WCC 2020 Res 008 - Activity Report

Operative statements 3f (support protection and restoration of rivers and their associated ecosystems) and 3g (ensure that all contracts involving major infrastructure projects impacting national waterways include a provision that local stakeholders are included in the initial planning stages and that their concerns are incorporated in further discussions) are important components in enacting Resolution 134 (on Congo river dams and the development of an IUCN intercommissional task force on dams).

With reference to operative statement 1 (promote the inclusion of river protection and connectivity within the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and the monitoring of Sustainable Development Goal Target 6.6) in my recommendations for the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, made to SSC and the IUCN Global Species programme in my role as SSC Freshwater Conservation Committee co-Chair, I have been emphasizing the importance of including inland waters in Targets 1-3 that address connectivity and conservation. I have also been working closely with TNC on the development of Briefing Notes for CBD on this matter.

With reference to operative statement 2b (support learning exchanges, innovation and adoption of durable protection and governance models for rivers and associated ecosystems (WCPA, Water Programme)), I am working with Synchronicity Earth on Resolution 134 (the Congo dams resolution) which includes the development of an IUCN intercommissional dams Task Force that will also address better governance of rivers, and much of the rational for the broader aspects of Resolution 134 draws on the recommendations made in Resolution 008. Also, in my roles for SSC and Conservation International I sit on the Durable River Protection Coalition, which is focused on learning exchanges and development of initiatives, and publication of results of work on durable river protections; and the this Resolution 008 provides important guidance for these actions.

With reference to operative statement 2d (encourage countries to support protection and restoration of rivers and their associated ecosystems, including through funding) I have been working with Synchronicity Earth in applying this to the Congo river, and with colleagues in Conservation International and Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental in applying this to the Maranon river (Peru).