An Overview of the International Land Conservation Network: Who We Are, and Why We Care

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1 An Overview of the International Land Conservation Network: Who We Are, and Why We Care Laura Johnson Director International Land Conservation Network April 2016

2 Our mission To connect organizations and people around the world that are accelerating voluntary private and civic sector action that protects and stewards land and water resources. We believe that building capacity and empowering voluntary private and civic land conservation will strengthen the global land conservation movement and lead to more durable and effective resource protection. We do this for the intrinsic value of the world s natural and cultural resources, and for their importance to the prosperity and wellbeing of humankind, today and for generations to come.

3 European Commission While many stewardship agreements might not meet the IUCN definition of a protected area, the understanding that conservation cannot be solely the responsibility of governments is widening..the number and extent of private protected areas has grown exponentially, many government designated sites are managed by non-governmental partners, and recognition has increased of the role community and indigenous groups have long played in protected land for conservation. In short, we are learning that nature conservation is too big and important a challenge for governments to address alone. The growing number of land stewardship organisations and voluntary stewardship arrangements is another reflection of that fact. (emphasis added) Source: CARING TOGETHER FOR NATURE, Manual on Land Stewardship as a Tool to Promote Social Involvement with the Natural Environment in Europe LIFE Nature, DG Environment, European Commission

4 ASI Conserva Chile Who We Are Our members are property owners large and small; families, foundations, universities, indigenous and rural communities; tourism and real estate companies, and people that -without owning land- want to support our efforts. In spite of our differences, we are united by the desire to create protected areas within our territory. Together we created Así Conserva Chile: the Association of Conservation Initiatives on Private and Indigenous Lands. Our objective is to promote the protection of our territory, bringing together the strength of people and organizations interested in working together for sustainable development in its environmental, economic, and social facets. Together we seek the support, legal framework, and social recognition that will make this vision come true. Together we protect our land for future generations and support each other in the difficult task we have joyfully taken upon ourselves.

5 Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA, founded 2011) Much of the decline of Australian biodiversity has occurred on private lands, where many of the major threats to biodiversity such as agricultural practices, grazing and clearing take place. With this unprecedented and continuing decline in biodiversity, it is no longer sufficient to rely on public protected areas alone for biodiversity conservation. As private landholders manage 77% of Australia s land area, including some of Australia s most important ecological areas, it is widely recognised that private land conservation is a crucial part of protecting Australia s environmental assets.

6 Financial Framework Institutional Framework Legal Framework Philanthropic support (foundations, corporations, individuals) Strength of NGO community land trusts, land stewardship organizations Property law specifically conservation easements/servitudes Government grants/financing available to private land conservation activity System/process to establish land conservation priorities Government regulation (of land use; of nonprofit/ngo organizations etc.) Tax laws and incentives; real estate, charitable, income Stewardship capacity (land management, monitoring, enforcement) Judicial interpretation (primarily of property laws and enforcement) pace quality permanence Prepared by Laura Johnson, 2016

7 At Lincoln House September 2014

8 The global community of practice Beginning in 2015, we began to gather a representative sampling (census) regarding the presence of civic and private land conservation around the world Information on private land conservation is limited and fragmented most data at local or national level At a global scale, we need better information regarding: Organizations involved: type, structures, management regimes, geographical locations, funding sources etc. Area of land conserved Types of conservation tools used Monitoring of conservation status

9 What is the nature of this community of practice? Globally distributed: identified, to date, in 77 countries; likely total > 100 Relatively new organizations, founded in the last quarter century Widely diverse, from small volunteer to large professional groups A growing number: including N. America, nearly 1,500 organizations Interest in networking is genuine and widespread Information accessible on

10 The role of the International Land Conservation Network Convening our community of practice, both virtually and in person Disseminating ideas, cases, and tools Promoting partnerships and collaborations, and Raising awareness of the critical role of private and civic land conservation in safeguarding natural resources.

11 Our first global conference held in Berlin in October More than 90 individuals from more 27 countries on six continents Public, private, civic (NGO) and academic sectors Ranging in scale from global (TNC and WWF) to local initiatives (from Belize to Belgium, Chile to Canada, and Myanmar to Massachusetts) Emerging leaders and seasoned professionals

12 Who is paying attention to our work? Policymakers and conservation practitioners around the world: Daniel Calleja, DG for the Environment, European Commission Rand Wentworth, President Emeritus, Land Trust Alliance (US) Tim Kaine, US Senator from Virginia, former Governor of Virginia Lisa Neville, Minister for the Environment, Victoria, Australia, and Raphael Asenjo, Chief Justice, Environmental Tribunal of Chile. Calleja

13 And what they are saying: The International Land Conservation Network is an inspired initiative linking land conservation organizations globally and providing a platform for the sharing of information, expertise and best practice. "Earlier in my career, I was able to take part in the creation of new tools for private land conservation in Chile. I know that during this process, connecting with colleagues in other nations made the conservation community in Chile aware of a huge range of solutions that we would otherwise not have known. Rafael Asenjo Chief Justice Minister Environmental Tribunal Santiago,Chile Camilla Graves Chairwoman, Trust for Nature Victoria, Australia The time is right to promote cooperation on land conservation across borders, across continents, and across the world If we don t work together, we risk irreversible changes in our environment, which will undermine our economic development and the resilience of our societies Daniel Calleja Crespo Director-General for the Environment, European Commission Brussels, Belgium

14 What will we do? Going forward, we will continue to share expertise and build capacity in 4 focus areas: Conservation finance Conservation law and policy Civic/private sector organization & administration for conservation Stewardship practice and technology Using regional meetings and global gatherings, as well as other other tools including our website, webinars, e-newsletter, and expert networks

15 A call to action We believe that solutions to the unprecedented global challenges we now face must involve new collaborations across sectors, jurisdictions and national borders. We need to increase the numbers of individuals and organizations involved in our work, and we must help catalyze new ideas and new solutions.

16 Thank you