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World Commission on Protected Areas
Guide for MembersVersion 16 April 2013
Table of Contents
1. General Information 11.1. What is IUCN? 11.2. What is a Commission? 1
2. IUCN’s Global Programme on Protected Areas 3
3. GPAP and WCPA Programme and Priorities 4
4. Background to the WPCA 74.1. WCPA Vision 74.2. WCPA Mission 74.3. WCPA Objectives 74.4. Statutory Documents 7
5. WCPA Structure and Governance 85.1. WCPA Chair 85.2. WCPA Deputy Chair 85.3. WCPA Executive Committee 85.4. WCPA Steering Committee 85.5. WCPA Regions 95.6. WCPA Awards 95.7. Policy Influence 105.8. WCPA Themes, Task Forces and Specialist Groups 105.9. IUCN Focal point for WCPA 12
6 WCPA Membership 136.1. Who can be a WCPA Member? 136.2. What is the process of applying for membership? 136.3. Benefits of being a WCPA Member 136.4. Expectations of WCPA Members 14
7. WCPA Communications 157.1. IUCN WCPA Website 157.2. WCPA/GPAP Newsletter 157.3. Inspiring Places 167.4. ProtectedPlanet 167.5 Communicating among members 167.6. Use of the IUCN WCPA Logo 16
8. Important meetings involving WCPA Members 178.1. IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) 178.2. IUCN World Parks Congress (WPC) 178.3. IUCN Regional Forums 178.4. IUCN WCPA Steering Committee Meeting 178.5. Other meetings 18
9. Representing the Commission or Publishing in the name of the Commission 199.1. Representing the WCPA 199.2. Publishing in association with WCPA 199.3. IUCN WCPA Publications Policy 199.4. How to publish for IUCN WCPA 199.5. How to translate for IUCN WCPA 19
10. Funding and fundraising 20
11. The Commission Operations Fund (COF) 2111.1. Council guidance on the use of the COF 2111.2. Grants from the Commission Operating Fund for WCPA activities 21
12. Procurement of goods and services 2312.1 IUCN Procurement of Goods, Works or Services 2312.2. WCPA Procurement of Services 23
13. Growing and activating WCPA membership 2513.1. Choosing Vice-Chairs (VC) 2513.2. Role of the Regional Vice-Chair 2613.3. Getting the network in place 2613.4. Find your current members 2613.5. Set up a list serve or online group 2613.6. Regional e-newsletters 2613.7. Meeting members 2613.8. WCPA’s value 2713.9. Recruiting Members 2713.10. Strategic targeting membership 2713.11. Using the right language 2713.12 Giving people information and time to think 2813.13 Nominating new members 28
14. Keeping members engaged 2914.1. Communication 2914.2. Opportunities to contribute 2914.3. Meetings 29
Annexes1. IUCN WCPA Regional Vice-Chairs Terms of Reference 302. Specialist Group and Task Force Leaders Terms of Reference 32
1. IUCN and the Commissions1.1. What is IUCN?
IUCN is a membership organization made up of more than 1,265 organizations, as well as 10,000 individual scientists and experts structured in six Commissions. The priorities and work of IUCN are decided by Member organizations every four years at the IUCN World Conservation Congress and subsequently coordinated by a professional secretariat with 1,100 staff in more than 60 countries.
IUCN helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings governments, non-government organizations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy, laws and best practice. The Parties to the Convention on Biodiversity acknowledge IUCN as the pre-eminent global conservation body, and depend on IUCN for scientific and technical advice on many issues.
Learn more…
1.2. What is an IUCN Commission?
While the members of the IUCN are governments, organizations and institutions, the six Commissions are composed of individual specialists or organizations appointed for their expertise and their willingness to contribute that expertise to global conservation goals. The Commissions unite about 10,000 volunteer experts from a wide range of disciplines. They assess the state of the world’s natural resources and provide the Union with sound know-how and policy advice on conservation issues. The six IUCN Commissions are:
Commission on Education and Communication (CEC) drives change for the co-creation of sustainable solutions through leading communication, learning and knowledge management in IUCN and the wider conservation community. Learn more…
Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP) CEESP provides expertise and policy advice on economic and social factors for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Learn more…
World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL) CEL advances environmental law by developing new legal concepts and instruments, and by building the capacity of societies to employ environmental law for conservation and sustainable development. Learn more…
Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) CEM provides expert guidance on integrated ecosystem approaches to the management of natural and modified ecosystems. Learn more…
Species Survival Commission (SSC) SSC advises the Union on the technical aspects of species conservation and mobilizes action for those species that are threatened with extinction. Learn more…
IUCN WCPA Steering Committee Meeting 2013 - Guide for Members 2013 1
World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) promotes the establishment and effective management of a worldwide representative network of terrestrial and marine protected areas. Learn more…
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2. IUCN's Global Protected Areas Programme (GPAP)
Collaborating with countries and communities to designate and manage systems of protected areas on land and in the oceans is one of IUCN’s main areas of expertise, and remains a key focus of IUCN’s work and the work of a majority of IUCN Member organizations. Effectively managed systems of protected areas have been recognized as critical instruments in achieving the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and several of the Millennium Development Goals, and more generally towards maintaining human health and well-being.
