Managing MIDAs

Harmonising the management of

Multi-Internationally Designated Areas:
Ramsar Sites, World Heritage sites,
Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO Global Geoparks

Executive Summary
Thomas Schaaf and Diana Clamote Rodrigues
 IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
IUCN is a membership Union composed of both government and civil society organisations. It harnesses the
experience, resources and reach of its more than 1,300 Member organisations and the input of more than 16,000
experts. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
[Link]

Managing MIDAs
Ramsar Convention
The Convention on Wetlands, called the Ramsar Convention, is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework
for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
Its mission is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international
cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”. Under the “three
pillars” of the Convention, the Contracting Parties commit to: work towards the wise use of all their wetlands; designate
suitable wetlands for the list of Wetlands of International Importance (the “Ramsar List”) and ensure their effective Harmonising the management of Multi-Internationally Designated Areas:
management; and cooperate internationally on transboundary wetlands, shared wetland systems and shared species.
[Link]
Ramsar Sites, World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO
Global Geoparks
RI
MO
NIO MUN
D
World Heritage Convention
T

IA
PA

L
•

NDIAL •
WORLD H

The 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage recognises that certain
Executive Summary
MO
ER

IT
E

AG I
N

E O
•
PATRIM

places on Earth are of “outstanding universal value” and should form part of the common heritage of humankind. Today,
United Nations World
Educational, Scientific and Heritage
Cultural Organization Convention

191 countries adhere to the World Heritage Convention and have become part of an international community united in a
common mission to identify and safeguard our world’s most significant natural and cultural heritage. The Convention is
unique in that it links together the concept of nature conservation and the preservation of cultural sites.
[Link] Thomas Schaaf and Diana Clamote Rodrigues
The World Network of Biosphere Reserves under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
United Nations Man and
By focusing on sites internationally recognised within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the MAB Programme,
Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
the Biosphere
Programme launched in 1971, develops the basis within the natural and social sciences for the sustainable use and conservation of
the resources of the biosphere and for the improvement of the overall relationship between people and their environment.
It predicts the consequences of today’s actions on tomorrow’s world and thereby increases people’s ability to efficiently
manage natural resources for the well-being of both human populations and the environment.
[Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/man-and-biosphere-programme/
about-mab/

UNESCO Global Geoparks under the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological
United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
UNESCO
Global
Geoparks
significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. Their bottom-
up approach of combining conservation with sustainable development while involving local communities is becoming
increasingly popular.
[Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/global-geoparks/

Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea

The mission of the Ministry of Environment is to protect the national territory from threats of environmental pollution and
improve the quality of life for the public so that people can enjoy ambient natural environment, clean water and clear
skies. Furthermore, we aim to contribute to the global efforts to protect our one and only Earth. The tasks of the Ministry
of Environment include enactment and amendment of environmental laws and regulations; introduction of environmental
institutions; building up a framework structure for environmental administration; drafting and implementation of mid- and
long-term comprehensive measures for environmental conservation; setting up standards for regulations; providing
administrative and financial support for environmental management to local governments; inter-Korean environmental
cooperation; and environmental cooperation with other countries.
[Link]/eng/web/[Link]

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is the largest island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula. It has an area of
1,845.55 km2 and a population of 630,000 residents. The island was granted autonomy as a so-called self-governing
province in 2006 from the central government, the Republic of Korea. It is a universal recreational island with beautiful
natural landscape received as a gift from nature which draws more than 12 million tourists annually from all over the world.
Jeju Island is the only place in the world where four international designations overlap in the same place: it comprises
a natural World Heritage site, a Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Global Geopark and a total of five Ramsar Sites. The
province is very interested in improving the management and operations of multi-internationally designated areas as the In partnership with
island is a pioneer in this field. It is trying to create its own development model using a future vision for the island which
many residents helped design, based on the concepts of cleanliness and coexistence. The province’s plans for the
future are focused on solving pending issues and formulating policies based on these core values.
NIO MUN
MO D
RI
T

