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Smart Conservation Platform-Driven Sustainable Development: A Case Study of the Bogda Component, Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural
The Bogda Component of Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage Site exemplifies representative geomorphological features and ecosystems of Xinjiang Tianshan. As a quintessential arid landscape in Eurasia’s hinterland, it showcases remarkably distinct and complete vertical zonation of mountain natural landscapes within minimal distances. This includes: snow-capped peaks and glaciers, pristine forests and meadows, crystal-clear rivers and lakes, expansive deserts. It achieves a remarkable convergence of stark contrasts: heat and cold, aridity and humidity, desolation and beauty, grandeur and delicacy. To realize win-win protection and development, the site is steadily advancing its smart conservation management platform, providing foundational support for sustainable development.
Management and Protection of the Coastal Wetlands in Yancheng, China
The Jiangsu Yancheng Wetland Rare Birds National Nature Reserve has the largest and most intact intertidal ecosystem on the western coast of the Pacific and the eastern edge of the Eurasian continent. It serves as an important stopover for water birds on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and protects the largest wild red-crowned crane wintering population in China. Over the past 40 years, the reserve has carried out extensive work in coastal wetland and wildlife protection, scientific monitoring and research, publicity and nature education, and the transformation of the value of ecological products. It has continuously improved its construction and management level, made unremitting efforts in the practice and demonstration of protection, development, and support functions, and effectively protected the biological and cultural diversity within the area. It plays an important role in maintaining ecological security and showcasing ecological image.
Swinging into action: French golf tees off for biodiversity conservation
To better understand and preserve the rich yet under-documented biodiversity of golf courses, the French Golf Federation partnered with the National Museum of Natural History in 2016 to launch the Golf for Biodiversity Programme. The initiative aims to improve ecological knowledge, management, and conservation practices on golf courses in France. When joining the Programme, an ecological diagnostic is conducted on the golf course by a naturalist organisation and clubs implement tailored action plans based on expert recommendations. A Bronze, Silver, or Gold certification rewards efforts to study, protect, and promote biodiversity, based on the club’s commitment level. Data collected feeds into the National Natural Heritage Inventory, advancing national scientific research. While the Museum gains valuable insights into previously overlooked ecosystems, clubs benefit from expert support, training, strong peer network, and enhanced image.
Conserving Critically Endangered rosewood and Endangered padauk species in Community forest Vietnam's Central Annamite
Rosewood (Dalbergia spp.) and Dipterocarpus macrocarpus are among the most logged and traded tropical timbers in Southeast Asia due to high demand from the luxury furniture market. Extensive illegal logging and trade have led to local extinction or severe population declines across its range. In response, we propose a community-based conservation program in the Central Annamites, Vietnam. The initiative includes establishing community nurseries, replanting rosewood in known habitats, and protecting remaining mature mother trees through the creation of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) in community forests. This integrated approach will safeguard vital seed sources, support long-term species recovery, and actively engage local communities. In doing so, it will also create alternative income streams through seedling production, participation in restoration efforts, and access to carbon credits and other green financing opportunities.
The Nature Conservancy & National Geographic Society Externship Program
Together, the partners developed a program centered around a rigorous externship open to young adults ages 18-25 to equip them with the knowledge, tools, and relationships to seek solutions and take action in their communities around the globe. The program intentionally creates more opportunities for young people from all communities to prepare for careers in conservation and exploration. At the end of this eight-week experience, externs create an ArcGIS StoryMap presentation based on the local conservation issue they investigated. As the externship concludes, participants can apply for seed funding to begin enacting the solutions they identified in their communities. The program has addressed the challenge of inadequate leadership opportunities for global youth, by providing young adults from ages 18-25 with the opportunity to tackle global conservation issues, while gaining conservation skills.