IUCN’s GPAP together with the IUCN WCPA provides technical and policy advice on protected area issues, acts as the Secretariat for the IUCN WCPA, supports IUCN's World Heritage Programme in evaluating and monitoring natural World Heritage Sites, and coordinates the planning and effective implementation of the IUCN World Parks Congress. Learn More
The core of IUCN’s GPAP consists of staff in headquarters and every regional programme office, as well as the WCPA’s regional Vice-Chairs, and those WCPA experts who contribute to WCPA’s specialist groups and task forces. It is therefore a global distributed network of protected area expertise. For more information on who to contact: http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/pas_gpap/gpap_contacts/
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3. GPAP and WCPA Programme and Priorities IUCN’s GPAP and WCPA work together as one programme. The GPAP Component Programme 2013 – 2016 gives expression to IUCN’s Quadrennial Programme 2013-2016, adopted at the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress. The IUCN Programme consists of three main components, shown in the diagram below.
To view the entire IUCN Programme document click here: https://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/iucn_programme_2013_2016.pdf
Within the IUCN Programme, the GPAP focuses on a number of umbrella themes. Each theme will produce one or several main GPAP/WCPA “products” or initiatives through which the GPAP/WCPA will achieve programme results. Building on the established GPAP Protected Planet brand, the overarching GPAP goal is to communicate that there is “Hope for a Protected Planet”. The IUCN and GPAP/WCPA Programmes’ integration is shown in the table on the following page.
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Hope for a Protected Planet
IUCN Programme Area
Valuing and Conserving Nature
Effective and equitable governance of nature’s use
Deploying nature- based solutions to climate, food and
development
GPAP Results Capacity to effectively manage protected areas
systems to conserve biodiversity is enhanced
Equitable governance of protected area systems is
fostered
Well-designed and effectively managed protected areas systems contributing to
meeting the global challenge of climate change.
GPAP Umbrella themes
PROTECTED AREAS
CONSERVE NATURE
PROTECTED AREAS
ACHIEVE QUALITY
PROTECTED AREAS
DEVELOP CAPACITY
PROTECTED AREAS
RESPECT PEOPLE
PROTECTED AREAS OFFER SOLUTIONS
Each GPAP/WCPA result has set out a number of targets to be reached by the close of the current programme cycle in 2016. These targets are as follows.
IUCN Programme Area 1 – Valuing and conserving biodiversity
GPAP/ WCPA Result 1 - Capacity to effectively manage protected areas systems to conserve biodiversity is enhanced
1. By 2016 a Global Partnership for Protected Areas Capacity Development is built and implemented in at least 4 regions.
2. By 2016 jointly branded IUCN/CBD Best Practice Guidelines (BPGs) and key new knowledge products are fully developed and linked to the Global Partnership for Protected Areas Capacity
3. By 2014 the IUCN Green List of Protected Areas Initiative is formally launched during the 6th IUCN World Parks Congress and tested in at least 3 countries.
4. By 2014, the Protected Planet Communication Platform is fully implemented and the Protected Planet Report is published to coincide with the IUCN World Parks Congress and with each Conference of the Parties to the CBD.
IUCN Programme Area 2 – Effective and equitable governance of nature’s use
GPAP/WCPA Result 2 – Equitable governance of protected area systems fostered.
5. By 2016 a flagship initiative on Protected Areas Governance, Access and Benefit Sharing is developed and implemented in at least 4 regions.
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6. By 2016, guidance on a PA Governance and Social Assessment methodology is developed, published and piloted.
IUCN Programme Area 3 – Deploying nature-based solutions to global challenges
GPAP/WCPA Result 3 – Well-designed and effectively managed protected areas systems contributing to meeting significant global challenges
7. By 2016 a flagship initiative on the role of protected areas, including World Heritage Sites in addressing global challenges, e.g. climate change, is fully developed and influencing policy and practice.
8. By 2016 a significant advocacy initiative on the role of mainstreaming protected areas in addressing development challenges is developed and implemented, including through the 6 th IUCN World Parks Congress.
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4. Background to the WCPA Established in 1958, IUCN WCPA is the world's premier network of protected area expertise. It is administered by IUCN's Global Protected Areas Programme and has over 1,800 members spanning 140 countries. A history of the Commission’s work over its first 50 years can be found at:
http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/history_wcpa_15july_web_version_1.pdf
For additional information on WCPA’s current profile of activities, consult the GPAP and WCPA website: http://www.iucn.org/wcpa
4.1. WCPA Vision
“that society fully recognizes and supports the importance of protected areas in the 21std Century by: securing key places for biological and cultural diversity, promoting equity and justice, maintaining the quality of the environment, and ensuring the sustainable use of the natural resources for poverty reduction, food and water security, and the prevention of conflicts.”