IA
PA

L
•

NDIAL •
WORLD H

[Link]
MO
E

IT
E
R

AG I
E •
PATRIM N
O

United Nations World United Nations Man and United Nations UNESCO
Educational, Scientific and Heritage Educational, Scientific and the Biosphere Educational, Scientific and Global
Cultural Organization Convention Cultural Organization Programme Cultural Organization Geoparks
 FOREWORD

The designation of geographical entities in this book, and the presentation of the material, do not imply the expression of IUCN was among the first to recognise the importance of protecting our planet’s most valuable natural areas through international
any opinion whatsoever on the part of IUCN, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat or UNESCO concerning the legal status of protection mechanisms. At IUCN’s Ninth General Assembly in 1966, the term “World Heritage” was used internationally for the
any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. first time during the discussion of the idea of a legal mechanism to designate areas considered to be of value for all humanity.
IUCN and UNESCO’s ideas led to the 1972 World Heritage Convention that would mobilise the international community for
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of IUCN, the Ramsar Convention Secretariat or the protection of outstanding natural landscapes and historic monuments. In a similar way, IUCN was integral in supporting
UNESCO. the development and implementation of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands that entered into force in 1971. IUCN has also
hosted the Ramsar Secretariat in its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland since 1987.
This publication has been made possible in part by funding from the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Ministry
of Environment (Republic of Korea). IUCN Members have continuously called for the global conservation community to support the implementation of both
conventions. They have also urged support for the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, during the development of the Action
Published by: IUCN, Gland, Switzerland Plan on Biosphere Reserves in 1984 and the early implementation of the Seville Strategy for Biosphere Reserves in 1996. More
recently, in 2008 and 2012, IUCN Members have called for the protection and management of the world’s geodiversity and
Copyright: © 2016 International Union for Conservation of Nature
geoheritage. A bureau member of the Global Geoparks Network since its establishment in 2004, IUCN continues to have a
consultation role with the newly established UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme.
Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorised
without prior written permission from the copyright holder provided the source is fully acknowledged.
Each of the international site designation mechanisms has its own specific profile and focus, but they all share the overall goal
Reproduction of this publication for resale or other commercial purposes is prohibited without prior
of ensuring the appropriate management and conservation of these cherished natural areas. IUCN recognises the exceptional
written permission of the copyright holder.
and pioneering work carried out by Ramsar and UNESCO through the designation of Ramsar Sites, World Heritage sites,
Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO Global Geoparks, and we will continue to work to support and strengthen the efficient
Schaaf, T. and Clamote Rodrigues, D. (2016). Managing MIDAs: Harmonising the management of
Citation: 
implementation of all of these initiatives.
Multi-Internationally Designated Areas: Ramsar Sites, World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and
UNESCO Global Geoparks. Executive Summary. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN. 20 pp.
IUCN’s concern with Internationally Designated Areas (IDAs) led to the acknowledgement of the challenges for areas with multiple
international designations. Consequently, a project aiming to prepare written guidance on the opportunities for harmonising
Cover photos: Top: Galápagos Islands (Ecuador): World Heritage site, Biosphere Reserve, Ramsar Site © OUR
the integrated management of these Multi-Internationally Designated Areas (MIDAs) was established, in coordination with the
PLACE The World Heritage Collection
secretariats of the Ramsar Convention and UNESCO. The project stems from an IUCN Resolution (WCC-2012-Res-052)
 Bottom left: Jeju Island (Republic of Korea): Biosphere Reserve, World Heritage site, Ramsar Site,
adopted at the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Jeju, which hosts the only area in the world where all four
UNESCO Global Geopark © Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
designations directly overlap.
Bottom middle: Ngorongoro (United Republic of Tanzania): World Heritage site, Biosphere Reserve ©
OUR PLACE The World Heritage Collection
The diverse ways in which the actual areas can overlap, together with the range of benefits and/or challenges that multiple
 Bottom right: The Dolomites (Italy): UNESCO Global Geopark, World Heritage site, Biosphere Reserve
designations can bring to natural areas, show the nature of this challenge. Yet, despite the complexity, all IDAs, and all MIDAs
© Iain Simpson (CC BY-SA 2.0)
in particular, should demonstrate the highest standards and quality of practice, as model conservation areas and an inspiration
Layout by: Guilder Design, [Link] to our work in protected areas. IUCN is uniquely placed to support MIDAs. The launch of this Guidance is a much needed
contribution to connect these sites, improve their integrated management, and contribute to improved coordination of the
Executive summary and full publication available from: [Link] procedures of the different international designating bodies.

