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CONSERVATION
THE MAGAZINE OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE January 2011
Rue Mauverney 28
1196 Gland, Switzerland
Tel +41 22 999 0000
Contents
Fax +41 22 999 0002
worldconservation@iucn.org Your space 3
www.iucn.org/worldconservation
The turning tide 4
Contributing editors:
Deborah Murith
A new idealism 5
Stephanie Achard We need to unplug from virtual reality and reconnect with nature if we have a chance to save
biodiversity, says Jeffrey A. McNeely
We’d like the magazine to stimulate debate, so please let us know what you
think. Do you disagree with an article? Does it miss the point? What are you
or your organization doing? Send your comments to worldconservation@
iucn.org
W
elcome to the first issue of World adoption of the Nagoya ‘package’ was cause biodiversity. Which new partners will we be
Conservation in a new decade. We for much celebration there was also a sense working with? How will the Green Economy
take stock of the outcomes of that we have no time to lose in implementing unfold? What progress will be made in curbing
the Convention on Biological Diversity it—we know what needs to be done, we burgeoning levels of wildlife trade? What
conference that took place in Nagoya, Japan know that conservation action works, we have future for the oceans?
in October last year and look at what might unprecedented levels of collaboration, so let’s
be in store for conservation in the coming get on with it. As this issue went to print, the UN climate
years. summit was coming to a close in Cancún,
Mexico where governments approved a series
In Nagoya governments approved a new of tangible, if modest steps towards a global
‘Big Plan’ for the next 10 years to reduce the 2020 vision deal. The inclusion of REDD (Reducing
pressures on biodiversity and take action to Emissions from Deforestation and forest
restore the natural world. A major blockage to Looking ahead to the next 10 years of Degradation) as part of the ‘Cancun Accord’
progress was unplugged in the form of a new conservation, we cover some of the latest was seen as a major achievement. And there
agreement on managing the planet’s genetic thinking and new approaches that might be was wider progress in acknowledging nature-
resources and significant new funding was used and hear prominent figures outline what based solutions to both mitigating climate
pledged to implement these agreements. While they see as the greatest priority for saving change and adapting to its impacts. ■
A
s I write this, Heads of State from Despite sustained efforts by many well- the tuna is not alone. Many of the fish species
tiger range countries are due to meet meaning organizations and individuals, vital to people worldwide for food are similarly
at Prime Minister Putin’s invitation numbers of this magnificent animal have about to vanish off the dinner table, gobbled
to decide the fate of the tiger. It could be plummeted—down to around 3,200, just 3% up by our insatiable and short-sighted appetite.
argued that this is the first time such a high of what they were a century ago.
level meeting has taken place to save a single The message is—or should be—very clear.
species, one that is under threat from ever- Will the International Tiger Forum mark a That as a species whose numbers and behaviour
diminishing habitats but one that faces an even turning point in this animal’s future or will its are outstripping the resources this planet has
more imminent threat—that of poaching and inexorable decline continue? Only time will to offer, we have to bring our consumption of
trafficking of its parts. tell, but over the next decade, what of other the world’s natural resources—animal, mineral
looming wildlife trade crises? and vegetable—down to levels that will not be
Does this meeting mark a sudden shift in detrimental to their survival.
political awareness of the seriousness of One of the most pressing is the imminent
the threat posed by uncontrolled wildlife collapse of fish stocks—worldwide. The We have already seen whole island ecosystems
trade to some of the planet’s most iconic northern bluefin tuna is a prime example. altered irreversibly by human activities, and
animals? Certainly it has been sorely needed Despite huge public and political interest, the extinction of species caused by over-
and will help boost the issue higher up the governments meeting earlier this year for consumption. There is a danger that history
global consciousness. But it is brought CITES (Convention on International Trade will repeat itself on a planetary scale.
about by a conservation crisis that is fast in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
approaching—it is, quite literally, a last- Flora) failed to come up with measures that So the challenge is clear: how do we ensure
ditch attempt to rescue the tiger. would have helped this species recover. And there is sustainability in our use of wild
Staying power
The Green Economy concept is rising rapidly in prominence but can it live up to the hype,
asks David Huberman.
