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GEOfood
GEOfood is a global initiative that promotes food sourced and produced within UNESCO Global Geoparks. It emphasizes the connections between local food, food traditions, and the geological heritage of the region where the food is produced.
The initiative aims to support sustainable development by encouraging responsible food production, protecting biodiversity, and promoting local economic impact. Only recognized UNESCO Global Geoparks can use the GEOfood brand, ensuring that the raw materials come from within or near these geoparks.
GEOfood ( www.geofood.no) is a global brand that promotes food sourced and produced within UNESCO Global Geoparks. It emphasizes the connections between local food, food traditions, and the geological heritage of the region where the food is produced
Here are some key aspects of the GEOfood brand:
- Local and Sustainable: GEOfood products are sourced locally within geoparks, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and local economies
- Educational Value: The brand helps raise awareness about the i
Reviving Nature: The Cleanup Success Story of King Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve
Set over an area of 28,345 km², the King Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve (KARNR) is situated northeast of Riyadh, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Extending to the Al-Arma Mountains and down to several meadows, valleys, and reefs, it mostly encompasses two regions: Rawdat Al-Tanhat, Al-Khafs, Noura, Al-Hqaqa, the western portion of the Al-Summan plateau, and the Ad-Dahnaa’ desert.
In 2018, the reserve was created to protect plant and animal species, and preventing poaching, overgrazing, and logging. Various kinds of plants, animals, and microbes cohabit in the reserve’s varied landscape, including valleys, meadows, plateaus, mountains, plains, and dunes, among other features.
One of the significant achievements in the reserve has been the large-scale cleanup campaigns. Recently, a massive operation successfully removed 55,390 tons of waste from various reserve parts. This effort was part of a broader initiative to maintain the pristine condition of the environment and to ensure that the habitats remain conducive for wildlife.
Planting a Million Seedlings for a Sustainable Future
Nestled among the rolling hills and vast landscapes of King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, the Authority was established to restore and rejuvenate this precious ecosystem, focusing on our vision to plant a million seedlings in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, enabling life to breathe into our environment. As stewards of nature, we recognize the pressing need to combat climate change, restore biodiversity, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
For decades, King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve has been a sanctuary of natural beauty, yet it has faced challenges such as deforestation and habitat degradation. Recognizing these threats, we embarked on an ambitious afforestation project. After months of meticulous planning and sustainable thinking, we proceeded with our endeavour from selecting native species resilient to our climate to preparing the fertile ground for their growth.
Fonseca Species Conservation Fund (FSCF)
The Fonseca Species Conservation Fund (FSCF) was established in 2024 by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Re:wild to honor the passion of the late Gustavo Fonseca, long-standing GEF director of programs, for species conservation and building capacity of the next generation of conservationists.
The FSCF draws on the expertise of IUCN Species Survival Commission Specialist Groups and other key partners to ensure all funding goes toward priority projects. Through the FSCF, grantees will access funding support, the expertise of the selection committees, and connections with partner organizations.
Regeneration of Mangroves and Mobilization of Local Populations, with a Particular Focus on Women and Indigenous Communities, in the Conservation of Ecosystems in the Lokoundjé District (Fifinda)
The Foundation for Environment and Development in Cameroon (FEDEC) implemented a project titled ‘Mangrove Regeneration and Mobilization of Local Communities, Particularly Women and Indigenous Groups, in Ecosystem Conservation in the Lokoundjé District (Fifinda),’ funded by GEF Small Grant from the United Nations Development Program. This initiative aimed to restore 4 hectares of degraded mangrove areas through the replanting of 6,000 mangrove seedlings and fostered community engagement, particularly among the Bakola/Bagyeli indigenous communities, in agroforestry activities. The project also introduced improved fish smoking ovens, reducing deforestation and enhancing local economies. Community education efforts, including the distribution of educational materials and radio broadcasts, raised awareness of mangrove conservation. The combined efforts have not only regenerated vital ecosystems but also empowered local populations with sustainable livelihoods and conservation techniques.
Introduction of artificial reef to reduce pressure on natural coral reef in gulf of Aqaba- Jordan
Background: The Gulf of Aqaba ( GOA) hosts an extraordinary amount of marine diversity with the existence of corals, reef-building coral, and an unknown number of soft coral species. It is stated that the coral reefs of Jordan are amongst the most diverse per m2 in the world.