IUCN encourages site managers, national stakeholders, and the secretariats of the Ramsar Convention, the World Heritage
Convention, the Man and the Biosphere Programme and the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme to apply,
test and provide feedback on the recommendations in this Guidance.

Inger Andersen Kathy MacKinnon

Director-General Chair
International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
 © Jeju Tourism Organization

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

An Internationally Designated Area (IDA) is a natural area Among these, there are 263 areas where different IDAs fully or inscription of the site, its surface area and geographical objectives, each instrument has its own purposes, profiles
internationally recognised by a global or regional designation partially overlap thus carrying double, triple or even quadruple coordinates) is appended to this publication, listing all areas and management requirements, which justifiably sets it
mechanism. As of 31 October 2015, there are 3,313 IDAs international designations. These areas are named Multi- that have these overlapping international designations. apart from the other three designations.
which have been listed as Ramsar Sites under the Ramsar Internationally Designated Areas (MIDAs) for the purpose
Convention; natural and mixed World Heritage properties, of this publication. Among MIDAs, there are 215 Ramsar Following up on Resolution WCC-2012-Res-052 adopted This Guidance provides an overview of the four
as well as cultural landscapes, under the World Heritage Sites wholly or partially embedded in 169 Biosphere at the IUCN World Conservation Congress (Jeju Island, international designating bodies to facilitate comparisons
Convention; Biosphere Reserves recognised within the Reserves; and 109 Biosphere Reserves which overlap with Republic of Korea, September 2012), this Guidance between them. It summarises different aspects of the four
World Network of Biosphere Reserves of the UNESCO Man 100 World Heritage sites. Ninety-seven Ramsar Sites are addresses specific issues related to the management of designations, such as their purposes, main objectives,
and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme; and UNESCO Global also inscribed wholly or partially in 70 properties of the MIDAs, and includes recommendations for harmonising the history, legal frameworks, administrative arrangements,
Geoparks as part of the UNESCO International Geoscience World Heritage List, while 22 Ramsar Sites are part of five management, systematic conservation and sustainable use governance structures and bodies as well as scientific
and Geoparks Programme (IGGP). These include 2,218 UNESCO Global Geoparks. Sixteen Biosphere Reserves of these areas aimed at the local, national and international advisory bodies, and governmental obligations. The
Ramsar Sites; 197 natural World Heritage properties, 32 are embedded in 14 UNESCO Global Geoparks, and 15 stakeholders of MIDAs. respective site admission criteria give an idea of the
mixed World Heritage properties based on both cultural UNESCO Global Geoparks overlap with 13 World Heritage specificities of each designation. Differences among the
and natural criteria, as well as 95 World Heritage cultural sites. Apart from these double designations, triple and While all four international designating instruments share four designations are also reflected in their reporting
landscapes; 651 Biosphere Reserves; and 120 UNESCO quadruple designations have also been given to specific the overall goal of conservation for present and future requirements and monitoring.
Global Geoparks throughout the world. areas. A comprehensive list of MIDAs (indicating year of generations and are in line with sustainable development
 © Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
and international levels, MIDAs can provide a platform
Ramsar Sites develop and maintain an international
for strengthened inter-institutional cooperation. In many
network of wetlands which are important for the
cases, multiple designations help fundraising efforts for
conservation of global biological diversity and for site management at the national level and contribute to
sustaining human life through the maintenance securing financial resources from international donors.
of their ecosystem components, processes and Multiple international designations also contribute to
benefits/services. raising national visibility and global site prestige, which
in turn helps to reinforce the economic base of the area