4.2. WCPA Mission
” to promote the establishment and effective management of a world-wide representative network of terrestrial and marine protected areas as an integral contribution to IUCN's mission.”
4.3. WCPA Objectives
The WCPA objectives align with the GPAP/WCPA Programme and Priorities. Please see section 3 above regarding GPAP and WCPA Programme and Priorities.
4.4. Statutory documents
WCPA is established in accordance with the IUCN Statutes, and does not exist as a separate juristic entity. Its mandate is renewed by the IUCN World Conservation Congress every four years. For further information on WCPA, please visit the following web pages:
IUCN WCPA Mandate http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/wcpamandate.pdfIUCN WCPA By-Laws http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/wcpa_by_laws.pdf
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5. WCPA Structure and GovernanceThe IUCN Statutes make provision for the election and appointment of a Commission Chair at each IUCN World Conservation Congress. The Commission Chair is responsible for selecting a Deputy Chair, and for establishing a Steering Committee of members who are approved by the IUCN Council. . WPCA has traditionally appointed an Executive Committee, and has designated specialist groups and task forces. Worldwide, WCPA is organized by regions, which follow the IUCN regional structure. Each region has a main contact point, or Regional Vice-Chair. The information below provides a background and current contact points for each position.
5.1. WCPA Chair
A Commission Chair is elected at each IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) for a period of four years by the IUCN Members. The Chair can serve for a maximum of two terms. The Chair is an IUCN Councillor1. In 2012 at the WCC in Jeju, Korea, Ernesto Enkerlin Hoeflich was elected Chair of WCPA.
5.2. WCPA Deputy Chair
The WCPA Deputy Chair is appointed by the IUCN Council upon the recommendation of the WCPA Chair.. The role of the Deputy Chair is to assist and if necessary, replace the Chair on Council, as required. The current Deputy Chair is Dr Kathy MacKinnon.
5.3. WCPA Executive Committee (EXCO)
WCPA EXCO is the principal governing body of WCPA between Steering Committee Meetings. It is composed of the WCPA Chair, the WCPA Deputy Chair, two WCPA Regional Vice-Chairs, one WCPA Thematic Chair, the Director of GPAP and others at the request of the Chair.
5.4. WCPA Steering Committee (SC)
The WCPA SC is appointed by the WCPA Chair and approved by the IUCN Council at its meeting. Each candidate needs to submit a biography and motivation letter to GPAP at least 50 days before a Council meeting. The Steering Committee is composed of the Chair, the Deputy Chair, Regional Vice-Chairs, and Thematic Chairs.
WCPA Emeritus Vice-Chairs are esteemed WCPA members who serve as advisors to the WCPA Chair. They are not formally appointed as members of the SC.
1 The IUCN Council is the principal governing body of IUCN in between sessions of the IUCN World Conservation Congress.
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5.5. WCPA Regions
The current WCPA regions and Regional Vice-Chairs are:
Region Regional Vice-Chair Email
East Asia Yoshitaka Kumagai [email protected]
South Asia Vinod Mathur [email protected]
Southeast Asia Cristi Nozawa [email protected]
Central America Bernal Herrera-Fernández
Caribbean Lloyd Gardner [email protected]
North America Mike Wong [email protected]
South America Julia Miranda Londoño
East and South Africa Moses Mapesa [email protected]
North Africa / Middle East / West Asia
Laith El-Moghrabi [email protected]
West and Central Africa Charlotte Karibuhoye [email protected]
Europe Andrej Sovinc [email protected]
North Eurasia Elena Nikolaeva [email protected]
Oceania Penelope Figgis [email protected]
WCPA regional membership is based on the member’s country of residence. For a list of regions and component countries visit: http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_wcpa/gpap_wcparegion/
5.6. WCPA Awards
WCPA honours outstanding service to protected areas and achievement by offering three awards on a periodic basis.
The Packard Award - outstanding lifelong service to protected areas The Fred Packard Award is named for the individual who served as Secretary to the Commission in the early years. His bequest established an award in recognition of "valor" in protected areas service. More information on the Packard Award can be found at: http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_people/gpap_tilcepa/gpap_awards2/gpap_packard/
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The Kenton Miller Award - Innovation in Protected Areas ManagementThe Kenton R. Miller Award recognises individuals who have clearly demonstrated innovation in relation to protected areas. Specifically, it recognizes persons who have developed and applied innovative policies, scientific knowledge, technologies, field practice or governance that hold promise to significantly increase the potential for sustainability of protected areas with demonstrable impact at local, national, or international levels. More information on the Kenton Miller Award can be found at: http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_people/gpap_tilcepa/gpap_awards2/gpap_milleraward/
The Young Conservationist Award – The International Young Conservationist Award recognises outstanding contributions made by young people, under the age of 35, to the conservation of protected areas and provides recipients with opportunities to promote their work and to develop networks to support their efforts. It also seeks to encourage young professionals and help them develop networks by inviting winners to join WCPA. For more on the Young Conservationist Award visit: http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_people/gpap_tilcepa/gpap_awards2/gpap_youngconservationist/
5.7. Policy influence
The WCPA is also a regular contributor to the World Heritage Convention, the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Ramsar Conventions, as well as multilateral negotiations on many other environmental agreements including the other Rio Conventions.