T
he Green Economy has become a Kick-started by crisis with the recent global economic downturn.
fashionable topic of discussion As mighty financial institutions crumbled,
amongst environmentalists. With the First of all, the rapid rise in popularity of the leaving governments scrambling to salvage
much-anticipated presentation of the global Green Economy concept needs to be placed an increasingly deepening economic crisis,
study on The Economics of Ecosystems in context. With a little hindsight, it can be the time was ripe for new ideas on economic
and Biodiversity (TEEB) during the UN seen as one step in a longer-standing evolution development. By emphasizing the importance
biodiversity summit in Japan, the buzz of the prominence of environmental issues of sustainability, resilience and efficiency, the
surrounding the idea of greening the world in the global consciousness. Hybrid cars, notion of transitioning towards a Green
economy got even louder. As a result, the case organic diets and carbon offsets are just a Economy offered an attractive alternative
for supporting a Green Economy transition few examples of the growing ‘green’ trend to a bruised and weakened economic model.
is gaining in political prominence—the the world has experienced in recent years.
topic has already made its way to the top of The remarkable popularity of the Green
the agenda of what is likely to become the Economy idea can therefore be seen as yet
world’s biggest environmental meeting— another step forward in the mainstreaming of Growing pains
the 2012 Rio+20 Summit. As the Green environmental concerns into society.
Economy continues to generate interest and Two years on from the 2008 financial crisis,
enthusiasm, one might wonder when it will How did it happen? Well, as is tragically the context has already changed. The Green
run out of breath. Is the Green Economy often the case with environmental issues, it Economy has already lost some of its veneer
just a passing trend, or will it still be relevant largely grew out of a reaction to a major as its rise to popularity has also attracted many
10 years down the road? crisis. It is difficult to disassociate the critics and sceptics. The biodiversity conference
growing popularity of the Green Economy in Japan highlighted an inconsistent appreciation
of the merits of the Green Economy concept. Whether you like it or not... Looking ahead, it can be expected that one
At the heart of most concerns seems to be of the key steps in further supporting the
the impression that rather than offering an Although the Green Economy concept is transition to a green economy lies in the
alternative to an unsustainable global economic neither mature nor unanimously popular, its finance and insurance sectors. A greater
system, the Green Economy actually supports growing relevance to world affairs is difficult to appreciation of biodiversity and ecosystems
it. To sceptics, the Green Economy represents deny. The transition to a Green Economy will as essential components of risk management
an extension of capitalism that has facilitated remain relevant as long as our planet’s natural would be a major boost for further
the ‘commodification’ of nature, thereby resource base continues to be depleted. Greater mainstreaming environmental concerns into
undermining its intrinsic value. Ironically, scarcity will inevitably bring greater value for the economy. The connection between the
an idea which largely grew out of a feeling natural capital. To borrow the words of Achim environment and reputational risk is already
of mistrust towards the dominant model of Steiner, UNEP’s Executive Secretary, the Green well understood by businesses and marketing
economic development is now being criticized Economy transition is bound to happen; if not firms. However, sustained environmental
for supporting the capitalist status quo. by design, then by default. degradation accompanied by a changing and
less predictable climate system will inevitably
Notwithstanding ideological differences, it is The ‘by default’ option is likely to be the more bring more operational risks for companies.
fair to say that the idea of a Green Economy painful and costly of the two—especially if More investments in ecosystem management
is open to interpretation. As a relatively young we have to wait for another major hurricane efforts, or so-called ‘green infrastructure’, could
idea, it does not yet have a clear identity. The or bankruptcy before we take sustainability make a significant contribution to reducing
United Nations Environment Programme seriously. Luckily, many have already begun to such risks while enhancing the sustainability
(UNEP), which is spearheading the Green work on the ‘design’ option. Korea, Germany and resilience of our economies. ■
Economy Initiative, has yet to settle on a and South Africa among others, have officially
specific definition for the term. Some consider launched their own national Green Economy David Huberman is the coordinator of
the Green Economy to be little more than a strategies. Others are bound to follow IUCN’s work on greening the economy.
synonym for sustainable development. An their lead. However, while greater political
immediate challenge for the environmental prominence and awareness is a significant www.iucn.org/what/tpas/greeneconomy
community in the coming years will be to step forward, much more needs to be done if
ensure that the momentum generated by the the Green Economy is to live up to the hype
Green Economy idea is not compromised by it has generated.
lengthy theoretical deliberations on its precise
meaning and scope.
