WWF International

This series presents the results of an investigation by IUCN’s Global Change Programme into the possible implications of predicted global change for natural systems and their management. This publication examines issues specific to terrestrial ecosystems.

This report reviews current knowledge of global biodiversity, discusses priorities, assesses policies required, and suggests where efforts of the Convention and its financial mechanisms should be focused.

Prepared as an input to the discussions on the establishment, under the auspices of the Convention, of a clearing house to promote and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation in the field of conservation and sustainabile use of biological diversity.

The rationale for this three-volume work covering nearly 250 major sites for conservation of plant diversity worldwide is concern about rapid global loss and degradation of natural ecosystems. By highlighting areas of prime botanical importance, it is hoped that their conservation will be ensured by an adequate commitment of resources. Selection of the sites is based both on floristic statistics and on detailed first-hand knowledge of numerous botanists.

This plan sets out the policies and actions needed to ensure an adequate, effective and well-managed network of protected areas in Europe. It outlines how potential areas should be integrated with other sectors, such as agriculture, forestry and tourism; sets out priorities at European, sub-regional and national level; proposes actions to strengthen the legal framework, planning and management of Europe's protected areas, and explains how to create the public support necessary for success.