The challenges: This unique ecosystem faces different challenges and threats, among these are the effects of tourism and the huge diving activities especially with the global interest in coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba which has encouraged tourists from worldwide to come to Aqaba and practice diving activities wildly,
The solution: as a solution to relieves the existing pressure, several artificial reefs were introduced in the GOA- Jordan; Cedar Pride Shipwreck, Hercules C-130, The Tank, and the Underwater Military Museum. Those artificial reefs have diverted some pressure away from natural reefs while still allowing visitors to enjoy diverse marine life. Additionally, they became a habitat for several coral and other marine species.
Restoration of Seagrass Beds Using Biodegradable Bioplastic-Based Eco-Friendly Planting Frames
The international community aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, recognizing the importance of “blue carbon” in marine ecosystems like seagrass beds. The Korea National Park Service is dedicated to enhancing carbon absorption through the restoration of eelgrass in Hallyeohaesang National Park.
Since 2018, restoration efforts faced challenges with initial transplantation methods showing variable success rates. In 2021, an eco-friendly planting frame using paper egg cartons was developed, but it was inefficient. The following year, biodegradable bioplastic frames were introduced, yet they were too light and restricted eelgrass growth.
In 2023, a new planting frame was created from biodegradable bioplastic with greater density, providing adequate space for eelgrass expansion. This frame was successfully used to restore seagrass beds along the Daegopo coast.
Cultivating Change: Innovative support for small farmers in Adamawa State through Regenerative Agriculture
The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project in Adamawa State, Nigeria, aims to combat land degradation and enhance climate resilience by promoting regenerative agriculture practices. Supported by the World Bank, this 6-year project (2022-28) targets landless smallholder farmers by persuading landowners to lease 2,100 hectares of land rent-free for 10 years.
Regenerative agriculture restores soil health through techniques like no-till farming, mulching, cover cropping, and reducing synthetic chemicals, while integrating livestock and bees into the farming system. These practices aim to rejuvenate soil degraded by intensive farming and promote sustainable agricultural productivity.
This initiative addresses challenges of soil degradation and food insecurity by promoting climate-resilient farming. The project not only restores the land but aims to set a precedent for adopting regenerative agriculture across Nigeria.
Humedales Urbanos Costeros: lugares que aporten al bien estar ciudadano o “basureros urbanos”
Los humedales urbanos contribuyen de modo importante a que las ciudades sean más agradables para vivir. Reducen las inundaciones, suministran agua potable, filtran desechos, proporcionan zonas verdes urbanas para la recreación, sin embargo, están sometidos a una presión constante y son vulnerables a los efectos del cambio climático. El proyecto Humedales Urbanos Costeros de BIOCITIS (GIZ) trabajo con entes públicos, privados y la sociedad civil para buscar soluciones mancomunadas para atender los desafíos en la gestion de los humedales urbanos, basado en 6 pasos claves: Diagnostico participativo e interinstitucional del estado de humedales urbanos costeros; Planificación participativo e interinstitucional de soluciones; Fortalecimiento de capacidades de la gestion de humedales Gestión participativa de jornadas de cuidado comunitaria de humedales; Concientización sobre la importancia de humedales y la Integración de humedales urbanos costeros en procesos de políticas públicas.
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.
Xiamen practice – a case study of integrating Nature-based Solutions in coastal city development
As a typical coastal city, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China, faces serious societal challenges such as the impact of climate change, overexploitation of natural resources, and loss of biodiversity. Xiamen is implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) by strengthening ecological protection, promoting ecosystem restoration, building sponge city, supporting sustainable community development and green transformation of mines, while encouraging funding and diverse public participation. After more than 30 years of exploration and practice, the green development concept of harmonious coexistence between man and nature has been integrated into areas and processes of Xiamen’s economic and social development, making Xiamen’s practice a global example of excellence in NbS and a model for sustainable development of coastal cities.
Asian langurs (Presbytis) conservation action plan 2024–2034
Distributed in the Sundaland region (Thai-Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, Java and adjacent smaller islands), langurs of the genus Presbytis are one of the most threatened groups of Asian primates. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 24 of the 28 taxa (>85%) are threatened with extinction (listed as Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable). One taxon is classified as Near Threatened and one as Data Deficient. Only two Presbytis taxa are considered as Least Concern. This Asian langurs (Presbytis) conservation action plan 2024–2034 brings together the knowledge of experts on these monkeys to identify the most pressing threats and priority conservation actions for each taxon.