A
s the Inter national Year of Underlying this work has been a vision of urbanization and water scarcity will all affect
Biodiversity comes to a close, we have a natural world, and the means to achieve whether or not an ecosystem as we may have
seen the profile of nature and its it, that may no longer be a realistic basis known it could possibly revert to what it was.
importance for humanity reach new heights. for future planning. We speak of ecosystem
Media, politicians, business people and the restoration yet in many places this is neither Finally, we must find the means by which to
person in the street seem more aware of possible nor even desirable. We encourage change people’s choices and behaviour so
what we conservationists have been discussing new technologies in almost any field except that we all take responsibility for conserving
for decades. Yet there remains a sense of that relating to manipulating nature. We seek the environment upon which we depend. It’s
frustration about inaction and uncertainty integrated approaches that bring in all relevant not enough to talk about the importance of
over the best way forward for biodiversity stakeholders yet we speak a jargon that many biodiversity. Many studies have shown that this
in the midst of global agendas that seem don’t comprehend. The results of some of simply won’t change the behaviour of people.
more concerned with national economies, these disconnects are obvious—first and Advertising agencies and psychologists already
peace and security and meeting increasing foremost, we have largely failed to achieve know many of the techniques we need. We
energy demands while avoiding the dangers any of the 2010 biodiversity targets set by must work to make biodiversity conservation
of climate change. the Convention on Biological Diversity. One the ‘social norm’ and not the purview of an
is left to wonder, if 2010 had not been the elite group of people. Our public outreach
IUCN stands firmly behind the idea that International Year of Biodiversity would there must emphasize what can be done and how
attention to biodiversity conservation will have been half the attention on some of the valuable the results can be rather than focusing
help to address these other, seemingly more debates that we have seen? Media coverage on dire situations and how bad things will get
pressing, issues. Economies that integrate and political debates in 2011 and beyond will if we don’t act. How can we integrate well-
full values of nature as well as full costs of be very informative. used techniques in other sectors and use them
nature’s exploitation will be stronger in the to our own advantage? It will mean bringing
future. Healthy environments decrease the If we really want ‘A just world that values and the communications professionals with these
vulnerability of local people to change and conserves nature’ what will need to change? I skills into conservation. It may also mean
thereby foster a world in which differences of would suggest three key paradigms that need shifting scarce funds from activities in support
opinion can be discussed and debated rather inclusion in our work—a focus on adaptability, of particular conservation action in the field to
than settled through use of force. Biodiversity’s shifting to rehabilitation of ecosystem function communication programmes aimed at a much
potential role as a supporter of new energy and integrating communication strategies that more basic awareness among society. Without
sources, such as algae farms for biofuels, will motivate individuals to change. it we cannot create a global community of
represent new opportunities that only nature environmental stewards.
could provide. Using nature both to help Firstly, in conceiving our future vision we
store carbon as well as manage the impacts of should think in terms of resilience to change Our goal remains the same—conserving
emitted carbon provides a low cost alternative and not in terms of a specific state or target. biodiversity for today and tomorrow and for
to more technologically intensive options such The one constant in recent years has been ourselves as well as future generations. But the
as carbon capture and storage. But what does change—often sudden and sometimes way to get there needs to change. We need to
all this mean for the future of conservation? cataclysmic. Biodiversity itself is not static be ready for uncertainty and change. We need
but constantly in flux and we superimpose on to accept that biodiversity conservation for
As conservationists, we have an implicit belief those systems human-induced changes that the future will not be about creating nature
in the importance of nature for nature’s sake are diverse and occurring at increasing rates. as it might have been but must endeavour
and a recognition that humanity is simply Therefore, we should plan in a way that focuses to create as diverse and adaptable a world
one member of a vast array of species that not on any specific vision of the future but as possible to keep our options open. We
inhabit this planet. Over the past decade, we rather on creating the ability to manage any of need to embrace the skills and techniques of
have become increasingly aware of the rest a variety of scenarios that might come to pass. professional persuasion experts to expand the
of biodiversity’s role in supporting ourselves And we should also manage for sudden change global conservation community to include
and, in return, the impacts of unrestrained as opposed to gradual shifts in circumstances. everyone. ■
exploitation of that role now and in the future. The evidence is growing that future changes
We have opened discussions with economists will be sudden as a result of exceeding tipping Dr Sue Mainka is Head of Science and
and analyzed, in their terms, the value of points and thresholds beyond which impacts Learning at IUCN.
biodiversity. We have established partnerships could no longer be manageable.
