Story | 15 Jul, 2016
Poland to report on impacts of felling in Bialowieza Forest in 2017, as advised by IUCN
The World Heritage Committee has requested Poland to submit, by February 2017, an evaluation of impacts of forest management within Bialowieza Forest, known for its undisturbed ecological processes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) noted yesterday at UNESCO’s annual…
Story | 14 Jul, 2016
Rising illegal wildlife trade threatens natural World Heritage sites, warns IUCN
The rise in demand for products derived from animals and plants, such as elephant tusks or precious wood, is causing an increase in illegal logging and poaching in natural World Heritage sites. The World Heritage Committee, which holds its annual meeting this week in Istanbul, today discussed…
Story | 12 Jul, 2016
Tackling Ha Long Bay’s polystyrene plague
From a distance, the scattered beaches of Vietnam’s iconic Ha Long Bay appear pristine. But as you get closer you realize that the picturesque World Heritage Site is engaged in a battle to prevent itself from drowning in trash.
Story | 30 Jun, 2016
Action for a green Ha Long: Volunteers unite to clean-up bay
As part of the USAID-funded Ha Long-Cat Ba Alliance (HLCBA), a clean-up day was organized by IUCN and Au Co Cruises on June 14 in Ha Long Bay with over 100 volunteers from across Viet Nam.
Story | 22 Jun, 2016
An IUCN advisory mission was invited by the State Party of Poland to the Białowieża Forest this month to develop recommendations regarding how the recently adopted amendments to the Forest Management Plan for the Białowieża Forest District relate to the needs for protection of the…
Story | 10 Jun, 2016
Wildlife trade and dams putting natural World Heritage at risk – IUCN
Natural World Heritage sites face major threats, such as commercial logging, poaching, gillnet fishing and dams, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In its recommendations to the World Heritage Committee, which meets in July, IUCN has advised that three…
DG Statement | 09 Jun, 2016
Today defines tomorrow: World Heritage as litmus test for action on agreements
This piece by IUCN Director General Inger Andersen originally appeared on World Heritage, the official UNESCO publication from the World Heritage Centre, as part of a special edition on the IUCN World Conservation Congress. It reflects some of the main messages brought by IUCN to the 40th World…
Story | 30 May, 2016
IUCN recommends five World Heritage listings
IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature, recommends World Heritage status for five sites nominated for their outstanding natural values. The advisory body on natural World Heritage, IUCN also recommends action against major threats in listed natural sites and danger-listing for two…
Story | 26 May, 2016
New report confirms IUCN assessment of climate change as biggest threat to World Heritage
Climate change is now the most significant risk for World Heritage sites and for the benefits they provide, including economic well-being through sustainable tourism, confirms a new report by UNESCO, UNEP and the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) in collaboration with IUCN, International Union…
Story | 17 May, 2016
A vision for protected areas in Europe
By Andrej Sovinc, WCPA Regional Vice Chair for Europe. With more than 120,000 protected area sites, Europe accounts for more protected areas than any other region. Many of these areas reflect Europe's rich cultural heritage and long lasting co-existence of man and nature which shaped different…