Showing papers by "International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources published in 2022"

A Resilience Framework for Climate Adaptation: The Shyamnagar Experience

Abstract: This chapter tells the story of the application of a resilience framework in the climate vulnerable coastal area of Shyamnagar, Bangladesh. It documents how peoples’ vision of the future of their communities was captured through the exploration of their daily struggles, past history and future outlook. This approach breaks away from typical linear project development and implementation models and adopts a framework based on integrating the existing dynamics of the complex social and ecological systems. The outcome is a climate change adaptation initiative that focuses on solutions to support positive changes through community-led interventions such as mangrove rehabilitation, freshwater availability, agricultural productivity and women’s empowerment. This approach ignites peoples’ imagination, binds people to a shared common vision and fosters the development of programmes around that shared vision and promises a sustainable and resilient future for the people of Shyamnagar and its environment.

Out-of-date datasets hamper conservation of species close to extinction

Abstract: International databases and data aggregators on species conservation status are powerful tools supporting the efforts of conservation biologists and practitioners in reducing the loss of biodiversity. However, out-of-date information and poor interoperability of databases can hamper conservation of highly threatened species or in extreme cases can result in their removal from conservation frameworks. Lack of common standards for database updates, slow update timing and incongruencies among datasets in terms of taxonomy, threats, conservation status and holding prevent proper conservation prioritization and actions. A simple survey to solve incongruencies between the BGCI PlantSearch Database and the IUCN Red List resulted in a change of status of 16 plant species, including the 'rehabilitation' of 12 species thought to be extinct.

Conservation Status and Activities of the Threatened Endemic Quillwort Isoëtes malinverniana

Abstract: Isoëtes malinverniana Ces. et De Not. is a submerged perennial, endemic species that is critically endangered and that occurs in the western part of the Po Valley (N-Italy), in channels and ditches fed with oligotrophic freshwater from springs and rivers. This habitat is negatively affected by water eutrophication and channel management techniques, which represent the main threats for the species. Considering the high range fragmentation and population decline, I. malinverniana needs urgent conservation measures that include habitat protection, ex situ conservation and translocation. To be effective, functional, and successful, such measures must be underpinned with a comprehensive knowledge of the species’ biology, genetics, and ecology. Different conservation strategies have been derived from the basic understanding of the abovementioned species characteristics, demonstrating that the research on this threatened species is having some impacts on its conservation. Moreover, information about the ecological requirements of I. malinverniana and best management practices identified through a decade of research on this species constitute a solid knowledge base that can be applied to other quillworts.

19. International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Abstract: The IUCN is an international organization uniquely composed of both governments and civil society organizations. It provides public, private, and non-governmental organizations and actors with the knowledge and tools to combine efforts to conserve nature and accelerate the transition to sustainable development. Created in 1948, the IUCN has evolved into the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. It harnesses the experience, resources, and reach of its more than 1,300 members and the input of over ten thousand experts. The IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. The IUCN’s experts volunteer in six commissions dedicated to species survival, environmental law, protected areas, social and economic policy, ecosystem management, and education and communication. The IUCN Environmental Law Programme (ELP) is an integrated program of activities that assists decision makers with information, analysis, advisory services, legislative drafting, mentoring, and capacity development at the national, regional, and global levels. It includes the Environmental Law Centre (ELC) and collaborates with and supports the World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL). The ELP, WCEL, and ELC collaborate in their endeavours with the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law.

The Conservation Status of the Aquatic Macroinvertebrates of Bangladesh

Abstract: Bangladesh is globally recognized for its vast aquatic ecosystems. The economic growth and development of the country are directly influenced by its aquatic environment. Bangladesh has been blessed with both freshwater and marine aquatic resources. Aquatic biodiversity and composition of macroinvertebrate communities are important topics in aquatic ecology and are widely used to assess the environmental impacts of various human disturbances. However, there is a lack of proper documentation of different aquatic species, especially the macroinvertebrates. A clear understanding of this group is necessary to better realize the status of aquatic macroinvertebrates of Bangladesh. In this article, we discussed the current status of aquatic macroinvertebrates of the country based on the existing information. We have identified gaps in knowledge, understanding and capacity to document these organisms that play important roles in keeping aquatic ecosystems healthy and functional. This ubiquitous group of creatures is common in aquatic ecosystems. As of this writing, a total of about 1951 aquatic macroinvertebrate species in seven phyla have been recorded from the aquatic ecosystems of Bangladesh. Thus far, the conservation status of only 90 species has been assessed; the other taxa were either “not assessed” (1208 species) or “not reported” (653 species). This lack of research demonstrates a need for further work to monitor and examine the status of aquatic organisms.