with bilateral development agencies that www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/
now recognize the role of biodiversity in Secondly, the concept of ecosystem restoration science_learning
sustainable development. We have engaged should evolve into ecosystem function
with the private sector and they now speak restoration whereby we develop understanding
of biodiversity conservation and sustainable of what functions any landscape has provided
development as key elements of successful and then work to re-establish the necessary
business models. processes for those functions. Climate change,
C
limate change alone has already taken of which have ‘co-benefits’ for biodiversity, Framework Convention on Climate Change
a huge toll on biodiversity but climate but increasingly towards adaptation measures (UNFCCC) conference in Cancún. Let’s be
change negotiations, paradoxically, that have a negligible effect on maintaining honest and recognize that people worry about
are harming biodiversity conservation even ecosystem function. climate change because they perceive it as a
before many of the effects of this global very real and direct threat to their security and
problem are documented. This is clear from Conservationists yearn to have the level of well-being. This is because of the nature of
the shifting of priorities in many national public visibility and political traction of climate the problem. Instead of us conservationists
governments from ecosystem conservation change, even in the face of probably another trying to convince the public and politicians
to climate change mitigation measures, some deferment of concrete action at the UN that saving forests, frogs, butterflies and polar
bears is really about ‘us’ and ‘more important’ On the adaptation front, natural ecosystems conservation and sustainable management of
than climate change, we need to make sure that and protected areas serve as natural buffers terrestrial ecosystems.
climate change policies benefit biodiversity. against climate impacts and other disasters,
providing coastal protection, regulating water The ability to at least achieve consensus in
Natural measures for climate change flow and flood dispersal, and stabilizing Cancún on the role of nature conservation in
mitigation and adaptation have proved to soil against landslides. The value of coastal combating climate change will be equivalent
be very cost effective but remain largely wetlands in the United States in providing to what the Montreal Protocol achieved
neglected. In Mexico, the most cost-effective protection against storm surges and hurricanes for the ozone layer. Just as CFCs are now a
measure by far for storing carbon is the is estimated at US$ 23.2 billion a year. Around thing of the past because we concentrated
establishment and maintenance of protected the world healthy mangrove ecosystems on a concrete issue with a technological
areas. Yet protected areas are taken for granted are proving their value in protecting local ‘no-regrets’ solution, we can achieve the same
and, rather than expand and consolidate them, communities from cyclones. for biodiversity by garnering the resources and
resources are allocated to ‘new’ mechanisms. political commitment to our highly proven
Protected areas and natural measures in But financial support to the existing global natural solutions in a strong REDD-plus. Let’s
themselves will not solve the climate change protected areas network is estimated to be keep our focus and make it happen. ■
problem but immediate solutions must include less than half of what is needed for maximum
the protection of large expanses of natural efficiency and is far short of what’s needed Dr Ernesto Enkerlin-Hoeflich is Dean of
ecosystems until the ultimate solution of for an ‘ideal’ global coverage. The role of Sustainable Development at Monterrey
‘decarbonization’ takes effect. natural ecosystems and protected areas needs Tech in Mexico. He has worked at all levels
to be recognized in both the UNFCCC and of conservation from local to international;
There is growing evidence of the impact the Convention on Biological Diversity as from research to policy to on-the-ground
on mitigation efforts of protecting a powerful tool to increase our resilience to implementation and was credited with
natural ecosystems. In Canada, more than climate change. the establishment of Latin America’s first
4,000 million tons of carbon dioxide is Wilderness Protected Area. He is a member
sequestered in 39 national parks, estimated to A sense of urgency and opportunity is of IUCN’s World Heritage Panel and Deputy
be worth $US39–87 billion in carbon credits. before us. Addressing climate change and Chair of the IUCN World Commission on
In the Brazilian Amazon, protected lands, biodiversity conservation in tandem is our Protected Areas.
including state parks and indigenous reserves, only current option. They are inherently
are expected to prevent 670,000km² of linked and expressed as Reducing Emissions
deforestation by 2050, representing 8 billion from Deforestation and forest Degradation
tons of avoided carbon emissions. (REDD) or REDD-plus which includes the
O
ne of the most powerful points The irony is that nature itself tends to childhood experiences, awe-inspiring nature
coming out of Nagoya, made both inspire much more positive feelings in just documentaries, and our instinctive fascination
explicitly and also hidden in the about everybody. No one actually cherishes with the workings of the natural world.
maelstrom of debate around biodiversity extinction, and everyone would rather it wasn’t
policy, is that communication is fundamental happening. If you ask them, most people even The ‘Love’ message trumps the ‘Loss’
to the success of biodiversity conservation. want to help. message for grabbing the public’s attention.
