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  • Side Events (227)

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Community Conserved Areas: from "oldest secret" to crucial avenue for the conservation of biodiversity…

Organizer
IUCN Strategic Direction on Governance, Communities, Equity, and Livelihood Rights in Relation to Protected Areas

Date and Time
19 May 2008 13:15 - 14:45

Meeting
Ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 9)

This side event, organized by IUCN’s TILCEPA (a joint Theme of the IUCN Commissions WCPA and CEESP) will provide space to discuss Community Conserved Areas and their potential to further the CBD. Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) are “natural sites, resources and species’ habitats conserved in voluntary and self-directed ways by indigenous peoples and local communities through customary laws and/or other effective means”. This conservation practice—intertwined with local livelihoods and the spiritual and material values of local cultures—is the oldest on earth. Paradoxically, it is also the least understood, and in severe jeopardy today. After an introduction to the characteristics, variety and history of CCAs, participants will be accompanied to discuss the potential and limitations of CCAs in contributing to achieving CBD’s goals. They will exchange experiences and lessons learned, and look for concrete next steps to support the effort of indigenous peoples and local communities in governing and conserving biodiversity and natural resources throughout the world.