IUCN

Plant genetic resources are crucial for world agriculture, food security and the global economy. They are vital for the pharmaceutical industry and are important assests for developing countries rich in biodiversity. The patents and intellectual property rights (IPRs) associated with the development of new products are critical to trade in these resources.

In the 1990s, the international community placed both biodiversity protection and trade liberalisation high on its agenda, resulting in the formation of global agreements and institutions, such as the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Distinct in character, they are increasingly linked through the many ways that trade rules affect biodiversity.

Cette monographie importante et richement illustrée comprend les descriptions de quelque 86 genres et 213 espèces de Poaceae du Niger. Les chapitres d'introduction traitent d'autres sujets pertinents tels que le climat, la phytogéographie générale du Niger, la biologie des Poaceae indigènes et la question plus générale du rôle que jouent ces herbes dans l'économie du pays.

How can we successfully conserve what remains of the world's rapidly diminishing natural and semi-natural areas? Although more and more land and water surface is protected many vital ecosystems are under-represented, and traditional conservation methods are often ineffective. New approaches are urgently needed. This book sets out ways to safeguard all the major ecosystems and explores innovative management partnerships involving individuals, communities, companies and governments.

The sustainable exploitation of edible nest swiftlets (Collocalia fuciphaga germani) has been achived without external aid or expertise and is an important source of revenue for Vietnam. This book retraces the history of edible swiftlet nest production and trade (including the latest trade figures), examines the biological research conducted, and details the working practices used to enhance the conservation of swiftlets in Vietnam.

This landmark publication builds on previous work between IUCN/WCPA and the European Commission and addresses the key protected area policy issues and needs of the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) countries. It describes the actions that are required if protected areas are to be successful in the next century.