Inspiring people towards opportunity is a
So it’s important we get it right. But the Love of nature for most people is about awe more powerful driver for action than scaring
evidence—the fact we’re losing species at and wonder, senses and sights, not ecosystem them away from the consequences. It is by
1,000 times the natural rate of extinction— services and extinction stories. It is about celebrating conservation that initiatives like
would suggest that current communications
haven’t been getting through. And when you
look closely at the messages being used, it
becomes increasingly clear why.
the International Year of Biodiversity have to calculate the enormous economic value of Whilst policy and decision makers require a
been able to begin to capture the public’s nature. From clean air and water to fuel and rational economic argument to take action,
imagination and keep their attention long medicine, we can put a tangible dollar sign the public do not. People don’t think rationally,
enough to raise awareness of biodiversity loss against our dependence on nature. And the and there is a real danger of undermining
and the actions that need to be taken. number has a lot of noughts on it. the Love message by assigning a cold, hard
financial value to things people care about.
But it’s not as simple as Love vs Loss; there The seemingly clear choice of message for
is also ‘Need’. With the recent publication communicators is to combine the Love and Today we are no longer arguing the science
of The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity Need messages; inspire people, and prove how of biodiversity loss. Nor are we disputing the
(TEEB) report, we also now have the means valuable nature can be. But it’s not that simple. far-reaching consequences it will have. Instead
our challenge is to sell conservation to the
millions of people around the world who can
take action. The sales message doesn’t need to
explain the complex science of biodiversity,
nor repeat well-worn warnings around species
and habitat loss. Instead biodiversity must
represent the awe and wonder that we feel
for the natural world. Paired with relevant and
local calls to action, ‘Love’ can quite literally
conquer all.
www.futerra.co.uk
www.iucn.org/cec
Jane Lubchenco cooperation and compromise. Should the same spirit prevail
in the UN climate change negotiations over the next 10 years,
Healthy oceans matter. They matter to food and national security, governments can spur action on adapting to the inevitable effects
to human health, to economic opportunities and to protection of of climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
coastal communities from storms and tsunamis. Yet coastal and thereby safeguarding both the biodiversity of the planet and the
marine ecosystems everywhere are being degraded by nutrient livelihoods of future generations.
pollution, overfishing, climate change, habitat loss and ocean
acidification. All citizens should act to restore ocean health. Christiana Figueres is Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework
Recognizing the value of healthy oceans, the US is implementing Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
its first ever National Ocean Policy, establishing a framework for
holistic, ecosystem-based stewardship. Similar approaches that
rely on science and strong partnerships at local-to-global scales HRH Princess Basma bint Talal
are needed to ensure healthy, productive and resilient coasts and
oceans for present and future generations. One of the key priorities of the coming decade will be to consolidate
the achievements in promoting gender equity. Worldwide, women
Dr Jane Lubchenco is Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and play pivotal roles in managing local natural resources and creating
Atmosphere and Administrator of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric sustainable livelihoods. Prevailing economic conditions throughout
Administration (NOAA). the world are creating additional challenges for women and risk
eroding gains in gender equity made over recent decades. Women
should be included in all levels of decision making, from local to
Randal Keynes national to global, so they have more influence on the use of scarce
resources. Ultimately, the impact of women’s involvement is more
We conservationists are all clear about the crisis the world faces, likely to ensure the well-being of communities as a whole.
but so many people outside our community just have no idea, no
sense of what everyone will lose if the destruction can’t be halted. Her Royal Highness Princess Basma bint Talal of Jordan promotes a range
Many more must come to understand and care, and they must of global issues, most notably in the areas of human development, gender
then join us in pressing for protection. Until they do, needs will equity and women’s empowerment.
be outweighed by interests, and the losses will grow and grow.
