Protected areas

Protected Areas in the Mediterranean significantly contribute to sustaining the economy of the region. Covering around 300,000 Km2, they provide freshwater flows, resources for hydropower, recreation and tourism, fisheries, biodiversity, and other ecosystem services. Regional assessments have concluded that a major effort needs to be made to solve their state of chronic under-funding.

The Framework for management effectiveness developed by the IUCN World Commission for Protected Areas was published in the first version of this Best Practice Guideline. It is further explained and interpreted, although not substantially altered, in this version. A number of key guidelines for good practice in evaluation are presented from many practitioners around the world, and important needs and directions for the future are identified.

This paper presents the findings of a series of biodiversity assessments conducted in the Anawilundawa wetland sanctuary from September 2003-January 2004. Based on these finding, recommendations have been made on how to manage the water in the wetland, establish a biodiversity monitoring programme, implement awareness raising activities and to promote regulated ecotourism in the area, in close collaboration with the local communities.

This publication will serve as a concise guide to the Sinharaja rainforest, by providing tips and advice to visitors, and information with regards to its cultural importance. Descriptions and checklists have also been provided for some of the plant and animal species found in this rainforest.

Resumen del Plan para la erradicación de seis especies de mamíferos introducidos en la Isla del Coco. Contiene además, lineamientos generales de una estrategia permanente para el manejo de especies introducidas.

Protected areas are the cornerstone of virtually all national and international conservation policies. About 10% of the world's forests are to be found in protected areas, and Forest Protected Areas make a critical contribution to conservation. The purpose of this publication is to address two questions, both of which are strategic, complex and politically significant: What is, and what is not, a Forest Protected Area?

It has become clear during recent global deliberations on biodiversity conservation that achieving Protected Area (PA) financial sustainability will require major changes in the way that PA funding is conceptualized, captured and used.