Parks for Biodiversity: Policy Guidance based on Experience in ACP Countries

Abstract

The IUCN (World Conservation Union) defines biological diversity (or biodiversity for short) as "the variability of life in all its forms, levels and combinations". One approach to maintaining biodiversity is through the reservation of protected areas. In less developed countries, there is a poor capacity to fund and manage protected areas efficiently, and therefore international co-operation is required. The ACP countries ? Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, are rich in biodiversity yet lack the economic means to conserve. The IUCN released Parks for Biodiversity: Policy Guidance based on Experience in ACP Countries after a request from the European Commission to provide policy guidance for support to protected areas in the ACP countries. This report is a summary of the main points derived by the IUCN, and was written to inform the wider public.