To save the natural world we need to save habitat. Functional We need to urgently address the inadequateness of the processes
ecological networks need to be maintained and restored to provide and actions of the Convention on Biological Diversity to stem the
the many ecosystem services that biodiversity has to offer. These rapidly deteriorating capacity of our life support system. Scientific
networks need to be large enough for species to move freely, findings documenting irreversible losses along the broad sweep of
especially in the light of climate change. Currently only 14% of the the living world are acknowledged in the Convention negotiations
terrestrial area is estimated to be protected. We need to focus on followed by intense discussions focusing to a large extent on
ambitious targets, such as protecting half the planet’s lands and national interests rather than how to care for the precarious state
waters, while creating incentives for communities to sustainably of our only home—planet earth. We also need to make dramatic
manage their natural resources. One action will be required to progress on the other critical need—substantially engaging a
achieve this: cooperation at all levels and by everyone. much greater fraction of the general public in the increasingly
challenging battle to protect our biological resource base for a
Elizabeth Mrema is Executive Secretary of the United Nations Secretariat of sustainable future.
the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(CMS). Harold Mooney is Professor of Biology, Stanford University.
The countries with the richest biodiversity need to have enforceable Human well-being relies fundamentally on the services provided
laws to protect it. Not new laws; not exotic new policies. In most by ecosystems; these services are complex, connected and
countries, it would be a good start just to enforce existing laws. hierarchical, in the sense of being both products and production
This would benefit not just the cause of conservation. In most processes. While scientific knowledge of ecosystems is produced
countries, effective law enforcement for the protection of nature using spatial and temporal data in order to capture the reality
would also benefit the poorest individuals. Nature is threatened of these systems, our development plans are largely based
mainly by the lawless, whether companies, entrepreneurs or on conventional statistics driven by GDP. The gap between
greedy politicians. But these forces are also the enemies of the development planning and the reality of ecosystems is jeopardizing
poor, and especially of the rural poor. the sustainability of these natural systems and human well-being.
Bridging this gap should be the role of science and will test the
Frances Cairncross is Rector of Exeter College, University of Oxford. conscience of scientists.
Previously she was on the staff of The Economist for 20 years, most recently
as management editor. Dr Lailai Li is Deputy Director and Center Director of the Stockholm
Environment Institute (SEI) and SEI-Asia.
Nina Fedoroff
Ashok Khosla
People must and will feed themselves and their families. Unless
our ability to produce food increases to meet the needs of a still The number one priority for the world today is to bring global
growing human population, people will further plunder the natural consumption of natural resources into balance with nature’s
world for more cropland, wildlife and seafood. It is absolutely ability to regenerate them. To achieve this, policies, prices and
critical for governments, conservation organizations and people purchasing power everywhere must encourage the rich to use and
to accept and promote the use of genetically modified plants waste much fewer material goods and allow the poor to be able
and animals in agriculture and aquaculture. This will facilitate to have smaller families. Both of these objectives can only be met
agricultural intensification on existing cropland and increase the if the distribution of wealth within and among nations is fairer and
productivity of animal husbandry and aquaculture, while decreasing each citizen has equal access to opportunities for the sustainable
energy and chemical use and reducing detrimental environmental livelihoods needed for a life of dignity and fulfillment.
impacts to preserve animal and plant biodiversity.
Ashok Khosla is President of IUCN and Chairman of leading IUCN Member
Dr Nina Fedoroff is Willaman Professor of the Life Sciences at Penn organization, Development Alternatives Group.
State University and President-Elect of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science. She served as the Science and Technology Adviser
to the Secretary of State from 2007 to 2010.
D
eep sea explorer Dr Sylvia Earle has one go and also leave a personal legacy from ship and translated into many languages,
led more than 50 expeditions and which we will all benefit in future years,” speakers brought global attention to Sylvia’s
clocked up some 6,000 hours under says Sylvia. wish and discussed innovative approaches
water. A dedicated champion of the ocean, towards working together on ocean issues.
she won last year’s prestigious TED prize In her long and illustrious career that has Eight separate initiatives were kick-started,
which celebrates Technology, Entertainment included serving as chief scientist at the
and Design and was granted ‘one wish to US National Oceanic and Atmospheric
change the world’—a wish that is proving Administration (NOAA), Sylvia, explorer-
a major stimulus in efforts to save our blue in-residence with National Geographic, has
planet. recently launched Mission Blue, a global
coalition focused on restoring the health
“Mine has been a lifetime wish—to protect of the oceans through fishing reform and
the blue heart of our planet,” says Sylvia. Her increased protection. Mission Blue and its
mission is to establish more ‘Hope Spots’ partners have all witnessed graphic signs of
or marine protected areas, large enough to ocean degradation including the loss of half
protect and restore the oceans. Work on of the world’s coral reefs.
establishing some Hope Spots has already
begun, with advanced management plans “It is astonishing how fast this is happened.
