UN Biodiversity Lab
Providing decision makers with the best available spatial data to put nature at the center of sustainable development
Related content
Connectivity 101: Ecological connectivity for people and planet
Connectivity 101 is a free, self-paced course provided by the Wildlife Connect Initiative – a partnership of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC), IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas – Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group (CCSG), and Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), designed with UNDP’s Learning for Nature.
Connectivity 101 teaches the basics of ecological connectivity conservation. The course will present general and replicable best practices for connectivity conservation and context-sensitive case studies worldwide. The course will focus on an audience of conservation practitioners but will also be accessible to a general audience. A certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course. Currently, the course is offered in English. Translations to other UN languages may be available in the future.
Spatial planning for wind and solar developments and associated infrastructure
This technical note focuses on spatial planning for wind and solar development with respect to biodiversity. It is intended primarily for government planners responsible for the longterm sustainable roll out and/or expansion of renewable energy and associated infrastructure (e.g. grid infrastructure and facilities such as ports) at regional, national, and sub-national levels. For developers and lenders/investors, this technical note could also help illustrate how these actors could play a role in spatial planning in certain contexts (e.g. emerging markets, providing resources, and supporting governments to identify appropriate areas for development).
Strengthening Capacities in Coastal Spatial Planning
The solution aims at sustainable development in coastal areas of the East Asian Seas region by reducing and preventing impacts of natural disasters, climate change and sea level rise. It provides references and capacity building for national and local authorities in coastal and marine spatial planning. National adaptation activities and best practices for capacity building and field application tailored to needs and priorities of each country are provided.
Mapping and Valuing Ecosystem Services for Integrated Management
Ecosystem services were mapped and valued in a participatory process that included designing spatially-explicit scenarios of future human uses throughout Belize’s coastal zone. To understand the implications of different development scenarios, the team used InVEST models to map future value of coastal protection, recreation, and fisheries services. The resulting Plan can help the people of Belize plot a wiser course for managing the incredibly valuable resources their ocean and coast provide.
Grenadines Marine Resource Space-use Information System (MarSIS)
The Grenadines MarSIS illustrates how a participatory geographic information system (PGIS) approach supported the development of demand-driven information on marine resources and spatial uses of the transboundary Grenada Bank. Stakeholder engagement not only increased understanding and provided useful and publicly accessible information, but also created ownership of information produced and validated the role of participation in research and governance.
Mass-media radio drama in Rwanda protects gorilla habitat
In Rwanda, Population Media Center (PMC) wrote and produced Umurage Urukwiye (“Rwanda’s Brighter Future”) in Kinyarwanda, one of Rwanda’s official languages. This 312-episode radio serial drama aired April 2007 to July 2009 and was rebroadcast October 2012 to October 2014. One of Umurage Urukwiye’s storylines role modeled the preservation of forests, natural resources, and mountain gorillas, and motivated the audience to protect and rehabilitate the park forests.
Using ICT tools in participatory vulnerability assessments
Using Information Communication Technologies (ICT) tools to facilitate participatory climate change vulnerability assessments addresses the challenge of effectively engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including those at different literacy and capacity levels, to capture local and traditional knowledge as well as stakeholder input on priority needs and opportunities for resilience building in the Caribbean islands.
Integrated approach for sea turtle conservation
ARCAS implements conservation activities on the Pacific coast of Guatemala to counteract threats to leatherback and olive ridley turtle populations from overharvesting by local egg collectors. We work with local communities by training, supporting and advising them in the protection of marine ecosystems. Environmental education helps to ensure long-term sustainable community development, and volunteers and sponsors are invited to participate in conservation activities.
Functioning watersheds in the face of climate change
This solution promotes the integrated management of coastal watersheds that drain into the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of California by aligning the investments of public and private agencies to address climate change impacts and coastal and marine conservation. It is the foundation for enduring cross-sectorial coordination and local participation to maintain and recover watershed functions that deliver ecosystem services, which benefit cities and rural communities.
Influencing community attitudes towards waste management
The solution addresses poor waste management in Pangani District, Tanzania for a coastal community at one pilot site. Creative and participatory outreach tools were used to raise awareness of the importance of waste management, to initiate dialogue among citizens and village leaders, and to mobilize people into action. Citizens and leaders subsequently applied their new knowledge to formulate local waste management bylaws, providing a sustainable, legal framework for improved waste management.
Implementation of Integrated Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning of Bontang
The new integrated spatial plan of Bontang City has been adopted by the local parliament in 2012 and is being implemented in parts. It now includes both land and marine areas with its mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds located within four miles from the shoreline. It is the first example of the implementation of the Indonesian Law No 26/2007 on Spatial Planning and Law No 27/2007 on Coastal Area and Small Islands Management to be applied in coastal districts/cities in Indonesia.
ConCiencia – Conservation through Love //Guerilla Environmental Education
We work with locals to form closer bonds and vigilance over nature by creating nature camps in different locations.
We include fun, purposeful family activities. Children and parents form the confidence to spend time in nature and explore.
By developing teaching resources and collaborating with schools, we can slowly insert immersive nature experiences in curriculum. It is important to have changes in policy to scale this kind of education approach.
