Related content

Training skills for successful Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) contract negotiations

The concept of legally binding contracts dates back over 4,000 years. It is based on well-established principles and practices in all legal systems on the planet. However, news challenges arise from the fact that the emerging frameworks to implement the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) adds atypical elements that have never before been addressed by contract law. An ABS contract is an agreement between governments, indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs), researchers and / or companies regarding access to and use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. The main purpose is to ensure the sharing of benefits arising from subsequent use, application and commercialization. Although every ABS contract is unique in its benefit-sharing section, it nevertheless shares certain characteristics with ordinary contracts. The training aims at legal and technical experts dealing with biodiversity, research and development and commercial use of genetic resources.

Explorer l’avenir des huiles végétales

Ce rapport apporte une contribution importante à la compréhension du sens et des implications d’une nutrition durable, un concept puissant au cœur de la mission de notre conseil scientifique. En rassemblant des informations pertinentes sous des angles socioéconomique, environnemental, nutritionnel et de perception sociale, le présent rapport identifie les principales inconnues susceptibles de devenir des aspects importants dans nos études sur l’intelligence artificielle et les mégadonnées. 

 

First Payment for Environmental Services Scheme in Cuba: Promoting carbon removal through sustainable forest management

Cuba’s geological evolution, climate, and insular geography led to highly diverse ecosystems with various endemic species. Nonetheless, declining forest cover and climate change hazards have threatened the country’s rich biodiversity. Moreover, CO2 emissions accelerate the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, in addition to harming human well-being.

To address these challenges, the Cuban government, with support from the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ecovalor project, established a payment for environmental services scheme that rewards carbon removal through sustainable forest management.

By March 2025, the scheme disbursed USD 238,000 (CUP 5,709,066) in payment for environmental services, associated with the removal of 999,473 tons of carbon across 12,646 hectares of forest. This initiative contributes to climate mitigation, ecosystem conservation, and the responsible use of natural resources in Cuba.

Unite for Nature on the path to 2045

Unite for Nature on the Path to 2045: A 20-Year Strategic Vision for the Union articulates IUCN’s commitment to “a just world that values and conserves nature” and establishes a clear direction for the next two decades. It guides collective efforts to safeguard biodiversity, inspire societal engagement, and drive transformative change toward a sustainable future.

Unite for Nature on the path to 2045

Unite for Nature on the Path to 2045: A 20-Year Strategic Vision for the Union articulates IUCN’s commitment to “a just world that values and conserves nature” and establishes a clear direction for the next two decades. It guides collective efforts to safeguard biodiversity, inspire societal engagement, and drive transformative change toward a sustainable future.

Unite for Nature on the path to 2045

Unite for Nature on the Path to 2045: A 20-Year Strategic Vision for the Union articulates IUCN’s commitment to “a just world that values and conserves nature” and establishes a clear direction for the next two decades. It guides collective efforts to safeguard biodiversity, inspire societal engagement, and drive transformative change toward a sustainable future.

Unidos por la naturaleza en el camino hacia 2045

«Unidos por la naturaleza en el camino hacia 2045: una visión estratégica de 20 años para la Unión» articula el compromiso de la UICN con «un mundo justo que valora y conserva la naturaleza» y establece una dirección clara para las próximas dos décadas. Orienta los esfuerzos colectivos para salvaguardar la biodiversidad, inspirar el compromiso social e impulsar un cambio transformador hacia un futuro sostenible.

Unidos por la naturaleza en el camino hacia 2045

«Unidos por la naturaleza en el camino hacia 2045: una visión estratégica de 20 años para la Unión» articula el compromiso de la UICN con «un mundo justo que valora y conserva la naturaleza» y establece una dirección clara para las próximas dos décadas. Orienta los esfuerzos colectivos para salvaguardar la biodiversidad, inspirar el compromiso social e impulsar un cambio transformador hacia un futuro sostenible.

Unidos por la naturaleza en el camino hacia 2045

«Unidos por la naturaleza en el camino hacia 2045: una visión estratégica de 20 años para la Unión» articula el compromiso de la UICN con «un mundo justo que valora y conserva la naturaleza» y establece una dirección clara para las próximas dos décadas. Orienta los esfuerzos colectivos para salvaguardar la biodiversidad, inspirar el compromiso social e impulsar un cambio transformador hacia un futuro sostenible.

Smart DESERT project: Sustainable Agriculture for Resilient Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment

The Smart DESERT project was funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) with a total budget of EUR 10 million and implemented by a consortium of organisations led by IUCN ROWA, targeting the area of the North-East Badia highlands in Jordan. The project was designed to achieve two key objectives: (1) increased year-round income and (2) improved work conditions, with an overarching goal of economic empowerment of Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanians in the agricultural sector.

The project addresses key challenges such as water scarcity, land degradation, rural unemployment, and limited market access. By introducing water harvesting systems, regenerative agriculture practices, and digital tools, Smart DESERT helps farmers improve productivity, conserve natural resources, and build climate resilience. It also supports the creation of home-based agribusinesses and facilitates connections to markets and finance.

Lignes directrices sur l’exploitation des espèces menacées

Les sociétés du monde entier exploitent les espèces sauvages, dans une mesure plus ou moins grande, pour l’alimentation, les matériaux de construction, les soins de santé, les médicaments, la lutte contre les parasites, l’ornementation, générer des revenus, les loisirs, ainsi qu’à des fins culturelles et spirituelles. Si cette utilisation des espèces sauvages contribue directement au bien-être de milliards de personnes dans le monde, la surexploitation des espèces sauvages est l’un des principaux facteurs de perte de biodiversité.

Radical Restoration: Democratizing Climate Tech for Ecosystem Recovery

In 2024, Distant Imagery Solutions planted 5.5 million mangroves in the UAE using self-engineered wooden drones designed for simplicity, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. This milestone redefines the potential of community-driven, ecosystem-based restoration.

With projects ready in Brazil, Tonga, Kenya, and Indonesia, Distant Imagery empowers communities to lead. Our licensing and training platform equips locals to build and operate drones, fostering global knowledge exchange.

More than a technological solution, this is a movement of shared empowerment and stewardship. By connecting communities, Distant Imagery creates a global network innovating together to restore ecosystems and build climate resilience.

Also, our AI-powered Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system tracks restoration progress and combats illegal activities, ensuring ecological recovery and long-term protection.