Case studies

This document summarises findings from two independent programme-level assessments that provide a consolidated analysis of the effectiveness of conservation approaches under SOS AWI, with a particular focus on large African carnivores, the habitats they depend on and associated community livelihood support activities. It is intended as a synthesis of study findings, project results and learnings from across the SOS AWI portfolio of projects.

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a major, accelerating driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation across Africa, with growing implications for water security, food systems and rural livelihoods. The IUCN Save Our Species (SOS) African Wildlife Initiative (SOS AWI)—funded by the European Union—supports locally led, science-based action to reduce key biodiversity threats, including IAS, through practical management, restoration and capacity strengthening.

This publication focuses on ecosystem governance in the context of urban-rural linkages, analysing nine case studies to develop principles for ecosystem governance. Ecosystem governance utilises the ecosystem approach, adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity, which emphasises the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of integrated management for the analysis of the case studies.

The findings of the report point out the importance of joining forces for acting now as well as the huge potential that resource efficiency can have, if it is implemented carefully and supported across different sectors and at multiple levels. The pressing need to invest in resource efficiency could actually lead to a positive economic outcome. The report shows how resource efficiency can lead to higher economic growth and employment, if supported by well-designed policies.

Este documento es resultado del trabajo conjunto entre la Comisión de Gestión de Ecosistemas (CGE) y la Oficina Regional para México, América Central y el Caribe (ORMACC), dos de los pilares de la UICN. La CGE y ORMACC han colaborado en distintos temas en la región, en la implementación de proyectos, en procesos de capacitación y fortalecimiento institucional, con aportes científicos, entre otros. 
 

This case study presents the self-assessment process for the Resilient Highlands Project, guided by the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions (NbS). The assessment focused on the project’s theory of change, which includes water and soil management and conservation practices for the long-term sustainability of the hydrological cycle in the Guatemalan Highlands.