IUCN GREEN LIST: ENVIRONMENT
NEWS: Four new sites added to the IUCN Green List and three relisted
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
The IUCN Green List recognizes successful conservation areas, setting a global benchmark for both marine and terrestrial sites. It emphasizes respect for local communities, effective planning, and successful conservation outcomes that benefit both nature and people.
IUCN Green List and Recent Additions and Renewals (2025)
• What is the IUCN Green List?
• IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature): A global organization aimed at promoting nature conservation.
Objective: The Green List seeks to promote and recognize successful nature conservation efforts worldwide by setting a global benchmark for conservation practices.
• Implementation: The program is carried out with various partners, including the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre and WWF.
• Green List Sustainability Standard: This standard acts as the global measure for assessing the effectiveness of conservation areas, ensuring the sites meet high levels of environmental protection and management.
• Achievements of the IUCN Green List (Country-wise):
• Italy: Restarted the Green List process, setting up an Expert Assessment Group (EAGL) to evaluate conservation sites.
• Spain: Similarly resumed Green List activities, establishing an Expert Assessment Group.
• France: Has been implementing the Green List since 2013, with 15 sites listed. This includes two Mediterranean marine protected areas:
Cerbere-Banyuls National Nature Reserve
Blue Coast Marine Park
• Why is the Green List Important?
• Expert Guidance: The Green List provides expert recommendations and standards that help protected and conserved areas achieve successful and fair results.
• Wildlife and Ecosystem Survival: It supports the long-term health of ecosystems and the survival of species, benefiting local communities and wildlife alike.
• Improvement of Management Practices: It serves as both a tool for recognition of excellence and as a platform for enhancing management practices in conservation.
• Contribution to Global Biodiversity Goals: The Green List contributes to the achievement of UN’s Aichi Target 11 (part of the Convention on Biological Diversity) and Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land), which focus on protecting and preserving biodiversity.
• What is a Green Listed Site?
• A site is Green Listed when it meets the IUCN Green List Standard, which ensures that the site:
Respects Local Communities: Ensures fair engagement with stakeholders and communities.
Effective Planning: Properly identifies the key conservation needs of the area.
Strong Management: Maintains effective monitoring and protection of natural resources.
Successful Conservation: Achieves positive outcomes for both local people and nature, ensuring mutual benefits.
Contribution to Global Goals: Actively supports global initiatives like climate action, sustainability, and health.
• New Additions to the Green List (2025):
• Sharaan Nature Reserve (Saudi Arabia):
Located in AlUla County, it is the first fully protected area in the region, focusing on restoring landscapes and wildlife.
The reserve is characterized by its deserts, canyons, rich biodiversity, and ancient cultural heritage.
• King Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve (Saudi Arabia):
Supported by high-level government efforts, it is home to important species like the Sand gazelle and Arabian oryx.
The reserve has been particularly successful in its species reintroduction programs.
• Aqaba Marine Reserve (Jordan):
The 90th site to be listed on the Green List, Aqaba Marine Reserve is considered a top national priority due to its resilient coral reefs.
It plays a crucial role in marine conservation and environmental sustainability.
• Sir Bu Nair Protected Area (UAE):
This area is noted for its ecological, geological, and cultural significance. It is listed in international environmental directories and supports vital marine life, including turtles and migratory birds.
The area also holds historical value, being linked to pearl diving and fishing traditions.
• Renewals on the Green List (2025):
• Champ du Feu Managed Biological Reserve (France):
A popular tourist destination, this site holds significant economic and socio-cultural value.
The reserve supports traditional farming practices, which help maintain open environments and biodiversity.
• Hochfeld Managed Biological Reserve (France):
Though smaller, this site is rich in wildlife, especially in high-altitude forests and open areas, playing a role in preserving regional ecosystems.
• Al Shouf Cedars Nature Reserve (Lebanon):
One of the first sites in West Asia to be Green Listed, this reserve is crucial for the conservation of Lebanese cedar trees and holds significant cultural heritage.
Local communities are actively involved in the management of the site, ensuring long-term sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• Conclusion:
• The IUCN Green List continues to grow, with new additions and renewals highlighting the global commitment to protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable conservation practices.
• The Green List recognizes areas that meet high standards for conservation, ensuring effective management and positive outcomes for both nature and people.
• These efforts contribute significantly to achieving global biodiversity targets and fostering a sustainable future.
Source: https://iucn.org/story/202501/2025-kicks-growth-four-new-sites-added-iucn-green-list-and-three-relisted