IUCN Green List for Protected Areas Expert Group on the management of Natura 2000 DG Environment, Brussels, 23 October 2013

Rationale behind this Initiative Considered as a qualitative step forward of work implemented on management effectiveness. No formal global system to recognize success. There is a need for a tool to assess progress towards the implementation of Aichi Target 11 of the CBD Strategic Plan. Process leading to enhanced capacity of PAs agencies and managers. Tool to compile and share knowledge on best practices in PA’s planning and management. In summary then

Vision for IUCN Green List for Protected Areas A global IUCN Green List of protected areas judged by a recognised common standard aligned to the quality objectives of Aichi Target 11. The Green List will encourage, measure, and celebrate excellence in protected areas. CBD Aichi Target 11. ‘By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well connected systems of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes.’ So what is the Green List? When we started a few months back, this had not been defined and there were as many visions as there were people in the room. Within the SG at least we seem to have agreed this vision… which will be re-validated in Korea in a month’s time.

Summary of proposed criteria for GL Evaluation To qualify for Green Listing a Protected Area should: Conform to the PA Definition and it should have been rightly categorized (IUCN System of PAs Management Categories, 2008). Contribute to the ecological representivity of the country/region. Have an effective management regime in place. Be well connected into wider landscape/seascape particularly on planning/management processes. Be well and equitably governed with proofs that benefits are reaching local communities. GL assessment involve PA + outside assessor + site visit Consultation is wide-ranging Independent/objective, free of political/commercial interference Listed sites must be recognized as being excellent Proposed criteria are strongly supported Seen to be risks, of political/commercial interference, non-objective evaluation Majority have potential interest in sponsorship In summary then

Driving principles of implementation Simplicity of process to be applied. Based on standards that work across different technical and political situations worldwide. Rigorous and independent approach for assessing PAs. Demand driven to maximize commitments. Avoid competition between national and sub-national agencies. Building from experience on similar processes (WH, European Diploma, Management Effectiveness). Partnerships and synergies should be established. In summary then

Stakeholder Engagement Progress on planning Stakeholder Engagement Conservation community stakeholder survey Expert group comprising IUCN and non IUCN experts Presentations – in pilot countries and other international and regional events. Business Focus Area Progress Governance Green Listing process IT/Data management Organisation and HR Finance and sponsorship Marketing and Comms Turning to the proposal work we are developing… Aim has been to…. Focused on six areas….. We will look at first three of these and a little at IT/DM

Proposed process for application In summary then

Summary - Stakeholder survey Belief that idea is good and timely. IUCN is in the right position to implement it. Strong expectations that: GL assessment involve PA + outside assessor + site visit. Consultation should be wide-ranging. Independent/objective, free of political/commercial interference. Listed sites must be recognized as being excellent. Proposed criteria are strongly supported. Potential risks of political/commercial interference leading to non-objective evaluation. Majority have potential interest in sponsorship In summary then

Where are we at present? Stakeholder consultations/comms & best practice research: July-Nov Optioneering governance and operations areas working with experts: Aug - Sept Strategy workshop resulting in agreed approach in all areas: October Write up of business plan: Decision to proceed December & execution for launch Autumn 2014 – Official launch during World Parks Congress 2014 In summary then

Pilot testing of the Green List Colombia (at the system level). Republic of Korea (at the system level). France (through IUCN National Committee; at site level). China (at provincial and site levels). New South Wales, Australia (at state level). India (Tiger Reserves, in partnership with government and WWF). In summary then

Potential synergies and collaboration with Natura 2000 Alignment with Habitats Directive particularly Article 6(1) on conservation measures. GL could promote/support implementation of Target 1 of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2020 and used as a tool to monitor progress. Sharing of knowledge within Europe and globally linked to the Natura 2000 Biogeographical Process. Linkages with Natura 2000 Award leading to a potential GL Expert Group for Europe. Enhanced visibility and outreach worldwide. The WPC 2014 will be an unique opportunity for this. In summary then

Thank you! Questions?