The GSAP identified a set of actions for each GBF target to achieve species conservation outcomes and provides a set of technical tools and resources for each of the action. The GSAP SKILLS Knowledge Hub supports species conservation practitioners and users to access all these tools and resources easily on this platform. All tools and resources are updated regularly. Please search for the tools and resources here.
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GSAP Primary Tools and Resources
Primary tools and resources are those of most relevance to achievement of the GSAP recommended actions and sub-actions for each of the Global Biodiversity Framework target. For each of the Primary tools and resources, there is a short description, advice on use, and a link to more detailed information. New primary tools and resources will be added regularly.
Guidelines for rewilding
These guidelines offer both a call for change and general guidance for users. The following five guidelines, adapted from the ten guiding principles for rewilding (Carver et al., 2021), provide a foundation for understanding and taking action to prevent further losses in nature, promote the recovery of biodiversity, and support the restoration of ecological integrity.
Guidelines on harvesting threatened species
Societies around the globe harvest wild species, to a greater or lesser extent, for food, building materials, healthcare, medicines, pest control, ornamentation, income, recreation, and cultural and spiritual purposes. While this use of wild species directly contributes to the well-being of billions of people globally, over-exploitation of wild species is one of the key drivers of biodiversity loss. The IUCN Guidelines on harvesting threatened species advise decision-makers on whether, how and what to harvest to ensure the sustainable use of threatened animal, plant and fungal species. Drawing on insights from the IPBES Sustainable Use Assessment, they complement and expand on existing guidance and tools, such as the Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of IUCN Red List Data in Harvesting of Threatened Species and recent CITES guidance on the conduct of Non-Detriment Findings.
The Franklinia Foundation – for Conservation Threatened Trees
The Franklinia Foundation is a private foundation under Swiss law established in 2005 that provides financial support for nature conservation projects. Its objective is to ensure the conservation of threatened tree species throughout the world and to improve their conservation status.
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.
GSAP Other Tools and Resources
GSAP other tools and resources are other relevant resources to the GSAP recommended actions and sub-actions but are applicable to a more limited range of situations or smaller subsets of species.
Improving the protection of the Eurasian Eagle-Owl population in Eastern Serbia
The Eurasian Eagle-Owl is the world’s largest owl and a vital predatory bird ensuring ecosystem balance by controlling rodent and other small mammal populations. Despite protection under international and national laws, it faces threats from human disturbances such as habitat loss, electrocution, poisoning, and cultural persecution, leading to population decline. In Europe and Serbia, a lack of nesting sites and essential data on its distribution and habits further complicate conservation.
This pilot project in Eastern Serbia aims to conserve this species using field research, modern technology (GPS tracking devices, audio and video monitoring), and educational activities across five sites in Sokobanja, Zaječar, and Knjaževac. Providing support to five known nesting areas and limiting disturbance by visitors through remote surveillance, as well as directly involving the local community in conservation through workshops and campaigns, all ensure long term results in Eurasian Eagle-Owl protection in Eastern Serbia.
Safeguarding long-term conservation of birds of prey in the Fruška Gora National Park
The supplementary feeding station for birds of prey in Fruška Gora National Park is crucial for birds of prey, especially during the winter. However, the operationality of the feeding site has been suspended in the past few years, as it was no longer possible to provide pig carcasses from local farms due to appearance of the African swine fever in Serbia.
The project provided a solution for the long-term sustainable operation of the feeding site through the use of a terrain vehicle with a trailer for the transport of larger cattle carcasses. Additionally, a video surveillance system with an integrated species recognition software facilitates the monitoring of species at supplementary feeding station. The National Park staff, in collaboration with the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia, conducted raptor field monitoring activities, as well as capacity building activities for rangers and stakeholders for responding to emergencies involving birds of prey and education activities in nine primary schools in the area.
