Welcome to LifeWeb

LifeWeb is a global initiative to support the creation and improve the management of protected areas. Officially launched in May 2008 during the COP 9 meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), LifeWeb creates a global partnership for the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA). Parties, indigenous and local communities and other relevant stakeholders are invited to actively participate in the initiative. The functioning of LifeWeb is possible through the funding and support of the Federal Ministry of Environment Germany.
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LifeWeb - Strengthening the web of life

LifeWeb acts as a clearing-house to mobilize additional funding for protected areas.

Protected Areas - For Life on Earth

Protected areas preserve ecosystems and their biodiversity which provide essential services such as water cycles, pollination, disease and flood control, and natural carbon storage. They also support the livelihoods of local communities and strengthen economies.

The Programme of Work on Protected Areas - the comprehensive basis for LifeWeb

The full implementation of all elements of the CBD Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA) will be a precondition for participating in LifeWeb.

What LifeWeb will do

• It will facilitate the creation of new protected areas and the improvement of existing ones.
• It will highlight the needs by listing candidate protected areas sites that require support.
• It will attract potential donors willing to provide funding.
• It will assist in joining efforts by communicating mutual commitments and building partnerships.
• It will encourage voluntary participation from various stakeholders, particularly indigenous and local communities.
• It will complement existing mechanisms to mobilize additional resources.

Learn more about LifeWeb's strategy »

How LifeWeb will work

• The website will act as a clearing-house or on-line marketplace for matching protected areas needs with appropriate resources.
• Parties and indigenous and local communities will be invited to provide their candidates sites along with the respective need for support.
• Potential donors will be invited to show their commitment and provide information on their funding streams.
• A coordinator will facilitate the interaction between potential donors and recipients.
• Meetings will be organized to complement this process and forge partnerships.
• It will be based on voluntary participation in an open and flexible manner.

Learn more about LifeWeb's operations »