3.2. Ensure that protected and conserved area networks are representative of all natural ecosystems and well connected.
Subactions
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3.2.1. Analyse gaps in existing protected and conserved area networks for species.
Primary tools and resources
Connectivity 101: Ecological connectivity for people and planet
Connectivity 101 is a free, self-paced course provided by the Wildlife Connect Initiative – a partnership of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC), IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas – Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group (CCSG), and Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), designed with UNDP’s Learning for Nature.
Connectivity 101 teaches the basics of ecological connectivity conservation. The course will present general and replicable best practices for connectivity conservation and context-sensitive case studies worldwide. The course will focus on an audience of conservation practitioners but will also be accessible to a general audience. A certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course. Currently, the course is offered in English. Translations to other UN languages may be available in the future.
Other tools and resources
Proceso de integración de las áreas protegidas al ordenamiento territorial colombiano
Han incrementado las presiones sobre áreas protegidas (AP) poniendo en riesgo la conservación de biodiversidad y la provisión de servicios ecosistemicos. En la planificación de los modelos de ocupación del territorio, usos del suelo y desarrollo promovidos por municipios, departamentos, la nación y sectores productivos las AP estan ausentes o son percibidas como limitantes del progreso A su vez las AP siguen planificandose de limites hacia dentro aisladas de los territorios de los cuales hacen parte. Es imprescindible e inaplazable que las AP se integren en los planes de ordenamiento territorial. Nuestro proceso ha combinado acciones de tipo político, técnico y operativo. Hoy Parques Nacionales hace parte del Comté Especial Interinstucional de la Comisión de Ordenamiento Territorial de Colombia, ha logrado las AP hayan sido incluida instrumentos ordenamiento territorial municipal, departamental y nacional, desarrolla casos piloto diferentes sitios del pais y capacita diferentes actores
Solutions and case studies
Murray Darling Basin Plan
Through a deliberate strategy of getting Parliament votes and media attention, the Murray Darling Basin Plan was passed through Federal Parliament in 2013. The Darling River is one of the largest in Australia and runs from north to south. The Darling River flows into the Murray River and had been reduced to a trickle at the mouth due to big ag’s water usage for irrigation. A consortium of community members spent 10 years getting this plan passed.
Sound legislative governance framework for spatial planning and management
This solution addresses the complexities of having multiple jurisdictions and interests involved in co-managing a very large and diverse area. Today complementary management and planning provisions apply in virtually all marine waters within the GBR, irrespective of the jurisdictional responsibility.
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3.2.2. Identify, report, and maintain Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) to benefit species.
Primary tools and resources
Guidance on other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs)
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, provides a framework for the effective implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) through four goals and 23 targets. Target 3 (known as the ‘30×30 target’) calls on Parties to conserve at least 30% of terrestrial, inland waters, and coastal and marine areas by 2030. These guidelines are designed to promote good practices relating to identifying, reporting, monitoring and strengthening OECMs. They are intended for use by a wide range of rightsholders and stakeholders to promote understanding of whether a site meets the CBD criteria for identifying an OECM, how to report OECM data at the national and global levels, and how to monitor and strengthen OECMs.
Other tools and resources
Creación del Fondo de Inversión Ambiental para la Reserva Marina de Galápagos
El objetivo es constituir y capitalizar un fondo fideicomisario, que esté anclado al Fondo de Inversión Ambiental Sostenible (FIAS), con la finalidad de proteger preservar y conservar la Reserva Marina de Galápagos (RMG), asegurando su sostenibilidad financiera.
El principal hito a largo plazo que se quiere alcanzar con este fondo es aumentar las 40 millas de la RMG. Además, con este fondo se pretende elaborar e implementar un plan de prevención, conservación y preservación de la RMG. Para lograr estos hitos se definieron tres programas principales. Sin embargo, fueron identificados dos ejes transversales a estos programas como cruciales para lograr una buena preservación y conservación de la RMG, estos son Cambio Climático y Comunicación y Educación Ambiental.
Los tres programas son:
- Mantener y repotenciar el programa de Control y Vigilancia de la RMG para proteger el patrimonio marino;
- Garantizar la conservación de la RMG y su integridad ecológica, a través del monitoreo e investigación para el uso racional de sus bienes y servicios ambientales;
- Contribuir con la elaboración e implementación del Plan de Emergencia para la RMG.