World Heritage properties serve for the through tourism and the marketing of locally branded
identification, protection, conservation and products.
transmission to future generations of natural and
Challenges for the management of these areas come to
cultural sites of outstanding universal value.
the fore when different national authorities are in charge of
the same MIDA, and no harmonised legal or administrative
Biosphere Reserves stand for harmonised
framework exists, let alone a coordination mechanism
management and conservation of biological
fine-tuning the policies and intervention activities of the
and cultural diversity, and economic and social
various responsible institutions. Lack of coordination
development based on local community efforts and
may also result in competition for securing national and
sound science. international funding for site management. Moreover, each
designating instrument has its own primary objectives
UNESCO Global Geoparks foster international and approaches, and these might not necessarily be
cooperation between areas with geological heritage compatible with the geographical extents for which sites
of international value, through a bottom-up have been listed by other designating instruments. Differing
approach to conservation, local community support, reporting requirements in terms of depth of information
promotion of heritage and sustainable development and time cycles solicited by the four designating bodies
of the area. pose a heavy workload on site managers and national
authorities. Additionally, site managers are rarely trained
in handling multiple international designations. Smooth
The management of MIDAs is at the core of the Guidance, information flows from site managers via national
illustrated by 11 case studies from a range of countries authorities to the four global secretariats and vice versa © Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
plus a special chapter on Jeju Island (Republic of Korea) are not always ensured. Ever-increasing tourist numbers
which comprises all four international designations. In might jeopardise the environmental integrity of these sites.
Jeju, the successful designation as a Biosphere Reserve International designations may also evoke resistance from
paved the way for World Heritage listing, certification of local communities and indigenous peoples, usually related
five Ramsar Sites and recognition as a UNESCO Global to issues of land-use restrictions or sometimes even lack of
Geopark in successive steps and for complementary respect for community and indigenous peoples’ rights. A
reasons. Jeju’s efforts in harmonising local management multiplicity of different forms of recognition risks confusing
structures for the four international designations may give local communities and visitors regarding the significance
insights for MIDA stakeholders in other countries and of each designation, or else the perceived “higher value”
regions. of one international status may eclipse those designations
that may be perceived of “lower value”. Finally, the
With regard to site management, there are advantages effectiveness of international designations may be diluted
in an area having two or more international designations. through an ever-growing number of IDAs and MIDAs.
Multiple forms of international recognition have the
potential to increase the resilience of natural areas to An improved management system for MIDAs should be
external pressures as they underline the diverse values based on the complementarity and the synergies created
of a site in the global arena. Linking conservation with by the different designations. In this light, the Guidance
sustainable development is a common aspiration of all provides a number of recommendations addressed to
four designations and can facilitate the engagement and three target groups: site managers of MIDAs at the local
participation of local communities in site conservation and level; focal points of the four designating instruments and
management. International designations accentuate the stakeholders at the national level (ministries and affiliated
significance of an area for research, education and public national authorities and others); and decision-making
awareness, and are helpful in fostering transboundary bodies of the four international designating instruments
collaboration, twinning of sites, global knowledge and their respective secretariats at the international level.
sharing and partnership programmes. At the national
© IUCN Hichem Azafzaf