World Heritage Convention http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/wcpa_worldheritage/ The IUCN World Heritage Programme in collaboration with WCPA coordinates IUCN’s work as Advisory Body to the World Heritage Convention.. It evaluates natural World Heritage Sites nominated for World Heritage Status, monitors the state of conservation of existing Sites, implements capacity building initiatives, and provides technical advice to the World Heritage Committee.World Heritage Vice-Chair: Cyril Kormos [email protected]
Convention on Biological Diversity – IUCN/WCPA played a critical role in developing the CBD’s Programme of Work on Protected Areas (PoWPA) and in ensuring its implementation. For more information see http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/iucn_wcpa_cop10_pa_booklet.pdfPolicy and Conventions Vice-Chair: Kathy MacKinnon [email protected]
To contribute to the above conventions, please contact the Vice-Chair.
5.8. WCPA Themes, Task Forces and Specialist Groups
WCPA establishes and maintains organized groups, comprising leadership of specialists in particular fields.
WCPA Themes
Themes are larger groups working on the directions set up by the WCPA Steering Committee. To contribute to any theme please contact the thematic vice chair as set out in the table below.
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WCPA Specialist Groups
Specialist groups are made up of members interested in a particular topic or area of study approved by the WCPA Steering Committee. To contribute to any specialist group please contact the specialist group leader as set out in the table below.
WCPA Task Forces
Task forces are groups of interested members approved by the WCPA Steering Committee working on a specific time-bound task To contribute to any task force please contact the task force leader as set out in the table below.
IUCN Programme Area 1: Valuing and Conserving Nature
Thematic groupsCapacity Development, Education and Learning Theme Eduard Mueller [email protected] and Connectivity Theme Graeme Worboys [email protected],
Olivier Chassot [email protected] Biome Theme Dan Laffoley [email protected] and Conventions Theme Kathy MacKinnon
[email protected] and Management Theme Marc Hockings [email protected] Heritage Theme Cyril Kormos [email protected]
Specialist GroupsCaves and Karst Specialist Group Jay Anderson [email protected] Specialist Group John Matthews
[email protected] Seas Specialist Group Kristina Gjerde [email protected] Grasslands Specialist Group Bill Henwood [email protected] Wilderness Specialist Group Vance Martin [email protected]
Task ForcesBiodiversity Outcomes Task Force Stephen Woodley
[email protected], Tom Brooks [email protected]
Conservation Planning Task Force Bob Pressey [email protected] Effectiveness Task Force Fiona Leverington
[email protected] Mammals and Protected Areas Task Force Erich Hoyt [email protected], Giuseppe
Notarbartalo di Sciara [email protected] Green List of Protected Areas Task Force Marc Hockings [email protected]
IUCN WCPA Steering Committee Meeting 2013 - Guide for Members 2013 11
IUCN Programme Area 2: Effective and equitable governance of nature’s use Thematic Groups
Thematic groupsTheme on Indigenous and Local Communities and Protected Areas (TILCEPA)
Nigel Crawhall nigel.tilcepa@gmail,com
Specialist GroupsCultural and Spiritual Values Specialist Group Bas Verschuuren [email protected],
Ed Bernbaum [email protected] Protected Areas Specialist Group Brent Mitchell [email protected] Landscapes Specialist Group Jessica Brown [email protected] and Protected Areas Specialist Group Anna Spenceley [email protected] Conservation Specialist Group Maja Vasilijevic [email protected]
Task ForcesEconomics and Financing Task Force Nick Conner
[email protected] Legislation Task Force Ben Boer [email protected]
IUCN Programme Area 3: Deploying Nature-Based Solutions to Global Challenges
Specialist GroupsNatural Solutions Specialist Group Nigel Dudley [email protected] Change Specialist Group Kathy MacKinnon
[email protected] Conservation Specialist Group Ted Trzyna [email protected]
Task ForcesHealthy Parks, Healthy People Task Force Ian Walker - [email protected]
5.9. IUCN Focal Point for the WCPAThe IUCN Focal Point is an IUCN Staff member, who represents WCPA in IUCN. The focal point for WCPA is the Director of the IUCN Global Protected Areas Programme, Trevor Sandwith - [email protected]
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6. WCPA Membership
WCPA members are the heart and soul of the Commission. They are appointed to serve in each IUCN Quadrennial Period, with their appointments being renewed at each IUCN World Conservation Congress. After an IUCN WCC, invitations to renew membership are made at the discretion of the WCPA Chair, WCPA Regional Vice-Chairs, Strategic Direction Vice-Chairs, Task Force and Specialist Group Leaders. The renewal of membership is announced in the 90 days following a WCC.
