International Whaling Commission Ecosystem Functioning research
Report of the IWC-CMS Workshop on Cetacean Ecosystem Functioning, virtual 19-21 April 2021
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Designing and managing protected and conserved areas to support inland water ecosystems and biodiversity
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.
Restoring ecosystems to reduce drought risk
Historically, droughts have caused extensive damage. Effective responses to drought remain a challenge, with reactive and crisis-oriented approaches dominating many interventions. The consequences of drought extend beyond households and rural livelihoods, impacting industrial operations and sectors such as energy, agriculture and water supply. Integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into drought policies requires a comprehensive, context-aware approach. The aim of this publication is to give authorities and stakeholders the knowledge required to integrate NbS into drought management efforts at global, national, and local levels.
Analyse de la contribution économique des services écosystémiques des aires protégées d’Afrique de l’Ouest
Ce présent ouvrage vise à déterminer la contribution économique des aires protégées et de la biodiversité dans les politiques et stratégies environnementales régionales de l’espace UEMOA-CEDEAO (Union Economique et monétaire Ouest Africaine et de la Mauritanie – Communauté économique des états de l’Afrique de l’Ouest). Pour atteindre les objectifs visés par ce travail, cet ouvrage aborde successivement le rôle de la biodiversité et des aires protégées dans l’amélioration du bien-être des communautés, l’importance de l’évaluation économique du capital naturel et des services écosystémiques et enfin les instruments d’intégration du capital naturel dans la planification et la prise de décision.
Climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation
Global climate mitigation policies are promoting a radical shift in emission reduction activities to achieve net-zero targets by 2050. Although recent scientific studies have explored the impacts of some climate mitigation initiatives on biodiversity in various contexts, a global perspective of these developments is required. This report contributes to these needs and includes a current synopsis of the carbon market mechanisms implemented around the world, how these mechanisms are related to natural ecosystems, the potential impacts of their operation, and the potential contribution of natural ecosystems in the design of Nature-based Solutions to reducing carbon emissions.
Guidelines for the application of IUCN Red List of Ecosystems Categories and Criteria : version 2.0
The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems is the global standard for ecosystem risk assessment and a framework for monitoring the status of the world’s ecosystems. It is part of the growing toolbox for assessing risks to biodiversity and aims to support conservation, resource use and management decisions by identifying ecosystems most at risk of biodiversity loss. By targeting a level of biological organisation above species, the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems complements The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ in supporting biodiversity conservation decision-making and action. The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems Categories and Criteria are designed to be widely applicable across ecosystem types and geographical areas, transparent and scientifically rigorous, and easily understood by policy makers and the public.
Applying the Barometer of restoration
The IUCN Restoration Barometer is a tool used by governments to monitor and record progress towards restoration goals in various terrestrial ecosystems, coasts, and inland waters. This document presents a synthesis of the results of the Restoration Barometer’s application in three countries: Guatemala (2011-2020), El Salvador (2014-2021), and Costa Rica (2011-2020). The goal is to examine and summarize the results obtained according to each country’s situation and highlight common patterns and trends in terms of policies, planning, monitoring, financing, and restoration impacts.
Aplicando el Barómetro de la restauración
El Barómetro de la Restauración de la UICN es una herramienta utilizada por gobiernos para monitorear y registrar el avance en sus objetivos de restauración en diversos ecosistemas terrestres, costas y aguas continentales. Este documento presenta una síntesis de los resultados de la aplicación del Barómetro de la Restauración en tres países: Guatemala (periodo 2011-2020), El Salvador (periodo 2014-2021) y Costa Rica (periodo 2011-2020). El objetivo es examinar y resumir los resultados obtenidos acorde con las situaciones de cada país y evidenciar patrones comunes y tendencias en términos de políticas, planificación, seguimiento, financiamiento e impactos de la restauración.
Using the IUCN red list criteria at the national level : a regional consultative workshop for South and Southeast Asia… : proceedings and recommendations
A regional workshop was held to develop a shared understanding of the IUCN global Red List criteria, threat categories and the process of listing species according to the threat of extinction with an emphasis on lessons learned, key constraints and priority needs. The report presents country status reports from Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam, plus conclusions and recommendations.
Microchiropteran bats : global status survey and conservation action plan
Bats make up a quarter of all mammals, and almost half of the species can be considered threatened or near threatened at a global level. This publication offers the results of the first comprehensive review to identify the conservation priorities for the 834 species of Microchiroptera. Rather than give an account of each of these species, this volume aims to be used as a basis for the development of more local or regional action plans, or actions for particular groups of bat species, by taxon or by habitat.
Megapodes : status survey and conservation action plan 2000-2004
In the five years since publication of the 1995-99 action plan, the Megapode Specialist Group has been active in promoting, initiating and executing conservation and research projects on thermometer birds. But the conservation outlook for many species remains bleak. Their habit of nesting on or near beaches, often on small islands, make them vulnerable to disturbance and egg-collection, and several species are greatly threatened. The greatest threats are over-exploitation of their eggs, loss of forested habitats, and introduction of predators. A great variety of work is proposed, from small-scale surveys suitable for students, to more in-depth research programmes requiring greater financial and logistical resources. Governments and politicans can use the larger projects as a basis for high-profile conservation initiatives, either alone, or in conjunction with other conservation projects in the region
Partridges, quails, francolins, snowcocks, guineafowl, and turkeys : status survey and conservation action plan 2000-2004
These species, a group of about 150 ground-dwelling gamebird, are found on every continent apart from Antarctica. They live in a wide variety of habitats from tropical forests, high-altitude alpine zones, temperate forests, open country, to desert environment. Although widespread, little is known of the species occuring outside Europe and North America, but several species are considered at grave risk of extinction. Since publication of the first action plan in 1995 a large increase in the amount and quality of conservation work has taken place. This document provides an update on the current situation, identifies the most threatened species with this group, prioritises conservation action needed, and outlines project briefs for the most urgent cases
