Parks for life 97 : proceedings of the IUCN/WCPA European regional working session on protecting Europe's natural heritage

In 1994, IUCN launched Parks for life: Action for Protected Areas in Europe – a plan devised by IUCN with 200 partners to ensure an adequate, effective and well-managed network of protected areas in Europe. In November 1997, some 150 protected area experts from 34 countries met to review progress and chart a course for future work. Containing 11 papers and 6 workshop reports, emphasis is on the implementation of 5 priority projects : upgrading the management of Category II sites, identifying potential World Heritage sites, building cooperation in transboundary protected areas, restoring wetlands in protected areas and conserving land used by the military

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1998

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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.

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.

She Leads Green Action Program:Empowering young women to address climate change challenges in Tanzania

The She Leads Green Action Program (SLGAP) offers women aged 18-35 a six-week immersive experience focused on green actions and environmental sustainability. Through workshops, field trips, and hands-on projects, participants learn about the environment and how they can promote gender equality and lead sustainable actions.
Since its launch in June 2022, SLGAP has trained two cohorts of 60 women, providing them with leadership skills, climate change knowledge, and entrepreneurial tools to foster sustainable development. A major achievement is the rehabilitation of over 1,000 mangroves in Kunduchi Mtongani, enhancing coastal resilience.
The program has also inspired the creation of five women-led social businesses in sustainable agriculture, eco-products, and renewable energy. Additionally, 10 products and prototypes with scale-up potential have been developed, contributing to environmental and economic sustainability.
A strong alumni network ensures continued support through mentorship, coaching, and networking.

Community-led policy advocacy on Natural Resources Management in Kenya

NACOFA gathers community feedback on Forest and Landscape Restoration (FLR) and Natural Resource Management (NRM) challenges, such as degradation. It analyzes existing laws and policies to identify gaps and inconsistencies that hinder effective solutions. To empower its CFA members, NACOFA builds their capacity in policy advocacy, teaching them to influence policymakers, secure inclusion in consultative forums, and impact policy planning and implementation. Collaboration with government bodies like the Ministry of Environment, Kenya Forest Service, and County NRM departments addresses these gaps through policy reviews, amendments, and new regulations. NACOFA also formed coalitions with stakeholders to tackle policy issues. When governments are slow or resistant to change, NACOFA engages in horizontal advocacy by working within government oversight structures, such as Technical Working Groups and Forest Conservation Committees, to influence policy from within.

Climate mitigation using renewable energy through participatory approaches in Bipindi, Cameroon

The “Strengthening Access to Solar Energy for the Bagyeli Indigenous Communities” project in South Cameroon addresses the Bagyeli’s climate change challenges, such as variable rainfall and temperature, which affect their livelihoods. These communities face poverty and vulnerability due to limited access to electricity, impacting education, health, and quality of life. This initiative aims to enhance their resilience by increasing solar energy access, building capacity in solar system maintenance, and raising climate change awareness. Beneficiaries include 500 people and 200 students, primarily women and youth. Expected outcomes include improved solar capacities in schools, enhanced youth skills, solar installations in community centers, and solar kits for 50 families, benefiting over 300 Bagyeli individuals.

Propagation of Indigenous Tree Species in Drylands; A case study of the Red Pod Terminalia in Kenya

Propagation and regeneration of native plant species, such as the Red Pod Terminalia (Terminalia brownii Fresen), pose significant challenges, especially in developing countries where research is limited. Native to the semi-arid regions of East, Central, and West Africa, this drought-tolerant tree offers numerous benefits, including medicinal properties, timber, fuel, and materials for handicrafts. Despite its potential, the population of T. brownii in Kenyan drylands is rapidly declining due to deforestation, ecosystem fragmentation, and overexploitation. The lack of proper seed handling and germination guidelines has hindered the domestication and large-scale planting of this valuable species, affecting livelihoods and the sustainable development of drylands.