6.1. Who can be a WCPA Member?
WCPA membership is approved on the basis of individual experience in relation to protected areas as well as a willingness and commitment to assist in a voluntary capacity with the work of WCPA. In general, five types of people are members of the Commission:
managers of protected areas, typically senior officials of protected areas agencies, but also field practitioners;
experts in relation to the fields of WCPA's interests; academic specialists in areas relating to protected areas, resource economics, biogeography,
wildlife management, marine conservation and other related fields; office bearers from relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations involved with
protected areas; ex-officio members of key partner organizations, e.g. CBD Secretariat.
6.2. What is the process of applying for membership?
WCPA Membership application is based on the applicant completing a questionnaire regarding their interest and proposed commitment to WCPA supported by a curriculum vitae (CV). The process can be initiated using the following link https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KDWCQV5. The WCPA Chair and the relevant WCPA Regional Vice-Chair then process the application and the applicant is advised accordingly.
6.3. Benefits of being a WCPA Member
There are many benefits of being a WCPA member, mostly relating to the opportunity to work with peers around the world on issues that are important to you and to conservation through protected areas. The WCPA is fertile ground for developing new ideas, for developing expertise and becoming a internationally recognized expert. More practically, membership offers you:
Access to our official publications on request, IUCN Best Practice Guidelines Protected Area Series , and others
A bi-monthly newsletter which will keep you informed on protected areas activities and the work of GPAP and the WCPA
The WCPA and GPAP website, which can act as a knowledge management tool, providing information and publications
Link to the IUCN network and its broad spectrum of conservation professionals and partners, with ready access to IUCN knowledge products
A Global WCPA Members meeting held once every 4 years before the IUCN World Conservation Congress
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A Regional WCPA Members Meeting during IUCN’s regional forums
6.4. Expectations of WCPA Members
Members must be willing to contribute voluntarily to the mission of IUCN and WCPA, and in particular to contribute to at least one of the following functions or activities:
Provide expert advice on specific areas of concern to the IUCN Programme, IUCN/WCPA component programme;
Participate in WCPA Specialist Groups or Task Forces;
Participate in or lead one of the WCPA Regional Programmes;
Act as a country focal point for WCPA;
Contribute as a stream or thematic leader to the IUCN World Parks Congress 2014;
Become accredited as a WPCA World Heritage Reviewer;
Become accredited as a WCPA Management Effectiveness Assessment Evaluator or Reviewer;
Become accredited as a WCPA IUCN Green List Reviewer;
Become accredited as WCPA Governance or Social Assessment Reviewer;
Become accredited as a WCPA expert on PA Management Categories assignment;
Become a WCPA Young Professional participating in a Specialist Group or Task Force;
Lead, author or participate in the preparation of a IUCN WCPA Best Practice Guideline;
Lead or contribute to an IUCN WCPA Training Programme;
Become a country focal point for the IUCN World Database on Protected Areas;
Contribute as a reviewer or an author of an article in PARKS;
Contribute towards IUCN’s policy positions on key international agreements, and contribute as a delegate where possible to multilateral negotiations on behalf of IUCN;
Mentor and recruit new WCPA members in a particular country or region;
Provide information on protected areas in a particular country or region;
Compile dossiers regarding “Inspiring Places” for IUCN’s web features;
Compile dossiers regarding “Inspiring People” for IUCN’s web features;
Update specified pages on IUCN GPAP/WCPA website.
For any additional questions on membership please email the IUCN Global Protected Areas Programme Communications and Membership Officer Delwyn Dupuis at [email protected]
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7. WCPA CommunicationsWCPA members communicate through the IUCN WCPA and GPAP website (www.iucn.org/wcpa) or through the specific list serves, which some Vice-Chairs, Specialist Groups and Task Forces have set up.
7.1. IUCN WCPA Website
This website is managed by the IUCN Global Protected Areas Programme. It is a website for officially approved IUCN WCPA documents and is accessible to the general public. See: www.iucn.org/wcpa
7.2. WCPA/GPAP Newsletter
The WCPA/GPAP newsletter comes out bi-weekly, on the second and fourth Friday of each month. The newsletter provides a forum for WCPA and the work of its members to report on and discuss the current state of protected areas and members’ work in a brief, non-technical format. The newsletter is managed by the GPAP communications team which selects articles for the newsletter, and designs and publishes it. It is sent out to members electronically, and is also posted on the GPAP website for the public and site visitors. The newsletter includes a standard features set of topics and headlines in each issue, listed below.
