.2.1.d Methods and tools for the certification of PAs developed and tested in at least 5 countries. (K) 1.2.1.e WDPA enhanced to use the Categories for international reporting, especially on implementing the CBD/PoWPAs. (G)

1.2.1.a Reports and outcomes from the workshops. 1.2.1.b National legislation and regulations of the selected 5-10 countries incorporate the Categories System 1.2.1.c Changes in national policies and practices to consider equity and gender approaches in PAs planning and management. 1.2.1.d Reports on certification of protected areas. 1.2.1.e Enhanced, fully functional and freely accessible WDPA.

Leading: PPA and RCOs involved in the implementation of these results. Supporting: WCPA Task Force on Management Categories; WCPA Network on Management Effectiveness; WCPA/CEL Task Force on PA’s Legal Issues, Protected Areas and Equity Task Force. IUCN Senior Advisor on Social Policy, IUCN Global Senior Advisor on Gender. Key partners: UNEP-WCMC, EUROPARC-Spain, Federparchi, IUCN National Committee for France.

Component Result 1.2.2 - Enhanced and well informed decision making in relation to protected areas effectively supported by the Protected Areas Learning Network (PALNet). Rational: The skills required to manage protected areas are more specialized and are increasingly becoming more complex in the face of global change. In parallel to gaining knowledge, it will be equally important to strengthen science capacities at individual, institutional and societal levels. Work on protected areas also requires up-to-date and reliable data and information. If protected areas are to adapt to global change then this information must be cross-linked to other relevant information such as on species distribution, socio-economic data, and climate change predictions. Protected areas agencies, field managers, and other key groups require better information to guide their work. PPA/WCPA must make full and effective use of new opportunities arising from information technology to increase the interactivity of the WCPA network with other partners and IUCN networks working on PAs issues, and to enable provision of rapid, reliable and scientific-sound advice on protected areas. The Protected Areas Learning Network (PALNet) aims to meet this urgent need. PALNet facilitates the compilation and dissemination of protected area management knowledge among field workers, scientists, and others. At the same time, it provides a facility for managers to share experience, information and documentation with peers around the world.. PALNet is a tool that will encourage the engagement of managers to use this “knowledge network" focused on discussions regarding protected area policies, strategies, and field practices. Particularly attention will be given to supporting enhancement of the WDPA, held in UNEP-WCMC, and linking it to the Species Information System (SIS), which is being implemented by IUCN-SSC. The recent launching of an upgraded version of PALNet at the Second Latin-American Congress on


Protected Areas (Argentina, Bariloche, October 2007) has boosted the interest from protected areas experts in using this tool.

Component Sub-results Indicators of Success Implementation 1.2.2.a Enhanced PALNet which delivers useful and relevant information to key target audiences (K) 1.2.2.b WCPA network engaged in developing and contributing new knowledge to PALNet 1.2.2.c PALNet Regional nodes developed for Latin America and Asia to support biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management (E) 1.2.2.d Increased use of PALNet by protected areas managers and by the global conservation community. (E) 1.2.2.e Data on gender and protected areas uploaded to PALNet (K)

1.2.2.a Improved version of PALNet fully functional on-line; including broadening its web site’s architecture, make it more user friendly and linked to other databases and knowledge products (SIS, WDPA and WCLN). 1.2.2.b At least 20% of WCPA members contribute information to PALNet 1.2.2.c Successful launching and testing of PALNet regional nodes for Latin America and Asia. 1.2.2.d Use of PALNet enhanced and its success measured by achieving: - uploading of 3,000 documents on PALNet website per year. - at least 10,000 visitors/month using PALNet features. - downloading of 2,000-5,000 documents per year. 1.2.2 d Uploading of at least 30 global and regional documents on gender and PAs

Leading: PPA and RCOs involved in the implementation of these results. Supporting: WCPA Task Force on Information Management. WCPA membership Key partners: UNEP-WCMC, TNC, UNDP, IUCN Global Senior Advisor on Gender, WCLN.

Thematic Priority Area 2 – Changing the Climate Forecast

Global Result 2.1 – Climate change mitigation and adaptation policies and practice include biodiversity concerns from local to global level.

Component Result 2.1.1 - Corridor conservation principles developed and applied in at least 10-12 countries for positioning Protected Areas as anchors and refuges in the landscapes and seascape in response to climate change.

Rationale: Climate change will have major impacts on protected areas, including significant changes on the distribution of species and ecosystems. Planning for climate requires integrated planning at the landscape level. Protected areas and the biodiversity they conserve are particularly at risk. At the same time protected areas, if well connected at the landscape level and effectively managed, provide refuge where biodiversity can adapt to climate change. PPA/WCPA working with IUCN members and partners will identify and test principles of connectivity in landscape and seascape planning. An assessment of the impacts of climate changes on species distribution and biological processes is required to inform and guide this work.


