Policies on environmental issues
Through UNESCO's different programmes and networks, various approaches to environmental policy development are explored, encouraging input from all disciplines. Scientific knowledge and understanding is being developed. Cultural issues and practices are shared to provide valuable information for formulating conservation policies. Work is also being carried out to bring social and environmental scientists together to help decision-makers face the complexity of environmental issues.
The links below provide access to policy-relevant information on environmental issues.
International Network on Sacred Natural Sites for Biodiversity Conservation
"The Importance of Sacred Natural Sites for Biodiversity Conservation" workshop
The network has a scientific objective (to better understand the mechanisms of culture-based environmental conservation using specific case studies) and a policy-relevant objective (to prepare policy guidelines on the recognition and management of sacred natural sites based on the voluntary cooperation of local communities).
At this international workshop entitled "The Importance of Sacred Natural Sites for Biodiversity Conservation" held in Kunming and Xishuangbanna Biosphere Reserve (China) in February 2003, participants decided to create an International Network on Sacred Natural Sites for Biodiversity Conservation.
The workshop report can be found here [PDF].
The MAB Programme contributes not only to better understanding of the environment, including global change, but to greater involvement of science and scientists in policy development concerning the wise use of biological diversity.
MAB encourages interdisciplinary research, demonstration and training in natural resource management.
UNESCO - Cousteau Ecotechnie Programme (UCEP)
The UNESCO - Cousteau Ecotechnie Programme is an international initiative to promote interdisciplinary education, research and policy-making in the field of the environment and development.
UCEP's mission is to reduce barriers to change through new incentives and by providing future decision- and policy-makers with integrated, multidisciplinary education, training and research. It is a joint effort of the MAB Programme and the Cousteau Society.
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