Headline feature (fresh news or other PA topic of current relevance) Inspiring People Inspiring Places (PA of the Week) Perspective (opinion pieces) Hot off the Press (new PA publications) BIOPAMA Save the Date (for important forthcoming PA meetings) Following Up (views and reports on past events)
In addition, during the lead up to the IUCN World Parks Congress 2014, a regular feature with the headline IUCN World Parks Congress will also be included in every issue. Certain features may be substituted for others, such as Inspiring People and Perspective – only one of the two will run in each issue. Following Up is also included on an as-needed basis.
WCPA members are strongly encouraged to highlight their work, the work of their colleagues or issues of importance to protected areas by regularly contributing features and ideas to the newsletter. Contact: Jamie Kemsey, Protected Areas Regional Communications Network Manager at [email protected] OR Delwyn Dupuis, GPAP Communications and Membership Officer at [email protected] .
7.3. Inspiring Places
Inspiring Places is a bi-weekly feature specifically geared toward promoting the world’s protected areas. It is showcased in the WCPA/GPAP newsletter, on the home page of the IUCN website, on the GPAP website (within the IUCN site) and on the regional pages of the GPAP website, as well as on the GPAP Twitter and Facebook pages. The PA of the Week is a popular regular feature with high communication impact. It is managed by the GPAP communications team and has the following format:
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Why protect it? Main reason for protecting the area: one or two sentences Background: maximum 200 words Size and location: maximum four sentences Biodiversity and cultural values: maximum 800 words Threats: maximum 200 words 10-15 photos of the protected area with caption, author and copyright authorization
Email all Protected Areas of the Week to [email protected]
7.4. Protected Planet
Protected Planet is an interactive website that automatically generates Millennium Development Goal (MDG) indicators for protected area coverage. The website has the following features:
The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) database. Points of interest and biodiversity data. The most comprehensive global dataset of protected areas in the world
WCPA Members are encouraged to visit Protected Planet and to contribute to the WDPA. To contribute, please contact [email protected].
Protected Planet also produces the Protected Planet report, a collaboration between IUCN and UNEP-WCMC, which comes out every two years. The first edition of the report was released in 2012, with subsequent editions scheduled to coincide with CBD Conferences of the Parties (COPs). WCPA members are encouraged to contribute to the report. To contribute, contact the GPAP at [email protected].
7.5. Communicating among members
Information of relevance to the whole of WPCA’s membership can be sent in a special notice, but is moderated by the Director of the GPAP. GPAP does not send out general notices regarding job vacancies except for IUCN positions, directly relevant consultancy opportunities, or issues that the Director General would notify the whole membership. For topics of specific interest to technical groups, several WCPA groups and regions have set up list serves, which allow members from groups to automatically receive messages of importance sent out by the group leader or others. A person is automatically added once she/he officially becomes a member. For more information on the list serves, contact the task force or specialist group leader, or [email protected].
7.6. Use of the IUCN WCPA Logo
The IUCN WCPA logo can only be used on publication or reports if approval has been given beforehand by the IUCN Global Protected Areas Programme and by the WCPA Chair. For more information on how and when to use the logo see: http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/iucn_logo_rules_for_commissions_may2011_final.pdf
An IUCN WCPA logo link button can be added to partner websites so that readers can easily access WCPA’s website, but cannot be used to claim WCPA patronage or authorization for the institution or website concerned.
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8. Important meetings involving WCPA Members8.1. IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC)
The IUCN World Conservation Congress is held every four years, and serves as the Members’ Assembly and therefore the governance of the Union. It usually includes a Forum, where IUCN members and partners can engage in public discussion on issues of relevance to the IUCN programme, through workshops, exhibitions, knowledge cafes, learning events and poster displays. The most recent event, the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress, was held from 6 to 15 September 2012 in Jeju, Republic of Korea. Leaders from government, the public sector, non-governmental organizations, business, UN agencies and social organizations discussed, debated and offered solutions for the world’s most pressing environment and development issues. IUCN GPAP/WCPA was also represented with the Protected Planet Pavilion, a gathering space that held a series of important presentations and events on current protected area issues and the GPAP/WCPA Programme.