Component Sub-results Indicators of Success Implementation 2.1.1.a A new state-of-the-art package of methodologies for designing and implementing corridor and connectivity initiatives prepared and tested in 3 regions. (K) 2.1.1.b Technical and policy guidance provided to governments and NGOs on how to design and implement corridor and connectivity initiatives to minimize impacts to PAs from climate change while maximizing their contribution to mitigation and adaptation strategies (E).

2.1.2 Guidance provided on the value of stored carbon within protected areas

2.1.1.a Number of PAs agencies and managers trained to apply this package of methodologies. 2.1.1.b At least 10 new corridor and connectivity initiatives developed in 3 priority regions (to be determined).

2.1.2. A number of PA agencies benefit from carbon market and strengthen PA management

Leading: PPA and WCPA/Mountains Network. Supporting: WCPA Task Force on Conservation Planning, Wilderness TF, TILCEPA. WCPA Sustainable Financing TF Key partners: UNEP-WCMC, SSC, CEM.

Global Result 2.2 – Natural resources management policies and strategies to adapt to the impacts of climate change are adopted and implemented.

Component Result 2.2.1 - Appropriate management responses to address the effects of climate change are implemented in 5-10 natural World Heritage properties.

Rationale: Global change, including climate and socio-economic change, represent an overarching threat to the world’s protected areas. These changes are having a negative effect on species and habitats and the effective functioning of landscapes and ecosystems. These threats are cross-cutting with impacts on all aspects of protected areas management.

While it is difficult to address climate change impacts in all protected areas PPA/WCPA will focus on World Heritage Sites. The impacts of climate change are affecting a number of WH properties and are likely to affect many more in the future. The World Heritage Committee has adopted a decision aiming to support State Parties of the Convention to implement appropriate management responses to address the effects of climate change. This will not only enhance the conservation of a number of WH properties but it will also assist in promoting synergy between the WHC and UNFCC.


Component Sub-results Indicators of Success Implementation 2.2.1.a Enhanced policy and management capacity of 5-10 State Parties (SPs) of the WHC to address the effects of climate change in WH properties. (E) 2.2.1.b At least 10 natural WH properties designing and applying management responses to address the effects of climate change. (E) 2.2.1.c IUCN best practice guidelines on designing and applying management responses, including engagement with community stakeholders, particularly women, to address the effects of climate change developed and widely disseminated. (K)

2.2.1.a Progress Reports from the SPs to the WH Committee on implementing Decision 29 COM 7B.a.Rev on Climate Change and World Heritage. 2.2.1.b State of Conservation Reports from WH properties applying management responses to address climate change impacts. 2.2.1.c Number of State Parties and number of WH sites managers applying the guidelines.

Leading: PPA and WCPA/WH Network. Supporting: WCPA Task Force on Information Management, WCPA Task Force on Conservation Planning, Wilderness TF, TILCEPA. Key partners: UNESCO/WHC, IUCN Forest Conservation Programme, UNEP-WCMC, TNC.

Thematic Priority Area 3 – Naturally Energizing the Future

Global Result 3.1 – Energy policies and strategies mitigate the impact of the growing energy demand on biodiversity.

Component Result 3.1.1 - Based on the revised IUCN System of Protected Areas Management Categories at least two major energy corporations revise and implement their technical/ operational guidelines on oil/gas exploration and exploitation in order to support protected areas management in the wider landscape/ seascape.

Rationale: Whilst some leading energy companies have made statements on avoiding oil/gas operations in PAs there is increasing environmental and social conflicts between these operations and a number of PAs, particularly in IUCN Categories I-IV. There is a need to provide guidance on solutions to these conflicts.

Component Sub-results Indicators of Success Implementation 3.1.1.a Methods for addressing issues of “no-go areas” and balancing trade-offs between energy operations and protected areas management that are respectful of social, gender and equity issues are developed. (K) 3.1.1.b Capacity is developed in at least 5 priority corporations for using methods for addressing “no-go areas” and balancing trade-offs to support successful negotiations with energy corporations. (E)

3.1.1.a Number of countries/ experts/ NGOs testing the methodology. 3.1.1.b Number of success conservation stories based on positive trade-offs and social negotiations.

Leading: PPA Supporting: WCPA Task Force on Management Categories; WCPA Task Force on Management Effectiveness. Key partners: UNESCO/WHC, Business and Biodiversity Programme.


Global Result 3.2 – Ecosystem services that underpin sustainable/ equitable energy are incorporated in energy policies and practices.

3.2.1 Policies and practices guiding the conversion of lands to respond to increased demands for bio-fuels are revised and improved in Asia and South America to avoid impacts to protected areas and of the livelihoods of people living in and around them.

Rationale: The increased demand for several types of energy is resulting in high pressures to convert lands for the production of bio-fuels. Experience is showing, particularly in Latin America that this is creating additional threats to protected areas and local people that needs to be urgently addressed.

Component Sub-results Indicators of Success Implementation 3.2.1.a Better understanding and data/ information on the environmental, social and gender impacts that might affect protected areas from land’s conversion for the production of bio-fuels. (K) 3.2.1.b Technical and policy guidance provided on changes required to minimize impacts to PAs from land conversion associated to the production of bio-fuels. (K)

3.2.1.a Use of information by target groups to influence policy and decision making on bio-fuels production that are supportive of biodiversity conservation, social and gender equity. 3.2.1.b Number of success conservation stories based on changes to policies and practices on bio-fuels production.

