Official IUCN publications

The importance of groundwater in social and economic development is easily overlooked. Its value in the economy and in economic development is frequently underestimated when policy makers in governments, business investors or local farmers and communities assume that the springs, wells and boreholes they rely on will continue to supply high quality freshwater, forever. Where these mistaken assumptions continue, the benefits of groundwater for development will be lost.

This report has been prepared as part of an effort by IUCN to define its position on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and plan for future work to advance this concept and support effective implementation of NbS to enhance ecosystem services provision and address societal challenges. The report proposes a definitional framework for NbS, including a set of general principles for any NbS intervention.

This research sheds light on Japan’s wildlife trade history as a case study on the contributing factors that helped reduce the market for rhino horn and elephant ivory. By conducting comprehensive research into these phenomena, this report aims to elucidate the circumstances and drivers for change, in the hope that it may provide useful understanding for the contemporary context in other Asian markets facing problems with wildlife trade.

The Humphead Wrasse Cheilinus undulatus is a naturally rare coral reef fish species. This study was designed to understand further the regulations in Hong Kong and mainland China, both major consumer markets, for HHW import, re-export and domestic sale; as well as the level of implementation of national laws, including inspection and enforcement practices for shipments made between Hong Kong and mainland China.

This report examines wildlife crime in Kenya and its linkages to illegal wildlife trade dynamics in the East African region.

Using case studies from Nepal, India and Thailand, this paper explores challenges and governance options that can accept social and physical uncertainties and build synergy across the water, energy, and food sectors.