The day before the Congress, IUCN WCPA holds its full members’ meeting at the Congress location. For more information on the most recent IUCN World Conservation Congress see: http://www.iucnworldconservationcongress.org/
8.2. IUCN World Parks Congress (WPC)
The IUCN World Parks Congress takes place once every ten years. The WPC is the world’s premier major global forum for setting the agenda for protected areas. Previous Congresses have had a tremendous impact in assisting national governments to create new protected areas, and direct more resources towards biodiversity conservation. The next IUCN World Parks Congress is scheduled for 2014 in Sydney, Australia. For more information on the IUCN World Parks Congress see: http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/pa/pa_event/wcpa_wpc/
8.3. IUCN Regional Forums
In the year preceding a World Conservation Congress, IUCN organizes regional forums of IUCN members and Commission members. During most regional forum meetings, a regional WCPA Members meeting is also organized. For more information on Regional Forums see: http://www.iucn.org/about/union/members/regional_conservation_fora/
8.4. IUCN WCPA Steering Committee Meeting
The WCPA Steering Committee meets once a year at a location decided by the Committee, and normally at the invitation of WCPA members in one of the IUCN regions or sub-regions. The meeting is limited to Steering Committee members, with Task Force and Specialist Group members and others invited at the Chair’s discretion. The meeting includes reporting on GPAP and WCPA activities, discussion and decisions on important upcoming events and initiatives, review of the GPAP Intersessional Programme, and discussion and decisions on WCPA directions and priorities for the upcoming year. For more information on the meetings see: http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_wcpa/gpap_steeringcommittee/gpap_wcpascmeeting/
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8.5. Other meetings
Other meetings can be held at the discretion of the Regional Vice-Chair, Strategic Direction Chair, or task force or specialist group leader.
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9. Representing the WCPA or publishing in the name of WCPA9.1. Representing the WCPA
A WCPA member can only represent the Commission with approval of the Chair, Deputy Chair or the relevant Regional Vice-Chair. For more information please contact your Regional Vice-Chair. Contact information for the each Chair is listed in Section 5 WCPA Structure and Governance above.
9.2. Publishing in association with WCPA
IUCN WCPA has a proud tradition of developing and disseminating guidance on protected areas through a variety of publications, including PARKS Journal, the IUCN WCPA Best Practice Guidance Series, reports, newsletters and brochures amongst other media. All the publications that IUCN WCPA produces are available on the IUCN WCPA website in pdf format. For more information see: http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_capacity2/ or email [email protected]
9.3. IUCN WCPA Publications Policy
A fundamental principle of dissemination of guidance in the name of IUCN WCPA is that the products provide reliable and generally accepted peer-reviewed advice validated through practice, wide consultation and consensus among membership both of IUCN WCPA and IUCN. For more Information on Publications Policy, see: http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/iucn_wcpa_publications_policy.pdf
9.4. How to publish for IUCN WCPA
All publications under the IUCN WCPA name need to be approved by the WCPA EXCO. If you are planning to prepare a publication associated with WCPA, you should complete the following linked form and email it to [email protected] http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/iucn_wcpa_publications_project_proposal_form.docx.
A publication manager will be appointed by the EXCO for each individual publication at the time of approval. All publications shall conform to the IUCN Publications Guidelines, including such issues as peer review, editing, copy-editing, use of statutory texts, translations, production, use of photographs, images and artwork, design and printing. For more information see the IUCN Publications Guidelines at: http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/iucn_publishing_guidelines_131210.pdf
9.5. How to translate for IUCN WCPA
Authorised translations of IUCN WCPA publications must be approved, and must conform in every respect with the original publication. Please fill in the following form and email to [email protected] For more Information, please see IUCN WCPA Publications and Documents at http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_wcpa/gpap_wcpapub/
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10. Funding and fundraisingIUCN and WCPA are not donor agencies, and are themselves funded from the contributions that donors make to IUCN’s core costs and to projects that IUCN undertakes. IUCN and WCPA rarely have funds to distribute, although funds are certainly raised in the name of WCPA and utilized to pursue the objectives of WCPA, including through the funding of WCPA meetings, publications and other activities. In general, IUCN will not consider applications for funding, although funding proposals may be used to approach donor agencies.
If a WCPA member, thematic group, task force or specialist group has an idea for an activity or has identified a funding opportunity, it is essential to notify the Chair, Deputy Chair and Director IUCN Global Protected Area Programme, to ensure that no approach is made to donors in an uncoordinated way. In particular, no approach to donors may be made in the name or using the association with IUCN or WCPA without prior notification of, and agreement with IUCN GPAP. The reason is simple, in that there are existing funding agreements, outside agencies do not distinguish between the statutory organization of IUCN and its secretariat and the more informal networks of WCPA members, task forces and specialist groups, and opportunities for more significant support can be lost because a donor has been approached for a small project. The other reason is accountability. Most donors require that funds provided to IUCN are accounted for in the official accounts of IUCN, and to avoid situations where funds are misappropriated or simply unaccounted for. Donors are therefore usually reluctant to have funds managed in unaudited private accounts.
Managing funds incurs costs, and whether or not the funds are managed through IUCN’s accounts or the accounts of a NGO or other body, these funds are subject to transaction, procurement, contracting, financial management, auditing and reporting costs, for which an overhead of between 5% and 10% is charged within IUCN. Again, this is the cost of managing donor funds, and in a donor-funded agency, these are generally regarded as legitimate costs of undertaking projects, and without which the organization would be unable to function.