World-First Jaguar-Protection Insurance in Misiones, Argentina: Protecting wildlife and supporting livestock farmers
The jaguar (yaguareté) is the largest feline in the Americas and a national symbol in Argentina, yet fewer than 250 remain nationwide, about 90 in Misiones. Habitat loss and declining prey have increased jaguar predation on livestock and pets, harming farmer’s income and driving retaliatory killings. To transform conflict into coexistence, the Government of Misiones, UNDP (BIOFIN and IRFF), the insurer Río Uruguay Seguros, and the NGO Aves Argentinas developed the world’s first jaguar-protection insurance.
Purchased by the province of Misiones and offered free of charge to residents, the insurance provides prompt compensation to producers for verified jaguar predation. Launched in April 2025, the scheme verified five claims in its pilot phase in Comandante Andresito and has since expanded to other municipalities affected by human–jaguar conflict. By protecting rural livelihoods, the insurance discourages retaliation and protects the jaguar.
Integrated river restoration and community stewardship to protect the Critically Endangered Tradouw Redfin
This Solution applies integrated river restoration and community stewardship to reduce key threats to the Critically Endangered Tradouw Redfin in the Huis River, South Africa. It combines invasive alien plant clearing, targeted riparian restoration, water-saving measures and community awareness to improve habitat quality and river resilience.
The approach addresses habitat degradation, invasive vegetation, water pressure and limited local awareness. By restoring riparian structure and coordinating action through a multi-agency Tradouw Redfin Working Group, the project improved river health indicators, restored critical habitat and strengthened long-term protection for the species through a formal Species Action Plan.
Agricultural support, biodiversity, and trade
At World Trade Organization (WTO), the key characteristic according to which support to agricultural producers is classified is their ability to distort international trade rather than their incidence and impacts on social or environmental dimensions. There is a lack of studies and analytical framework to guide policy decisions, such as understanding how specific support, in general, and in different agricultural sub-sectors, are linked to biodiversity, economic, social, and trade outcomes. In this context, our work contributes to filling this gap. We originally combined several data sources on support to agricultural producers (different types), land use (and notably the supported harvested cropland area), threats to species, and international trade.
IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4
The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4 assesses 271 natural and mixed World Heritage sites. Complementing the official monitoring processes under the World Heritage Convention, the World Heritage Outlook offers the most in-depth analyses of threats facing natural World Heritage around the world and their protection and management status. It is based on the knowledge of hundreds of experts, site managers and partners and presents the main results for 2025, but also some longer-term trends based on the four data sets now available.
Guidelines for rewilding
These guidelines offer both a call for change and general guidance for users. The following five guidelines, adapted from the ten guiding principles for rewilding (Carver et al., 2021), provide a foundation for understanding and taking action to prevent further losses in nature, promote the recovery of biodiversity, and support the restoration of ecological integrity.
Best practice guidelines for orangutan wild-to-wild translocation
Determining whether wild-to-wild translocation is an appropriate action requires sound assessment of an individual orangutan’s characteristics, the circumstances surrounding its detection, and in-depth analysis to identify suitable release habitats. This guidance document follows the precautionary principle in prioritising the in situ protection of wild orangutans and their forest habitats, whether large tracts or small fragments. This document helps users determine if wild-to-wild translocation is appropriate for their specific circumstances.
Other Ressources from IUCN
These are other relevant resources from IUCN Library system that can be used and referenced for the implementation of GSAP recommended actions and sub-actions.
Manual y caja de herramientas para las evaluaciones de impacto en un contexto de Patrimonio Mundial
As the World Heritage Convention celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022, over 1100 sites around the world are recognized as World Heritage – places that are so valuable to humanity that there conservation has been deemed our collective responsibility. Yet many of these exceptional places face increasing pressure from diverse types of development projects within and around the sites. Assessing the impacts of such projects is essential to both prevent damage to World Heritage and identify sustainable options. This Guidance and toolkit explains the process for achieving these goals. Offering practical tips and tools including checklists and a glossary, it provides a framework for conducting impact assessments for cultural and natural heritage sites.
