Managing MIDAs 2.0

As the number of designated sites grows, multi-internationally designated areas (MIDAs)—areas where two or more international designations overlap—are becoming increasingly common. While MIDAs bring enhanced visibility and opportunities, they also add complexity and present governance and management challenges. Differences in objectives, governance structures, zoning systems and reporting obligations across designations can create difficulties for site managers and national authorities. Recognising these challenges and opportunities, IUCN published the Managing MIDAs guidance in 2016. This 2026 publication is the result of a renewed effort to update and expand the 2016 MIDAs guidance. Drawing on nearly a decade of work, the updated publication integrates lessons learned, new tools and standards, emerging good practices, and new analyses—including, for the first time, GIAHS sites.