Recommendations for site managers at

the local level

✱ Improve staff capacity building ✱ Promote communication, education and

Training and capacity-building activities for site managers awareness raising
on the specificities, similarities and potential for synergies Communication, education and awareness-raising
of the four international designating instruments should programmes regarding the environment should be
be institutionalised as part of regular in-service training for showcased in MIDAs, by site managers and responsible
protected area staff, as well as for other local stakeholders. national authorities, combining their resources and
expertise to promote the multi-faceted recognition of the
✱ Create a joint coordination mechanism at area.
site level for all international designations
To the extent possible, a joint coordination mechanism, ✱ Manage tourism and visitor numbers
with sufficient management and decision-making Visitor numbers should be adequately managed, and
capacity, should be institutionalised at site level for all sustainable tourism strategies and plans should be
overlapping international designations. This mechanism developed and implemented in order to safeguard the
would be in charge of harmonising the different objectives conservation and environmental integrity of a MIDA.
and requirements of a site’s international designations. Tourism activities should be fully compatible with the
conservation objectives of all the different designations
✱ Revise and update management plans that apply to the area.
If an area has obtained multiple international designations,
a new coherent and single management plan should be ✱ Develop and display branding that
worked out (or updated if it already exists) to accommodate transmits the site’s values
all the objectives and requirements of the respective The branding of a MIDA should successfully translate the
© A. Fedulin international designations. site’s values into appropriate and sustainable tourism and
information products and activities, which can transmit
✱ Engage with and respect the rights these values and educate visitors. Additionally, the logos
of local communities and indigenous and significance of each international designation should
peoples be visibly displayed and explained on site.
Local communities and indigenous peoples should be fully
engaged and participate in the planning and management ✱ Use visitor centres to raise awareness of
of MIDAs through various governance mechanisms, as international designations
well as receiving concrete benefits from site conservation. Visitor centres and educational activities should be
All MIDA processes should observe the principle of free, used to raise awareness amongst local communities,
prior and informed consent (FPIC) when considering the the general public and decision makers, in an easily
rights of indigenous peoples. understandable manner, of the site’s various forms of
international recognition and the primary objectives of
each designation.
© Angel Omar Ortíz Moreno

Recommendations for authorities and

focal points at the national level

✱ Choose the most appropriate ✱ Align conservation policies and

international designation institutional mechanisms across different
Establishing a MIDA is not necessarily advantageous
regions and countries
for a site so these should only be created with careful In the case of transboundary MIDAs, or MIDAs spanning
consideration. National authorities should first focus their different administrative provinces or states within the same
attention on the specific comparative advantage that a site country, aligned environmental and site conservation
could receive according to the profile of each designation. policies and institutional mechanisms should be sought
Choosing the most appropriate designation for a site between the different responsible authorities.
should aim to contribute to improving its management
effectiveness and governance arrangements, as well ✱ Ensure an effective legal framework for
as sharpening the appropriate branding and marketing MIDAs
profile of the area. States with, or planning to seek, IDAs and MIDAs should
establish an effective and harmonised legal framework for
✱ Assess the added value of international such sites at the national level to ensure coherence in
designations their conservation and management.
Thanks to their specific profiles, international designations
have the potential to add value to each other in some ✱ Establish coordinated fundraising efforts
circumstances, and to act synergistically to enhance National authorities and site managers in charge of MIDAs
site protection and management. However, such added should actively use the complementarity of international
value needs to be carefully considered, and so, for new recognition to secure external financial support needed
designation proposals, evidence should be provided for enhanced site management and conservation. These
© Luis Sánchez Arguedas of such added value. Any additional international fundraising efforts should be coordinated and should take
designation(s) should be agreed upon by all relevant into account the conservation objectives of all international
national stakeholders. site designations.

✱ Monitor designation effectiveness ✱ Use expertise from different supporting

The responsible national authorities should critically assess communities
if each international designation of a MIDA effectively National authorities in charge of MIDAs should ensure that
helps the area in its efforts to enhance environmental the great variety of expertise of the different communities
conservation, sustainable development and resource supporting each designation is jointly shared, in an
use, and engagement and benefit sharing with local inter- and transdisciplinary manner, to the benefit of site
communities. conservation, management and educational activities.