World Rowing: Healthy Waters, strong strokes for nature
Clean and healthy waters are vital for human health, food security, reversing nature loss, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Yet rivers, lakes, and coasts are under threat, affecting life on Earth and sports like Rowing, which depend on these ecosystems. To take action, World Rowing deepened its partnership with WWF International by launching the Healthy Waters Alliance, shifting from awareness to impact. The Alliance unites World Rowing and WWF communities to co-create and deliver projects that protect and restore waters essential to rowers, wildlife, communities, and economies. Projects can be initiated by National Rowing Federations, clubs, athletes, event organisers, or local WWF offices. The Healthy Waters Alliance Guide outlines the process for collaboration. In 2024, the Italian Rowing Federation and WWF Italy launched a seabed clean-up with a local NGO, and clubs joined Adopt a Beach, tackling plastic pollution. In 2025, Ambassador Martin Helseth led a clean-up of the Oslo fjord with clubs, NGOs & WWF.
Plan de acción para la conservación de la cotorra cabeciamarilla (Amazona barbadensis) en toda su área de distribución 2022-2031
La cotorra cabeciamarilla (Amazona barbadensis) es una de las pocas especie dentro del género Amazona adaptada a vivir en ambientes áridos y semiáridos. El plan de acción para la conservación de la cotorra cabeciamarilla (2022-2031) es el primer plan de acción para toda su área de distribución, convirtiéndose en un importante documento que contiene el accionar con la especie durante los próximos diez años, con la identificación de los responsables y posibles colaboradores. En este documento se han incluido acciones que se han venido realizando, así como nuevas acciones que también serán beneficiosas para la conservación de la especie, dentro de las cuales destacan acciones enfocadas en generar condiciones para la reintroducción de la especie en Aruba.
Relevancia cultural y espiritual de la naturaleza
Estas directrices ofrecen un enfoque hacia la creación de un papel prominente y apropiado para la relevancia cultural y espiritual de la naturaleza dentro de la gobernanza y la gestión de las áreas protegidas y conservadas. Intentan superar algunas de las dificultades causadas por los objetivos contradictorios a la hora de comprometerse con la cultura en el contexto de la conservación de la naturaleza. Lo hacen reconociendo la diversidad global de visiones del mundo, sistemas de gobernanza, religiones y lenguas que conforman las diferentes formas de entender la naturaleza.
Global Species Action Plan (Arabic version)
The Global Species Action Plan (GSAP) is a critical initiative developed to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), to address the increasing biodiversity loss worldwide. The GSAP outlines strategic interventions and actions to conserve and sustainably manage species while ensuring equitable benefits. Emphasizing the critical role of species in ecosystem stability, human livelihoods, and cultural heritage, the GSAP seeks to prevent extinctions, reduce threats, and ensure equitable benefits from species use. Implementation involves diverse stakeholders, including governments, Indigenous peoples and Local communities, NGOs, academia, and businesses, fostering cooperation at global, regional, and local levels. The GSAP underscores the collective responsibility to safeguard Earth’s rich biological heritage for future generations.
Unselective, unsustainable, and unmonitored trawl fisheries?
In 2016, the term UUU (unselective, unsustainable and unmonitored) fishing was developed and a Resolution of the World Conservation Congress, adopted by Members, tasked IUCN’s Species Survival Commission with reporting on the concept. The resulting situation analysis utilises the trawl fisheries of China, Thailand and Vietnam to explore how some of the issues associated with UUU fishing can be linked back to these three elements. The report found considerable variation in each component of UUU across the case study countries but that uncontrolled fishery development resulting in excess fishing capacity is commonly a root cause, leaving long standing impacts which have proven very challenging to solve. Whilst the report does not provide recommendations for action, it does identify 14 areas where further work would help accelerate progress on sustainable use, the protection of species of conservation concern and help safeguard the marine ecosystem.
Monitoring biodiversity after oil spill remediation in the Niger Delta
The Niger Delta region of Nigeria is facing severe environmental challenges due to widespread oil extraction activities, resulting in recurring oil spills and adverse effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services and livelihoods. This report documents the implementation of protocols of the IUCN Niger Delta Biodiversity Technical Advisory Group (BTAG) on two impacted sites at Adibawa Well 8 S/L wellhead in Joinkrama, Rivers State, and Adibawa North-East 1 wellhead in Tien Biseni, Bayelsa State, both located in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. The innovative approach of BTAG integrates eDNA analysis with traditional field sampling to enhance the monitoring strategies, offering a more comprehensive understanding of ecological recovery.