Leading: WCPA Supporting: PPA and RCOs dealing with this issue at regional level. Key partners: Business and Biodiversity Programme.

Thematic Priority Area 4 – Managing Ecosystems for Human Well-being

Global Result 4.1 – Development policies and strategies to support vulnerable and poor stakeholders, especially women, to sustainable manage ecosystems for improved livelihoods.

Component Result 4.1.1 - Enhanced participation and social equity, including mainstreaming gender, in protected areas planning and management through the application of the Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) approach and other models of good governance

Rationale: There are many types of protected areas governance, including government-managed, co-managed, private, and those based on indigenous and community management. These are constantly evolving and the quality and consistency of protected area governance varies greatly throughout the world. All protected area types reflect strong demands for more effective mechanisms to incorporate local involvement and traditions, as well as to improve performance and accountability.

The range of governance models for protected areas has expanded in recent years. In particular, Community Conserved Areas established and managed by indigenous peoples and local communities have been recognized as essential for conservation in many countries. Private protected areas, and areas established and managed by regional and municipal governments, have also proved effective. PPA/WCPA will promote innovation and best practice in relation to the range of PA governance models and will give particular emphasis to Community Conserved Areas. Innovative models will also be explored where conventional protected area types have not managed to achieve effective conservation and/or good governance. In particular, governance arrangements for complex protected area types managed by multiple agencies at different levels, such as transboundary protected areas and biosphere reserves will be assessed.


Component Sub-results Indicators of Success Implementation 4.1.1.a Capacity building implemented in 3 priority regions to promote and apply the existing Best Practice Guidelines on CCAs (E) 4.1.1.b Capacity developed to apply participatory governance evaluation tools to enhance the implementation of the CBD, WHC and Ramsar Convention at national and local level. (G) 4.1.1.c One or more variables describing the application of good governance approaches incorporated in redesigning WDPA (K) 4.1.1.d Policy and technical guidance developed on how to link viable PAs to human health (K)

4.1.1.a Number of agencies/countries applying principle of good governance. 4.1.1.b Statements and recommendations from these conventions endorsing and promoting the principles of good governance. 4.1.1.c Information on governance included and available through WDPA. 4.1.1.d Number of medical and health associations applying the guidance.

Leading: PPA and WCPA Governance, Equity and Livelihoods theme. Supporting: IUCN Senior Advisor on Social Policy, IUCN Global Senior Advisor on Gender. Key partners: UNESCO/WHC, CBD Secretariat, UNEP-WCMC, Parks Victoria (Australia).

Global Result 4.2 – Sustainable environmental management reduces vulnerability to natural hazards and conflicts.

Component Result 4.2.1 - Ecosystem management principles and practices applied in planning and management National PAs Systems in at least 5 countries as a tool to enhance the contribution of PAs to poverty reduction, gender equity and peace keeping objectives.

Rationale: Protected areas play a critical role in sustaining the natural resource base and thus in supporting livelihoods of local people and communities. Importantly, they protect vital ecosystem services, including clean water, and are essential for poverty alleviation and for sustainable development. However, in many parts of the world protected areas are viewed as a barrier to the activities and aspirations of local communities. Many poor people also live in and around protected areas, which serve as a vital source of food and other essential products. In many cases local communities have been excluded from decision making regarding protected areas, or worse, forcibly removed. As a result such areas are rarely designed with an objective of contributing to sustainable development or to the livelihoods of local communities and economic development.

At the same time much knowledge has been produced on planning and management of PAs at different scales and with a variety of objectives including supporting peace-keeping efforts thorough the establishment of “Peace Parks”. However the application of lessons learned and knowledge is not always promoted and implemented in the wider landscape context nor in relation to the contribution of protected areas to poverty reduction and sustainable development


Component Sub-results Indicators of Success Implementation 4.2.1a Gaps in the coverage of MPAs addressed in at least 3 regions and supportive of ICZM strategies and sustainable fisheries (E) 4.2.1.b Innovative application of the ecosystem management approach to PAs planning developed in 3 regions (Africa, Asia and South America) (E) 4.2.1.c Innovative Peace Park initiatives developed in 4 regions (Africa, Asia, Meso-America & South America) (E)

4.2.1a Enhanced presence on the WWW, awareness of values of MPAs increased. Number of new MPAs established and reports on their influence on poverty reduction, ICZM and gender equity. 4.2.1.b Number of new corridor established in the selected regions. 4.2.1.c Number of new Peace Parks established in the selected regions.

Leading: WCPA Supporting: PPA, IUCN Marine Programme, CEM, and RCOs in the selected regions dealing with this issue at regional level. Key partners: Google Ocean, WCMC, UNHCR, WHC, NOAA, English Nature, GBRMPA, IUCN Global Senior Advisor on Gender