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Developing a management plan while balancing divergent stakeholder objectives

In northeast Scotland, there has been a history of conflict between seal conservation and salmon fisheries in the Moray Firth, a large area covering approximately 5 230 km2. Seals prey on salmon migrating into the river estuaries and around coastal netting stations, impacting fishing activities.

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, harbour seals Phoca vitulina, and grey seals Halichoerus grypus were all listed, presenting a challenge for seal and salmon management alike as the protection of one species potentially impacted the status of the other. However, this challenge presented an opportunity for the various stakeholders to come together and develop the Moray Firth Seal Management Plan. This case study follows the process of developing this plan.

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Using satellite imagery, audio and visual content, and field data such as coordinates of wildlife, an elaborate and captivating  web map showcases the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. The StoryMap provides a lot of information on our conservation initiatives, flora and fauna found inside the reserve, and our contribution to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The DDCR StoryMap contributes greatly to public awareness on the safeguarding of the natural environment and UAE’s biodiversity. The DDCR StoryMap is displayed at the DDCR Visitor Center and on our website.

Please find link to the DDCR StoryMap below: 

https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9a5300db8a8248c993bfdffc50621f

National fisheries fish spawning calendar for Lebanon

This spawning calendar gathers information for commercial marine fish native to Lebanon. Fish samples were collected from various ports around the country and thoroughly analysed, providing some valuable insight on the native fish population. Considered essential for future fishery management plans, it will in turn contribute to a more efficient, sustainable management of the marine ecosystems.

Mitigating biodiversity impacts associated with solar and wind energy development

Achieving a climate-resilient future requires rapid, sustained and far-reaching transformations in energy, land-use, infrastructure and industrial systems. Large-scale expansion of renewable energy can play a critical role in meeting the world’s growing energy demands and in the fight against climate change. However, even ‘clean’ energy sources can have significant unintended impacts on the environment. The guidelines aim to provide practical support for solar and wind energy developments by effectively managing risks and improving overall outcomes related to biodiversity and ecosystem services. They are industry-focused and can be applied across the whole project development life cycle, from early planning through to decommissioning and repowering, using the mitigation hierarchy as a clear framework for planning and implementation. The mitigation hierarchy is applied to direct, indirect and cumulative impacts. The catalogue of resources relevant to mitigating biodiversity impacts associated with solar and wind energy development (Annex 1 of the publication) is available as a separate, downloadable, spreadsheet.

IUCN policy statement on sustainable use of wild living resources

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Inland waters – such as rivers, lakes and other wetlands – are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. They are also the most threatened; almost one in three species is at risk of extinction and monitored populations of freshwater species have declined by 85% since 1970. The loss of these ecosystems has cascading effects on human livelihoods, cultures and our overall well-being. While protected and conserved areas can play an important role in bending the curve of inland water biodiversity and ecosystem loss, they have rarely been designed, designated, and managed for that purpose. Motivated by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s inclusion of inland waters in the target to conserve 30% of the planet by 2030, this report provides guidance in employing protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures to benefit these ecosystems and the biodiversity they support. Through a series of case studies and synthesized research, it highlights how integrating the unique needs of inland waters into area-based strategies can improve conservation effectiveness across all realms, build climate resilience and sustain critical ecosystem services.

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This is the first volume in the WCPA Good Practice Guidelines that is predominantly by rangers, for rangers. The editors worked with partners to collect good practices and stories from rangers worldwide, reflecting global experience and lessons learned. The text focuses on actions that rangers, and to a lesser extent managers, can do themselves. It does not address institutional changes that would need intervention at government level. Whilst the latter are often necessary, decisions are out of the hands of individual rangers. Nor is the guide the last word on the state of play, another global ranger survey is being carried out simultaneously with the production of these guidelines and we will continue to learn about ranger needs, strengths and challenges in the future.

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Asia highlights 2023

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