Manual y caja de herramientas para las evaluaciones de impacto en un contexto de Patrimonio Mundial
As the World Heritage Convention celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022, over 1100 sites around the world are recognized as World Heritage – places that are so valuable to humanity that there conservation has been deemed our collective responsibility. Yet many of these exceptional places face increasing pressure from diverse types of development projects within and around the sites. Assessing the impacts of such projects is essential to both prevent damage to World Heritage and identify sustainable options. This Guidance and toolkit explains the process for achieving these goals. Offering practical tips and tools including checklists and a glossary, it provides a framework for conducting impact assessments for cultural and natural heritage sites.
Strengthening what works : recognising and supporting the conservation achievements of indigenous peoples and local communities
This Briefing Note is intended to assist countries and policy-makers to recognise and support ICCAs (territories and areas conserved by indigenous peoples and local communities) in a manner that is sensitive to and respectful of the many issues involved. It contains the basic facts about ICCAs, condenses and presents the lessons learned and offers recommendations for governments implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA). This Briefing Note also provides concise Dos and Don’ts for governments and civil society committed to sustaining ICCAs’ immense benefits for conservation and livelihoods.
Renforcer ce qui fonctionne : reconnaître et soutenir les peuples autochtones et les communautés locales dans leurs exploits de conservation
Cette note d’information a pour objet d’aider les pays à reconnaître et à soutenir les territoires et les aires du patrimoine conservés par les peuples autochtones et les communautés locales (APAC), en restant sensibles et respectueux des nombreuses questions en cause. Elle contient des éléments de base sur les APAC ainsi qu’un condensé de leçons apprises, et des recommandations pour les gouvernements qui mettent en oeuvre le Programme de travail de la CDB sur les Aires protégées (PoWPA).
Guidance and toolkit for impact assessments in a World Heritage context (Chinese version)
As the World Heritage Convention celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022, over 1100 sites around the world are recognized as World Heritage – places that are so valuable to humanity that there conservation has been deemed our collective responsibility. Yet many of these exceptional places face increasing pressure from diverse types of development projects within and around the sites. Assessing the impacts of such projects is essential to both prevent damage to World Heritage and identify sustainable options. This Guidance and toolkit explains the process for achieving these goals. Offering practical tips and tools including checklists and a glossary, it provides a framework for conducting impact assessments for cultural and natural heritage sites.
Fortalecer lo que funciona : reconocimiento y apoyo a pueblos indígenas y comunidades locales en sus logros de conservación
Se espera que la presente Nota Informativa los oriente de manera sensible y respetuosa teniendo en cuento los muchos temas involucrados. Contiene hechos fundamentales acerca de las ICCA, sintetiza lecciones aprendidas, y ofrece recomendaciones para los gobiernos qui implementan el Programa de Trabajo sobre Áreas Protegidas del CDB (PoWPA). La Nota ofrece también consejos sintéticos sobre qué hacer y qué no hacer dirigidos a los gobiernos y la sociedad civil qui están comprometarget_idos en mantener los immensos beneficios de las ICCA en términos de conservación y sustento a los medios de vida.
Fortalecer lo que funciona : reconocimiento y apoyo a pueblos indígenas y comunidades locales en sus logros de conservación
Se espera que la presente Nota Informativa los oriente de manera sensible y respetuosa teniendo en cuento los muchos temas involucrados. Contiene hechos fundamentales acerca de las ICCA, sintetiza lecciones aprendidas, y ofrece recomendaciones para los gobiernos qui implementan el Programa de Trabajo sobre Áreas Protegidas del CDB (PoWPA). La Nota ofrece también consejos sintéticos sobre qué hacer y qué no hacer dirigidos a los gobiernos y la sociedad civil qui están comprometarget_idos en mantener los immensos beneficios de las ICCA en términos de conservación y sustento a los medios de vida.