- La actualización del valor del cobro de las patentes de operación turística;
- En el Ecuador existe un Fondo de Inversión Ambiental Sostenible (FIAS) que nos permitirá crear este fondo de la RMG bajo su paraguas;
- La existencia de un Fondo para las Especies Invasoras de Galápagos, anclado al FIAS, es un ejemplo de éxito para la creación del fondo de la reserva marina, aportando confianza para los inversionistas.
- La creación de este tipo de fondos ayudan a mitigar la inestabilidad del financiamiento por parte del Estado y cooperación externa;
- En las negociaciones con la cooperación externa para buscar su voluntad para invertir en este fondo, o la ayuda en la busqueda de donantes para el mismo, ha tenido bastante acogida en este medio debido al factor de sostenabilidad en el tiempo;
- El Estado a través de su Ministerio de Finanzas ha recibido de forma positiva la iniciativa de la DPNG para implementación del fondo;
- Una de las principales barreras que se tuvo que sortear fue la inestabilidad política. Sin embargo, como explicado en el building block anterior, el caracter técnico de este proyecto superó al político.
Se Buscan Héroes: turismo, alianzas y comunicación para el financiamiento en áreas marinas protegidas
Cuatro organizaciones de la sociedad civil (OSC) integran Paralelo 28 con el objeto de captar recursos para contribuir al manejo y vigilancia de las áreas naturales protegidas (ANP) del Golfo de California. En 2016 lanzan la campaña Se Buscan Héroes en el Parque Nacional Islas Marietas, en colaboración con la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) y la Oficina de Visitantes y Convenciones de la Riviera Nayarit.
Se establecen acuerdos entre Prestadores de Servicios Turísticos (PST), OSC y gobierno para instalar un mecanismo de financiamiento que contribuya al buen manejo del ANP. PST forman la asociación Bahía Unida y aportan $40 pesos por turista al Fondo Marietas. Paralelo 28 ejecuta la campaña de comunicación reconociendo a las empresas participantes (+95%). Las OSC y el gobierno ejecutan las acciones de manejo con los fondos generados, ofreciendo transparencia y claridad en el manejo financiero e inician réplicas en otras ANP. Aumenta 5,500% el presupuesto anual.
Pérennité de la libre évolution forestière grâce à un outil réglementaire spécifique
Le Bois du Loc’h est une réserve biologique intégrale (RBI), seul statut spécifiquement conçu pour assurer la libre évolution d’un échantillon représentatif des habitats forestiers présents en France et valoriser le réseau ainsi constitué. A la protection déjà importante assurée par la maîtrise foncière (forêt de l’Etat) et par le plan de gestion durable de la forêt dont fait partie le Bois du Loc’h, la RBI ajoute une garantie de pérennité de l’absence d’exploitations et un plan de gestion spécifique.
Ce plan de gestion intègre des dispositions communes à l’ensemble des RBI : protocoles d’études standardisés, principes de sécurisation de sentiers balisés, de régulation des ongulés par la chasse en l’absence de prédateurs naturels, d’élimination d’espèces exotiques. Ces principes, adaptés à l’environnement plus ou moins anthropisé de la plupart des forêts d’un pays comme la France, ont été compatibles avec la reconnaissance en catégorie UICN Ia, au regard de la finalité de la RBI.
A stocktaking report on other effective area-based conservation measures in China : first edition
Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) have been long recognised as an effective approach for safeguarding biodiversity at local, national and global levels. This report takes stock of the policies and practices relevant to OECMs in China. The report explores the critical role of OECMs in China’s conservation efforts, emphasising their potential contribution to the country’s commitment to Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). With well-established policies and practical evidence base in place, China is poised to embrace OECMs through both top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Solutions and case studies
The Role of Ecotourism in supporting socio-economic development in Ajloun Forest Reserve
Ajloun Reserve covers 12 sq km from the remaining fragile and fragmented forest patches northern Jordan. The most important component of RSCN’s solution to integrate the local communities in its conservation programs was nature-based low impact ecotourism. We developed eco-tourism infrastructure and facilities (cabins, restaurants, trails) to attract nature lovers to stay overnights in the area, which only received limited numbers of day visitors before the establishment of the reserve. We linked the reserve with the surrounding historical and cultural attractions creating benefits and alternative income to the local communities, and assisted in the rehabilitation of local houses located along the hiking trails as stop points for food and beverage. Our ecotourism product depends on natural and cultural resources, low level of technology with low negative impact on nature respecting the sites carrying capacity.