being put in place, while others are still in We’ve also lost 90% of big fish species;
the early stages. certain species have gone into freefall decline
in my lifetime. And in the Pacific Ocean there
“The good news is there are more than 5,800 are broad areas where low oxygen levels are
marine protected areas, the bad news is you causing massive die-off of organisms. This
have to look really hard to see them. All should be headline news.”
together they make up just under 1.2% of the
ocean—that’s just not enough,” says Sylvia. “If we carry on with what we’re doing, coral
reefs will be gone and there won’t be any
Last October Chile announced the commercial fishing because there won’t be
establishment of a large marine reserve any fish. What has happened in my lifetime
around Sala y Gómez island in the Pacific. But has driven me to do everything I can to let
plans for increasing the number of marine the world know that we have a problem but
protected areas fall far short of what’s needed, that it’s not too late to do something about it.”
according to a new report from IUCN, The
Nature Conservancy and the United Nations “Changes to the oceans are occurring so
Environment Programme. Countries are far fast you can’t miss the human impact. But
from the 10% coverage promised for 2010. what’s encouraging is that decision makers
In comparison, protected areas cover 12% of are beginning to see the links between life
the earth’s terrestrial surface. Greater political and the environment—our ability to survive.”
will and a change in the way we manage our Sylvia is a skilled communicator and urges the
marine capital are needed now to preserve use of every means at our disposal to spread
the Earth’s oceans for generations to come, the word. “People cannot act if they do not
the report says. know,” she says.
“Given the critical range of pressures on the Last year, Sylvia was among a select group of
seas, there has never been a time like this marine scientists, ocean explorers, musicians,
when we have needed to act in such decisive artists and activists who journeyed to the
ways and connect ocean issues to the broader Galapagos Islands for a Mission Blue
public. By taking new actions as individuals, conference aboard the National Geographic
world leaders can achieve both those goals in ship Endeavour. Streaming live from the
helped by US$ 15 million in commitments Sylvia is an enthusiastic supporter of IUCN to understand what the problems are and to
from the people on board. These included and sees the organization as a key player in take action. There is no organization like it
US$ 1 million to help protect the waters ocean conservation. “I really applaud IUCN. It for providing that crucial network that pulls
around the Galapagos and US$ 1.1 million is one of the best hopes for bringing together people together on a global scale.”
to launch a plan to protect the Sargasso Sea. governments and NGOs to work together
And that concrete action has to happen now.
“We maybe have 10 years to make a difference,
to take action that will reverse the trends that
are not good for our health, our economy, our
security, the existence of life on earth. The
window of opportunity is closing but I am
optimistic.” ■
www.jreds.org
www.iucn.org/westasia
What do you see as the key management of forests), this all changed. For where economic and social costs are fully
challenges in forest conservation in the first time there was an opening and a need accounted for, to allow for sustainable forest
the coming decade? for rapid coordination—to bring in experts on management. We need to work with them to
forests, agriculture and other sectors to meet get exactly that kind of change.
JM: The overarching pressure on natural the commitments made by governments and
forests is driven by the need for food for more address the challenges raised. This has led to a
than seven billion people, but the pressure different and deeper level of cooperation and What outcomes do you hope to
occurs through expanding agricultural areas bodes well for other sectors. achieve through the International
instead of intensified agricultural production. Year of Forests (Forests 2011)?
It also occurs through a lack of coordination I recently attended a conference on agriculture,
between ministries, such as Agriculture and food security and climate change in The JM: Forests 2011 will focus on “Forests for
Environment, and this is mirrored in the Netherlands which addressed the question of People”, celebrating the role of forests in
private sector. how to cooperate differently to make progress our lives. Since the UN (Rio) Conference on
in all these areas. There were some excellent Environment and Development, the messages
Also problematic is the competition between discussions which should also pave the way for to the world have been negative, all about
the Rio Conventions (on biodiversity, climate future cooperation between the three ‘sectors’. human failure to achieve sustainability. The
change and desertification). Government average person sees nothing but gloom and
representatives jealously guard their funding and Other groups which are guilty of not addressing doom when forests are discussed. We need to
subject areas for which they take the lead. Some issues cooperatively and effectively are the tell a good story—how forests are the source
multilateral and international organizations are private sector and NGOs; not all, but enough of food security, livelihoods and subsistence
also guilty of failing to cooperate. to hamper progress. The private sector is often for more than 1.6 billion people.
