Protected areas

The IUCN system for classifying protected areas distinguishes six management categories (I-VI). This publication aims to further clarify how they can be interpreted within Europe, in order to help protected areas managers and others concerned with protected areas to apply the IUCN system more consistently to ensure reliable categorisation and data gathering.

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.

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.

This workshop brought together representatives of all stakeholder groups from Namibia and Botswana to discuss key natural resource utilisation issues. IUCN sought to begin a crucial cross-border dialogue to address incompatible land and resource uses in the area. This is the first stage in addressing transboundary natural resource management in the area, and clearly focuses on both the ecosystem and the participation of all stakeholders.