✱ Improve coordination and information

sharing among different authorities
When MIDAs are the responsibility of different national
authorities, they should ensure an adequate and effective
coordination structure for enhanced site management,
information sharing and reporting. Assigning focal point
functions for Ramsar and UNESCO designated sites to
a single national institution could prevent duplication
of efforts and expenses, and should be sought where
possible.
© Paulo Henrique Silva/SIARAM

Recommendations for the designating

bodies at the international level

✱ Improve coordination and information ✱ Share information during nomination and

exchange among the designating bodies reporting processes
The four designating bodies in charge of Ramsar and The four secretariats, and their technical groups and
UNESCO designated sites should review existing advisory bodies, should routinely share existing information
cooperation agreements and, where appropriate, update on proposed and existing MIDAs (nomination dossiers,
these to ensure complementary support for the benefit of periodic reports, ad hoc state of conservation reports),
MIDAs. in order to ensure harmonised approaches between the
applications of the different designating instruments.
✱ Hold regular meetings among the
secretariats ✱ Organise joint capacity-building activities
The four secretariats should hold regular, at least annual,
on the operations of each designation
joint meetings for information exchange, maintenance of a The four secretariats should organise joint capacity-
joint MIDAs database, provision of support for sites facing building activities for site managers, national focal
significant damage or danger, and discussion of other points, and other relevant stakeholders on the specific
coordinated policies, projects and activities. profiles of each designation. These should aim to foster
possible synergies among the international instruments,
✱ Participate in governing meetings of the and facilitate the exchange of best practices in the
designating bodies management of MIDAs.
Participation of representatives of each designating
body (including their secretariats and relevant advisory
✱ Implement joint projects and networking
bodies) in meetings of the governing bodies of all four
at site level
© A. Koshkin international instruments is recommended, in order By combining their expertise and outreach capabilities, the
to increase information flow and coherence on policy designating bodies should assist MIDAs in implementing
decisions affecting MIDAs. joint projects of common interest at the site level, and in
fostering twinning and networking arrangements among
✱ Maintain an up-to-date list of MIDAs MIDAs.
The joint creation and maintenance of an online list of
MIDAs, ideally integrated within the IUCN/UNEP-WCMC
✱ Develop harmonised branding and
World Database on Protected Areas, is recommended as
communication strategies
a basic requirement for collaboration, and is consistent The designating bodies should develop branding and
with the clearing-house function of the four secretariats. communication strategies for their respective designations
that do not compete with each other, but rather focus on
✱ Harmonise reporting and ensure joint communicating the added value of each designation and
monitoring highlighting their potential for cooperation and synergistic
activities.
Harmonised reporting to the designating bodies should
be established for MIDAs, since it will be more cost-
efficient if reporting requirements for one designation can
also feed into the requirements for the others. This will
enhance the quality of reports and facilitate joint technical
assessments and monitoring. The current practice of joint
missions to some MIDAs when monitoring takes place
should be extended and made consistent for all MIDAs.
 © IUCN Wendy Strahm

USEFUL REFERENCE WEBSITES

(1) Ramsar Convention

■ Home page: [Link]/
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Convention text):
■ 
[Link]/sites/default/files/documents/library/scan_certified_e.pdf
■ The Ramsar Sites Criteria: [Link]/sites/default/files/documents/library/ramsarsites_criteria_eng.pdf
The List of Wetlands of International Importance: [Link]/sites/default/files/documents/library/[Link]
■ 
Ramsar Sites Information Service: [Link]/
■ 
■ Ramsar handbooks and manuals: [Link]/resources/ramsar-handbooks-and-manual
The Ramsar Communication, Education, Participation and Awareness (CEPA) Programme:
■  (3) UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
[Link]/activity/the-ramsar-cepa-programme
■ Home page:
Other important documents and publications related to Ramsar Sites: [Link]/library
■  [Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/man-and-biosphere-programme/
Contact address:
■ The Seville Strategy for Biosphere Reserves and Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves:
Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland
[Link]/images/0010/001038/[Link]
Tel: +41 22 999 0170 Fax: +41 22 999 0169
E-mail: ramsar@[Link] Website: [Link] ■ Directory of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR)
[Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/world-network-wnbr/wnbr/
■ MAB Capacity-building and Partnerships:
(2) World Heritage Convention
[Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/capacity-building-and-partnerships/
■ Home page: [Link]/
■ MAB publications: [Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/related-info/publications/
Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Convention text):
■ 
[Link]/en/conventiontext/ ■ MAB education materials:
[Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/capacity-building-and-partnerships/
The Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention:
■  educational-materials/
[Link]/en/guidelines/
■ Periodic Review Form:
World Heritage List: [Link]/en/list/
■  [Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/biosphere-reserves/periodic-review-process/
World Heritage State of Conservation (SOC) Information System: [Link]/en/soc
■  ■ Biosphere Smart portal: [Link]/
World Heritage Periodic Reporting: [Link]/en/periodicreporting/
■  ■ Other important documents and publications related to Biosphere Reserves and the MAB Programme:
World Heritage Fund: [Link]/en/world-heritage-fund/
■  [Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/related-info/publications/mab-official-documents/
Contact address:
International Assistance: [Link]/en/intassistance/
■ 
Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme Secretariat, Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, UNESCO,
UNESCO World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism Programme: [Link]/en/tourism/
■  7, place de Fontenoy, F-75352 Paris 07 SP, France
Tel: +33 1 45 68 40 67 E-mail: mab@[Link]
Other important documents and publications related to World Heritage sites: [Link]/en/publications/
■ 
Website: [Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/man-and-biosphere-programme/
Contact address:
World Heritage Centre, UNESCO, 7, place de Fontenoy, F-75352 Paris 07 SP, France
Tel: +33 1 45 68 24 96 Fax: +33 1 45 68 55 70
E-mail: wh-info@[Link] Website: [Link]
 © Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
(4) UNESCO Global Geoparks (5) Other relevant websites
■ Home page: ASEAN Heritage Parks:
■ 
[Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/global-geoparks/ [Link]/[Link]?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=110/

