Nature Collectibles - Collect&Conserve

Nature Collectibles – Collect&Conserve

IUCN together with the Swiss PORINI Foundation launched NatureCollectibles (NCs), a new and innovative way to make biodiversity assets tradeable. NCs are digital representations of a species connected to a real-world nature conservation project. They are written to Porinis zero-carbon blockchain where they cannot be copied or multiplied, making them unique and tradeable, like a piece of art.

We invited 8 protected and conserved areas (PCAs) from 6 continents to present their work at the first African Protected Areas Congress in Kigali and developed a mobile app where these digital twins can be collected and traded. People can now take part in ongoing conservation action.

We collected over 16’000 USD in the first 2 months and any user can see on the APP that 100% of his contribution is sent to the PCA.

In October, we will launch the next collection featuring 8 species from 8 PCAs in Madagascar and over the next 5 years, a total of 512 species in 64 different collections will be added.

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Climate Action using the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) and restoration efforts to address climate impacts at Songo Mnara and Kilwa Kisiwani

This solution addresses the climate challenges faced by Kilwa Kisiwani and the ruins of Songo Mnara. The primary threats—wave action, sea level rise, erosion, and heavy rainfall—were evaluated using the methodology of the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI). In response, key actions were implemented, including the construction of a protective wall, the planting of mangrove trees along the coastline, and the restoration of the stairs at Husuni Kubwa Palace, which had been damaged by wave activity.

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Citizen-science based monitoring for a low-density species to improve national-wide monitoring and greater inclusivity

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Enhanced conservation of the leopard (Panthera pardus) populations of the Bafing River watershed, Republic of Guinea

The Leopard population in the Moyen Bafing River watershed has gone from being an iconic animal to an enemy animal of humans. Population migrations have increased poaching and habitat destruction. The project identified the lack of knowledge about the species, the loss of its habitat as major problems. Added to this are poor agricultural practices. A biomonitoring program was set up with the participation of community ecoguards, which resulted in knowledge of the spatial distribution of the Leopard in the area. A dialogue framework has been set up to facilitate exchanges between the communities. A forest habitats regeneration program has been set up with the involvement of the communities. An awareness-raising program through theater campaigns and environmental education has been set up. About 600 ha of forest under restoration, more than 900 students and parents have learned good practices respectful of the environment. Poaching rates have decreased. This project is part of the IUCN Save Our Species African Wildlife initiative, which is co-funded by the European Union.

Results-Based Incentive System for Sustainable Forest Development in Ethiopia

The Forests4Future (F4F) project, initiated by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and local partners, introduces a results-based incentive system in Ethiopia to promote sustainable tree planting for forest development. Rather than compensating for the initial planting, the system rewards the successful establishment and survival of trees. Implemented in the Lake Chamo and Lake Abaya catchments, this approach encourages land use change from steep slopes to forest land, aiming for long-term forest creation and ecological restoration. It integrates rigorous selection, planting criteria, and ongoing support to ensure sustainable outcomes. First results indicate strong participation, with more than 280 farmers and community groups restoring approximately 150 hectares of land, achieving higher tree survival rates and a shift in community attitudes towards long-term forest management.

A Role-Playing Game for Land Use Planning and Conflict Resolution

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Using the World Natural Heritage registration, an environmental culture approach to improve the well-being of the islanders in Amami

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TREES: Accompanying Research on Restoration

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Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) GIS StoryMap

Dr. Haifa Ben Romdhane, Diana Vasile, Gerhard Erasmus, and myself Basil Roy collaborated together to create a GIS Story Map for the 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition. The competition invites storytellers globally to share stories about restoring and conserving our planet’s lands and waters.

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

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Species Threat Abatement and Restoration in the Central African Republic

This report presents findings from an assessment of the biodiversity conservation potential of four project sites: Lobaye, Mambéré-Kadéï, Ombella-Mpoko, and Sangha-Mbaéré located in the Bangui region of the Central African Republic (CAR). This assessment was done using the Species Threat Abatement and Recovery (STAR) metric, which employs  high-resolution imagery and an approach to modelling species’ Area of Habitat (AOH) that was revised after June 2020 among other enhancements. This work was undertaken to better inform threat abatement and restoration planning and implementation at the partner project sites, and as part of a wider effort to pilot and strengthen the use of STAR as a  tool for restoration and conservation practitioners, communities, investors, and policymakers.