Val Alba Nature Reserve Establishment
Val Alba Nature Reserve was established after a 1-year long participatory process that involved all local stakeholders and regional administration. It answered to a 30 year long expectation of the local community and it was the first bottom up experience of establishing a protected area in the Region Friuli Venezia Giulia (North East of Italy). This experience has become a model in the Region for the following preparation of Natura 2000 sites management plans.
Biodiversity Tax Incentives For South Africa’s Protected Area Network
South Africa identified protected area expansion as a key tool to ensuring the persistence of its biodiversity and ecosystems essential for its people and economy. Approximately 75% of South Africa is held in private ownership. Landowners bear the responsibility of managing protected areas and face financial commitments as a result. The Fiscal Benefits Project was launched to test biodiversity tax incentives as a financial benefit for landowners declaring protected areas. This began with the introduction of a new tax incentive into legislation. The impact of the incentive was tested at pilot sites across the country, resulting in the successful inclusion of the tax break in a tax return. This has paved the way for other privately owned protected areas to receive financial recognition and ensure the continued governance and management of South Africa’s protected areas, utilising building blocks of policy and grassroots engagement, niche expertise and a supportive community of practice.
From threatened to thriving: how ecotourism saved Jabal Moussa mountain
In 2007, following an attempt to blast a road in the heart of the mountain known as Jabal Moussa, the Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa (APJM) NGO was established to protect the mountain from increasing pressures, within challenging socio-economic and political contexts. APJM negotiated and funded a lease contract with religious endowments to rent large swaths of the mountain, and Jabal Moussa was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009. Inspired by the Man and Biosphere Programme, APJM launched a community-based ecotourism program the same year, engaging several local community members. From a previously neglected and threatened area, Jabal Mousa became a well conserved touristic destination, welcoming 20,000 visitors in 2017, and increasingly contributing to the wellbeing of its local communities. Despite the very fragile law enforcement framework, Jabal Moussa is today thriving due to the engagement of the local community and the support of the general public.
La Minga-An Endowment to Secure Community Driven Conservation on Colombia’s Pacific Coast
Conservation International (CI) and Fondo Acción (FA)have been actively supporting and contributing to the creation, development and strengthening of three protected areas (RDM Golfo de Tribugá, RDM La Plata and RNP La Sierpe) and communities. To further this work and provide continuity, CI and FA have launched “La Minga” which means “everyone together.” La Minga is an endowment fund and a sinking fund designed to guarantee the financial sustainability of this community-driven network of protected areas (IDM Golfo de Tribugá in Chocó and IDM La Plata, NRP of la Sierpe in valle del Cauca)The fund´s goal is to ultimately help secure the protection of invaluable biodiversity, a deeply prized cultural heritage, and the natural capital on which the local communities depend. This is the first time in
Colombia where long-term financial sustainability for protected area management is being developed with the people who live there, who have driven this process since the very beginning. -
3.2.3. Focus expansion of protected and conserved areas on sites of high importance for species, including ecological corridors.
Primary tools and resources
Connectivity 101: Ecological connectivity for people and planet
Connectivity 101 is a free, self-paced course provided by the Wildlife Connect Initiative – a partnership of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC), IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas – Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group (CCSG), and Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), designed with UNDP’s Learning for Nature.
Connectivity 101 teaches the basics of ecological connectivity conservation. The course will present general and replicable best practices for connectivity conservation and context-sensitive case studies worldwide. The course will focus on an audience of conservation practitioners but will also be accessible to a general audience. A certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course. Currently, the course is offered in English. Translations to other UN languages may be available in the future.