Guidance and toolkit for impact assessments in a World Heritage context (Chinese version)
As the World Heritage Convention celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2022, over 1100 sites around the world are recognized as World Heritage – places that are so valuable to humanity that there conservation has been deemed our collective responsibility. Yet many of these exceptional places face increasing pressure from diverse types of development projects within and around the sites. Assessing the impacts of such projects is essential to both prevent damage to World Heritage and identify sustainable options. This Guidance and toolkit explains the process for achieving these goals. Offering practical tips and tools including checklists and a glossary, it provides a framework for conducting impact assessments for cultural and natural heritage sites.
Solutions from PANORAMA
PANORAMA – Solutions are success stories and case studies that can be replicable or re-applied to the GSAP recommended actions and sub-actions. Those solutions are sourced from PANORAMA – Solutions for a Healthy Planet
Mobile Intervention Unit for Wild Carnivores
The “Mobile Intervention Unit for Wild Carnivores” project equipped the formal rapid-response team for interventions involving wild carnivores in Serbia, focusing on Brown Bear related interventions. A new vehicle was procured through this project for the transport of 5 team members and the accompanying equipment (tools for safe catching and immobilizing brown bears). Apart from ensuring the main means of rapid deployment of 5 members of the Mobile Intervention Unit for Wild Carnivores anywhere in Serbia, the project also contributed with the establishment of key protocols for intervention procedures and team safety, ensuring compliance with modern best practices. Capacity building done through this project involved a practical training for the members of the Brown Bear Intervention Team and a workshop for stakeholders, involving more than twenty participants, including protected area staff, hunting associations, local self government units and others.
Unlocking the forage seed system in Ethiopia (Gurage and Sidama)
A major barrier to scaling Push–Pull Technology (PPT) in Ethiopia is the limited availability of affordable, high-quality desmodium and brachiaria seed. Reliance on imported seed significantly increases costs, limiting farmers’ access and slowing adoption. While PPT has proven effective in reducing pest pressure, suppressing striga, improving soil health, and providing high-quality livestock feed, uptake remains constrained by weak local seed supply systems and limited awareness of its broader benefits.
This project addresses these challenges by establishing sustainable local seed systems, strengthening partnerships with seed producers, and building farmers’ capacities through training, demonstration sites, and extension support. It also introduces a renewed communication strategy that reframes PPT around tangible farmer benefits, including increased fodder production, reduced crop losses, and income opportunities from forage seed production.
Water Source Management for Sustainable Pasture Use in Mongolia
In Mongolia’s dry rangelands, uneven water access concentrated livestock around a few water points, increasing pressure nearby while remote pasture remained underused. At sites in Uvurkhangai, Dornogovi, Sukhbaatar and Tuv aimags, the Sustainable Land Management for Combating Desertification Project linked water-source development with community participation and pasture-management objectives. The solution established 13 engineering wells, restored eight engineering wells and 52 hand wells, and protected 60 natural springs from livestock trampling. These measures improved livestock water access, enabled use of remote pasture and supported haymaking, windbreak and tree-planting sites. By connecting wells and spring protection with pasture planning, agreed use and community responsibility, the approach offers a replicable model for distributing grazing pressure, supporting pastoral livelihoods and strengthening dryland resilience.
Institutionalizing multisectoral partnerships for effective protected area management.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), a 97,030-hectare no-take protected area and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines, operates through a multisectoral governance and partnership system. The Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board provides shared direction, while the Tubbataha Management Office maintains continuity and carries out day-to-day management. Government agencies, local government, enforcement agencies, research institutions, conservation organizations, the tourism sector and other partners contribute personnel, expertise, financing, technical support and other resources. Tubbataha also engages MPA, government and academic networks to exchange experience and adapt management.