focused on short-term gain and fails to address
This needs to change, for example, by taking environmental and social ‘externalities’. Forests provide clean water, contribute
a wider landscape approach to the economic, significantly to climate change mitigation
social and environmental challenges we face Certain NGOs take an extreme position and and adaptation, are the source of medicine,
and asking countries to coordinate better at a deliberate ‘divide and conquer’ approach to and are home to 80% of biodiversity. We
the national level. challenges. As one example, the assault on hope to see governments, NGOs, the private
the term ‘sustainable forest management’ is sector, and forest-dependent communities
an attempt by some to block any government make specific commitments to advance the
What specific actions are needed intervention on the economic aspect of sustainable management of forests around
by which players to achieve sustainable management of forests and even the world. Forests 2011 provides an amazing
sustainable forest management? to associate the phrase with subterfuge and platform on which we can draw the attention
negativity. There are some good reasons for of the world to the potential of forests—
JM: It is key that member States of the various multilateral organizations and governments to promote concrete actions and make real
conventions coordinate their positions at the not to subsidize the private sector in profit- changes which will achieve sustainable forest
national level to achieve their objectives in making work in forests. However, the extreme management, or if you prefer the term, the
all multilateral processes and address gaps in position—that any work done, for example by sustainable management of forests. Positivity
coverage. A good example is in the climate the World Bank, to influence policy related to and optimism can go a long way in meeting
change arena where every attempt by other the private sector and its actions on logging, is the substantial challenges which face us all. ■
sectors to understand and work on climate inherently a bad thing—is, I believe, divisive.
change was earlier rebuffed by the ‘experts’. This can only limit our ability to achieve Jan McAlpine is Director of the United
But with the Bali Action Plan, which charted an objective understanding and effective Nations Division on Forests and head
a course for new negotiations on climate approach to sustainability. Not all economic of the United Nations Forum on Forests
change, and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions actors are good at internalizing environmental (UNFF) Secretariat which is spearheading
from Deforestation and forest Degradation, considerations, but not all are bad either. Most, the International Year of Forests, or Forests
including conservation and sustainable I believe, would support a level playing field 2011.
New players
Gone are the days when conservationists only worked with each other. In the coming years
IUCN will work with an increasingly diverse range of partners to achieve its goals. Here are some
examples.
SOS: Save our Species Species™ and the expertise of its thousands together companies from bauxite miners to
of experts around the world. The initiative recycling companies, environmental, human
IUCN has joined with the Global was launched during the recent Convention on rights and labour organizations, academics
Environment Facility and the World Bank Biological Diversity conference, introducing and government agencies to agree a set of
to establish Save Our Species (SOS), calling Nokia as the first business partner to join. principles and criteria and develop a credible
on businesses to help build the biggest verification scheme for the aluminium
global species conservation fund by 2015. www.sospecies.org industry. Nespresso is also expanding the
SOS aims to bring together financial support number of coffee farms in its supply chain
from private business with international which are committed to the company’s AAA
conservation expertise and cooperation from Sustainable—what else? Sustainable Quality Programme. It is assumed
countries facing species extinction. It will that management practices used to achieve
provide grants for conservation action on Boutique coffee producer Nestlé Nespresso AAA status enhance the farm’s environmental,
the ground, focusing on specific threatened continues to expand and deepen commitments economic and social performance. While
species and their habitats, and will bring much to sustainability through its partnership with Nespresso has carried out studies to measure
needed coordination between many different IUCN. Together IUCN and Nespresso are the economic results of its verification
players. It also gives businesses an opportunity working to change aluminium production and scheme, there has not yet been an equivalent
to become directly involved in saving the recycling systems, as well as determine how study for the environmental results. The goal is
natural world and help meet their sustainable Nespresso’s coffee management programme to determine whether such verification yields
development goals. A few grants have already affects biodiversity. IUCN and Nespresso are results in terms of biodiversity conservation,
been selected covering more than 30 species. continuing to work on ways of making sure carbon sequestration and water management.
IUCN will manage the initiative using the the aluminium used in Nespresso capsules is
findings of the IUCN Red List of Threatened produced sustainably. This means bringing www.iucn.org/business
www.ocean.si.edu
Series: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species - Regional Edited by David Yanggen, Kenneth Angu,
Assessment Nicodème Tchamou
Visit www.SOSpecies.org to learn more about this initiative and how you can contribute!