Protecting the Planet Newsletter, February 2026

Mapping equitable, effective paths to achieving 30x30

Golestan National Park in Iran is the country's oldest protected area, as well as a Key Biodiversity Area and a Biosphere Reserve. The park's wildlife includes leopards, Indian wolves, brown bears and Bezoar ibex, who coexist with around 26,000 residents of Kurd, Turk and Persian descent. Golestan is a testament to the richness and beauty of Iran's natural and cultural diversity.

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February highlights

Second BESTLIFE2030 call to mobilise over €8 million for 81 projects

Building on the first call, which awarded 57 grants and mobilised €5.57 million, this second round expands both the number of supported initiatives and the diversity of organisations leading conservation efforts on the ground.

Blog: The Green List in Peru - 12 years that leave a mark

"In Peru, the Green List has evolved into a practical school of management that, year after year, helps organise information, strengthen governance, refine planning, & demonstrate results across our protected natural areas."

Conserving nature, supporting stewards

Beyond Protected Areas: how OECMs help strengthen One Health approach and deliver on the Global Biodiversity Framework

As countries advance implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), growing attention is being given to how area-based conservation can support biodiversity while also benefiting human and animal health...

From Green to Blue: How the IUCN Green List can enable Blue Finance in Latin America

The IUCN Green List provides evidence of good management and governance—an essential enabler to guide investments and close financing gaps in ocean and coastal conservation while advancing 30x30, NDCs, and NBSAPs in Latin America.

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Businesses and Biodiversity: New opportunities with OECMs

"The loss of biodiversity is accelerating globally, and there is growing recognition that both halting and reversing this loss requires action from all of society, in addition to governments, civil society organisations, Indigenous peoples, local communities and the private sector."

Hot off the press

New resource manual for managing World Heritage

IUCN and partners released a new manual for anyone seeking to better understand, plan, implement, or strengthen World Heritage management systems. It draws upon international systems of best practice including the IUCN Green List Standard. Coordinated under the ICCROM-IUCN World Heritage Leadership Programme, the manual was made possible with financial support from Norway.

Events and Getting Involved

World Heritage Committee opportunities