The Zhejiang Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve Uses International Certification to Drive Good Governance, Smart Monitoring, and Comprehensive Ecosystem Conservation in Subtropical Mountain Reserves
The Zhejiang Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve is located in Lin’an District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. Covering a total area of 4,284 hectares, it is one of the national nature reserves featuring subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests located closest to a major metropolitan area,It preserves more than 5,000 ancient trees across 72 species and is home to 119 species of wild flora and fauna under national key protection (including Tianmu ironwood, ancient ginkgo, ancient Chinese fir, Chinese stone pine, South China sika deer, black muntjac, and white-necked long-tailed pheasant).In 2024, the “Regulations on the Zhejiang Tianmu Mountain National Nature Reserve” officially took effect—marking the first time Hangzhou City has enacted legislation specifically for a single mountain; that same year, the “Tianmu Mountain–Qingliang Peak” site was incorporated into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.This plan uses the application for an IUCN Green Name designation as a catalyst to conduct a systematic “health check” and upgrade the management of the protected area based on globally recognized standards for protected areas. At its core is a “five-in-one” model comprising “legislative authorization—government-led governance—community-based joint protection and management—integrated aerial, terrestrial, and space-based smart monitoring—coordinated law enforcement in accordance with the law,”five-in-one model, driving the reserve toward refined, standardized, and professional management. The plan addresses core challenges including illegal crossings in the core zone, visitor and fire prevention pressures, invasive species, standardization of monitoring, and shortages of professional talent, yielding positive outcomes such as significant conservation achievements, deepened community co-management, and regional green development.
Strengthening Women's Voice and Leadership in Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) Fisheries Management
Women fishers and wives of Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) fishermen in Indonesia play important roles in the BSC fishery, yet their contributions and concerns are often overlooked in fisheries management. Limited communication skills and opportunities to express aspirations remain major barriers. Since 2021, Coral Triangle Center (CTC), Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), and Photovoices International (PVI) have supported women in Lampung and Central Java through training on BSC ecology, trade chains, and business canvas development; strengthening public speaking through photography and Training of Trainers; and creating spaces for women to speak and share through photo exhibitions and learning exchanges. By combining knowledge, confidence-building, and structured dialogue spaces, the approach strengthened women’s capacity to engage with decision-makers. As a result, women gained confidence, stronger family support, and government recognition. In 2024, women in Lampung were formally included in the provincial BSC Management Team.
Scaling Nature-based Water Security through Green Public Finance in Manabí, Ecuador
The solution addresses water security and climate resilience in Ecuador by integrating Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) into public planning, governance, and finance. Led by the Banco de Desarrollo del Ecuador (BDE) with the GIZ Programme Scaling-up EbA Measures in rural Latin America, the initiative made BDE a pioneer in water security through public banking. The BDE is currently incorporating EbA criteria into its budget lines, credit instruments, and project evaluation processes.
A key output, the Sustainable Watershed Management Guide, equips local governments with tools to design bankable, low-emission projects combining infrastructure and nature-based solutions. These approaches are institutionalized in local development plans (PDOTs) and coordinated through watershed councils, fostering multi-level governance and community participation.
Together, these innovations form a replicable model connecting finance, planning, and governance to deliver, climate-resilient investments for Ecuador’s most vulnerable territories.
Ecosystem based Restoration of Floodplain and Scattered Forests in Mongolia
This solution restores floodplain forests and scattered forest ecosystems in Dornod, Zavkhan, Khovd and Sukhbaatar provinces of Mongolia. Between 2022 and 2024, restoration activities were implemented across 1,604 ha using ecosystem based approaches, including assisted natural regeneration, planting of locally adapted tree and shrub species, soil moisture conservation measures, and protection of young seedlings. The solution addresses land and forest degradation, desertification, soil erosion, biodiversity loss and declining water resources. Ecological assessments and GIS based site selection were used to identify suitable restoration areas.
Local governments, communities, researchers and project partners participated in planning, implementation, monitoring and maintenance. Early results show improved ecosystem recovery, strengthened local capacity and participation, enhanced climate resilience and support for long-term landscape sustainability.