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  World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) Data Standards »

  This document provides information about the standards and data held within the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). The WDPA Data Standards specify a common set of information that data providers are asked to provide when submitting data to the WDPA. These ensure that the most vital information is collected and that the data is supplied in a common format that is globally interoperable. This document also provides detailed information on the type of information and each attribute/field within the WDPA.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Patterns of Biodiversity in Arctic Birds: WCMC Biodiversity Bulletin No. 3 (1998) »

  Arctic ecosystems are harsh and inhospitable, containing very low species diversity. However, although the habitats are relatively homogeneous throughout the circumpolar Arctic region, differences in species richness and areas of outstanding species richness can be recognised. Analysis of patterns in species diversity can be used to prioritise regions for conservation in the Arctic. Towards this goal, the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) programme has been compiling information on the distribution and abundance of species and ecosystems in the Arctic. The work described in this report was designed to complement other ongoing projects and was included in the CAFF V work plan. It was carried out under an EU fellowship at UNEP-WCMC.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  The Natural Fix »

  The report, the fifth in UNEP's 'rapid response assessment' series, looks beyond forests and the REDD debates to the potential of natural and agricultural ecosystems to capture and store carbon. It examines the potential for gaining multiple benefits for livelihoods and ecosystem services through managing ecosystem carbon and considers the implications for policy.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  1997 United Nations List of Protected Areas »

  The United Nations List of Protected Areas is an essential reference document for all who want to understand the progress made in responding to the challenges of biodiversity loss and other environmental threats around the world. It is a record of extraordinary human achievement over 125 years - a commitment by nations, peoples, groups and individuals to safeguard areas of land and sea from destruction. Protected areas represent human ideals at their best - they express a long term vision and a broad sense of responsibility towards people and nature.

  This version of the list is the twelfth in a series, each recording steady expansion in the total area protected. There are now some 12,754 areas in the UN List, covering almost 8% of the land surface of the world (a far smaller proportion of the oceans is protected). Compared to the previous, 1993 edition of the of the UN List, this report includes 2,933 more sites covering 3.9 million more square kilometres. At the end of the century it can be said that practically every country has protected areas; some have a very sophisticated network of sites.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Options for harmonizing national reporting to biodiversity-related agreements »

  Harmonizing biodiversity information management and national reporting requires additional efforts in the short-term. In the long-term, however, it is expected to lead to substantial benefits from avoiding duplication of efforts and providing synergies.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Preliminary Inventory of Nature Conservation Instruments, Obligations and Questions »

  Technical study of the reporting requirements for high level treaties or biodiversity-related conventions, and related questions.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  UNEP-WCMC Transition Plan 2006 »

  A comprehensive project to transform UNEP-WCMC into a Centre of Excellence that evaluates and highlights the many values of biodiversity and puts authoritative biodiversity knowledge at the centre of decision-making.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  The impacts of biofuel production on biodiversity: A review of the current literature »

  This report reviews the current state of knowledge on the biodiversity impacts (both positive and negative) of biofuel production, with an emphasis on the potential influence of current and future government policies. Although the focus is primarily on first generation biofuels, second and third generation biofuels are also discussed. The potential for sustainability criteria to ameliorate biodiversity impacts is also assessed.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Global Ecological Forest Classification and Forest Protected Area Gap Analysis: Analyses and Recommendations in view of the 10% target for forest protection under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) »

  This study assesses the global gaps in forest conservation with reference to the target of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which calls for the effective conservation of "at least 10% of the world's forest types" by 2010 (decision VIII/15). The results are expected to guide forest conservation policies and planning at national and international levels.

  Resource Type: Reports
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  Crossroads of Life on Earth - Exploring means to meet the 2010 Biodiversity Target »

  The aim of this assessment study was to explore policy options under current discussion in the global political arena that could have major positive or negative impacts on biodiversity. The central concern of the assessment is the achievement of the 2010 Biodiversity Target at global and regional levels, as agreed upon under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

  Resource Type: Reports