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IUCN WCPA Technical Note 16: Approaches for identifying areas of particular importance for marine biodiversity

Identifying and conserving areas of particular importance for biodiversity is a fundamental element of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). There are a number of standardised approaches for identifying areas of particular importance for biodiversity in the marine realm: Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs), Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs), Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs), and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), with a standard for Important Marine Turtle Areas (IMTAs) also nearing completion.

World Bank Global Biodiversity Data

We describe below the data and provide an overview of the specific variables that are constructed for the analysis in the papers: “Revisiting Global Biodiversity: A Spatial Analysis of Species Occurrence Data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility” by Susmita Dasgupta, Brian Blankespoor, and David Wheeler” (2024) and “Estimating Extinction Risks with Species Occurrence Data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility” by Susmita Dasgupta, Brian Blankespoor, and David Wheeler (2024).

CITES Sharks and Rays - Implementing and Enforcing Listings: Volume II - Processed Carcass ID

This guide forms part of a three-volume series of identification guides: Volume I – Full Carcass ID, Volume II – Processed Carcass ID [this guide], and Volume III – Dried Product ID. Each of these guides has been designed to follow a similar simple structure to guide users with no previous knowledge of sharks and rays with identification of different derivative products.

Nature Conservation Index

Species do not exist in isolation; they are interconnected. A key element to addressing environmental problems, such as improving water quality and renewing biodiversity, involves addressing nature conservation at its core.  What can be done to support a more effective global approach to biodiversity protection and sustainable development?

Governing Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction: Roles and Opportunities for the Private Sector

The entry into force of the “Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction” (BBNJ Agreement) marks a historic moment. This white paper presents practical insights into the agreement’s implications from companies operating in these areas.

PDF paper

How do severe tropical cyclones affect invasive species prevention and management efforts on Pacific Islands, and how can we adapt as the climate changes?

On May 24, 2023, Typhoon Mawar, one of the strongest Northern Hemisphere tropical cyclones ever recorded in the month of May and the strongest globally in 2023, hit the U.S. Territory of Guam in the Western Pacific. With winds up to 145 mph, the category 4-equivalent typhoon was the strongest storm to affect the island in over two decades. After enduring 15 hours of destructive winds and torrential rain, residents found an island littered with defoliated and uprooted trees, toppled signs and damaged buildings, and flood waters that were waist-deep in low-lying areas.

Leveraging deep learning and computer vision technologies to enhance management of coastal fisheries in the Pacific region

This paper presents the design and development of a coastal fisheries monitoring system that harnesses artificial intelligence technologies. Application of the system across the Pacific region promises to revolutionize coastal fisheries management. The program is built on a centralized, cloud-based monitoring system to automate data extraction and analysis processes. The system leverages YoloV4, OpenCV, and ResNet101 to extract information from images of fish and invertebrates collected as part of in-country monitoring programs overseen by national fisheries authorities.

Remote sensing techniques for mapping and monitoring mangroves at fine scales

Mangrove ecosystems play a critical role in harbouring biodiversity and providing a variety of ecosystem services. The need for developing better techniques for classifying and monitoring mangroves is increasing, especially with the growing demand in blue carbon markets. However, many countries are challenged by the need to improve their mangrove cover estimates to inform decision-making on coastal land use and to guide local conservation efforts including restoration planning.