Solutions and case studies
Public-private partnership to develop a climate-proof PA network
Fifteen percent of the Western Cape is formally protected. Unfortunately, this network is unrepresentative of the biodiversity contained within the province and does not adequately buffer the province against the impacts of climate change. In an endeavor to supplement the existing network, priority areas, which have been identified through systematic biodiversity plans, are being safeguarded through elaborate public private partnership agreements and mainstreaming avenues.
Kinabalu Eco-linc – improving ecological connectivity
This project is improving the ecological connectivity between 2 protected areas in Sabah, Malaysia: Kinabalu Park (World Heritage site) and Crocker Range Biosphere reserve. It addresses the issue of forest fragmentation due to uncontrolled deforestation and expansion of agricultural activities by establishment of several community conserved areas (CCAs) in between both parks, habitat restoration, improving agriculture production and creating alternative incomes.
Building a protected areas network in the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem.
North America’s Laurentian Great Lakes truly are great. These “inland seas” represent the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem, with over 21% of the earth’s surface freshwater. And yet for all their importance these lakes have suffered much. Climate change, invasive species, contaminants and habitat loss are just some of the stresses that have profoundly impacted and altered them.
It is a challenging context for conservation, and accordingly, protected area agencies and partners across the lakes have sought ways to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of their efforts. To this end, the Great Lakes Protected Areas Network (GLPAN) was established to improve communication and facilitate collaboration at the binational (Canada-United States) scale. One outcome of this partnership has been better profile and awareness of protected and conserved areas on other binational platforms, most notably the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
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3.2.4. Support transboundary conservation areas where species’ populations cross national borders.
Solutions and case studies
Public-private partnership to develop a climate-proof PA network
Fifteen percent of the Western Cape is formally protected. Unfortunately, this network is unrepresentative of the biodiversity contained within the province and does not adequately buffer the province against the impacts of climate change. In an endeavor to supplement the existing network, priority areas, which have been identified through systematic biodiversity plans, are being safeguarded through elaborate public private partnership agreements and mainstreaming avenues.
Transboundary strategy for communication about nature conservation
The project used a participatory decision-making process to develop recommendations for transboundary cooperation in targeted external communication about nature conservation in the two national parks. The project led to a joint agreement about the allocation of resources (money and staff time) to maximize public opinion about nature conservation activities in the parks. Some of the actions will be implemented through jointly funded park projects from 2017-2020.
Promoting transboundary co-existence of large carnivores
The project used a participatory decision-making process to develop a transboundary bear management plan for a nature park in Italy (Prealpi Giulie) and an adjacent national park in Slovenia (Triglav). The project led to a joint agreement for the allocation of resources (money and staff time) toward satisfying all stakeholders concerned about brown bears in the Transboundary Julian Alps Ecoregion. Some of the actions will be implemented through jointly funded park projects from 2017-2026.
European Park Marittime-Mercantour: how long term transboundary conservation can lead to a juridical common management structure
Starting from their territorial contiguity, the common natural and cultural heritage, the two parks have created a unique protected area of about 1000 km² across the F/I border. A long partnership process, at first generated by the need of common wildlife management, lead then to sustainable development and common visual identity. Thanks to more and more integrated projects, they developed a shared vision, and have finally created a common juridical structure following a new EU regulation: EGTC.
Promotion of transboundary nature protection and sustainable nature tourism
The project was carried out from 2006-2008 in the transboundary protected area called Pasvik-Inari Trilateral Park (Finland, Norway, Russia) that focused on promoting nature protection and sustainable nature tourism in the area by developing: 1) joint methods for nature monitoring; 2) joint guidelines for sustainable nature tourism; 3) joint action plan; and 4) EUROPARC transboundary park certification.
Building a protected areas network in the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem.
North America’s Laurentian Great Lakes truly are great. These “inland seas” represent the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem, with over 21% of the earth’s surface freshwater. And yet for all their importance these lakes have suffered much. Climate change, invasive species, contaminants and habitat loss are just some of the stresses that have profoundly impacted and altered them.
It is a challenging context for conservation, and accordingly, protected area agencies and partners across the lakes have sought ways to strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of their efforts. To this end, the Great Lakes Protected Areas Network (GLPAN) was established to improve communication and facilitate collaboration at the binational (Canada-United States) scale. One outcome of this partnership has been better profile and awareness of protected and conserved areas on other binational platforms, most notably the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.