■ Evaluation documents A and B: Bern Convention:

■ 
[Link]/aboutGGN/Documents/[Link] [Link]/de/web/bern-convention/presentation

■ Guidelines and Criteria for National Geoparks seeking UNESCO’s assistance to join the Global Geoparks Network (GGN): Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
■ 
[Link]/
[Link]/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/SC/pdf/Geoparks_Guidelines_Jan2014.pdf
CBD Aichi Targets:
■ 
■ Statutes of the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme and UNESCO Global Geoparks:
[Link]/sp/targets/
[Link]/new/fileadmin/MULTIMEDIA/HQ/SC/pdf/IGGP_EN_Statutes-[Link]
European Diploma for Protected Areas:
■ 
■ List of UNESCO Global Geoparks: [Link]/en/web/bern-convention/european-diploma-for-protected-areas
[Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/unesco-global-geoparks/list-of-unesco-global-geoparks/
Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems:
■ 
■ Global Network of National Geoparks: [Link]/giahs/en/
[Link]/
GLOCHAMORE project:
■ 
Contact address: [Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/specific-ecosystems/mountains/glocha-
Section for Earth Sciences and Geo-hazards Risk Reduction more/
Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences
GLOCHAMOST project:
■ 
UNESCO
[Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/ecological-sciences/specific-ecosystems/mountains/glocha-
7, place de Fontenoy
most/
F-75352 Paris 07 SP
France International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):
■ 
Tel: +33 1 45 68 41 17 [Link]/
E-mail: [Link]@[Link]
Website: [Link]/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/earth-sciences/ ■ IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas:
[Link]/theme/protected-areas/our-work/green-list
IUCN Library System:
■ 
[Link]/library/dir/publications-list
IUCN publications linked to advice on nominations for World Heritage sites:
■ 
[Link]/theme/world-heritage/our-work/advisory-role/nominations
IUCN World Heritage Outlook:
■ 
[Link]/theme/world-heritage/our-work/iucn-world-heritage-outlook
Natura 2000:
■ 
[Link]/environment/nature/natura2000/index_en.htm
United Nations Information Portal on Multilateral Environmental Agreements (InforMEA):
■ 
[Link]/
UN Sustainable Development Knowledge Platform:
■ 
[Link]/
World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) – Protected Planet:
■ 
[Link]/
 © Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

INTERNATIONAL UNION
FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE

WORLD HEADQUARTERS
Rue Mauverney 28
1196 Gland, Switzerland
Tel +41 22 999 0000
Fax +41 22 999 0002
[Link]