IUCN WCPA and GPAP are willing to assist project proponents to identify the best possible sources of funds and where possible to facilitate the functioning of IUCN WCPA through solicitation of donor funds. In all cases, IUCN GPAP will aim to ensure the highest possible accountability for the use and effectiveness of funding as this is the reputation that will support future fundraising and donor relationships. It is IUCN’s preference that the funding is channeled through IUCN’s accounts, both to ensure that the greatest leverage of the funds can be realized (e.g. in cofinancing projects), and to maintain the organization itself.
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11. The Commission Operations Fund (COF)11.1. Council guidance on the use of the COF
The Commission Operations Fund (COF) provides some of the support necessary for Commission networks to function effectively. Commission Chairs understand the COF is intended for Commission governance and management and thus, those activities necessary for a functioning Commission network should be supported by the COF.
Governance and management activities supported by the COF include:
Commission Steering Committee meetings ( travel and accommodation support, logistics) Support to Chair including:
- Local staff support (non IUCN), if necessary- Office support (fax, phone, email, photocopying, etc.)- Travel to Commission meetings- Travel to key external meetings ( e.g. COPS of CBD, CITES)- Travel to IUCN governance meetings ( global and regional)
Travel support to Deputy Chair (or other Commission members appointed by the Commission chair) when representing the Commission at Commissions meetings, IUCN governance meetings or key external meetings.
Other meeting and office support (as needed) to support subsidiary commission structures. Newsletter/main communications organ (production and delivery, either electronic or hard
copy); basic communication tools, including via the internet and Commission website development.
Support to the statutory external review.
Programme activities are not funded by the Commission Operating Fund, but included in the Programme budget.
11.2. Grants from the Commission Operating Fund for WCPA activities
Bearing in mind the IUCN Council’s guidance on the use of the COF, and at the discretion of the Chair and Deputy Chair, grant allocations are made from time to time from the Commission Operating Fund for the specific use of members of the WCPA Steering Committee, Task Forces or Specialist Groups or for other activities.
Grant allocations are administered by GPAP, who will prepare a Grant Agreement when specifically authorized to do so by the WCPA Chair, and will call for technical and financial reports when these are due.
The Grant Agreement will reference the following details:
The Contribution Amount. This is the amount in Swiss Francs that has been made available to the Grant Recipient from IUCN’s Commission Operating Fund in support of the specified activities, and for which reporting is required.
Eligible expenditures. Expenses that can be claimed from the Commission Operating Fund shall be in accordance with Council Guidelines on Commission Operating Funds. Actual expenditures, supported by receipts, will be eligible. Expenditures for subsistence shall be within the country ceilings for daily expenditure as set out on the Daily Rates tab of the financial report spreadsheet.
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Requirements for a Technical Report and a Financial Report. Reporting uses specified electronic templates, and original receipts should be posted to IUCN or retained, since these are subject to auditing. All reports should be in Swiss Currency, using exchange rates applicable at the time of the transaction.
Carry over, or return of balances. Any balances declared at the end of the financial year, may be carried forward with the approval of the Chair IUCN WPCA. If not approved these must be returned to IUCN.
Transfer of funds to recipient. Funds are transferred on the basis of an invoice submitted to IUCN and are paid by direct transfer into the Recipient’s bank account.
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12. Procurement of goods and servicesIUCN’s Policy and Procedure on Procurement of Goods and Services is to establish a standard professional procurement policy to ensure that IUCN obtains value for money in all its procurement activities and that procurement is conducted in an efficient and cost effective manner that respects sustainability, the environment and ethical principles. The Policy applies to all transactions for the purchase of goods, works and services across IUCN, although the procurement policies of specific donors must also be respected. Where these differ or are in conflict, it is the responsibility of IUCN to resolve the conflict with the donor. Among other principles, the policy makes provision that:
Suppliers world-wide shall be eligible to participate in procurement transactions in an open, fair and transparent process;
Procurement activities shall be undertaken in a manner that ensures all potential suppliers have been fairly treated and given an equal opportunity to make a bid;
Procurement activities shall be conducted with integrity and transparency and protect IUCN and its staff from claims of maladministration, and reduce the risk of fraud, corruption, waste or other irregularities.
12.1. IUCN Procurement of Goods, Works or Services
As is usual in most organizations, the nature of the procurement process for goods and services depends on the value. IUCN’s threshold values for distinguishing different kinds of procurement are set out below.
Table 1: Required procurement process for different values
Value Process Media Approval≥ CHF 100,000 Formal Request for
Proposal to a broad selection of potential suppliers.
Must be advertised on IUCN website. Resulting award must also be published on IUCN website
DG /DDG on the basis of Panel’s recommendation
CHF 25,000 – 99,999 Minimum of 3 proposals or quotations from identified suitable parties
No advertising required Regional Director, or Global Director
CHF 1 – 24,999 Competitive bidding not essential but should be considered.
No advertising required Director, or Head of Unit, orHead of Outposted Office)
WCPA Members are eligible to bid for the provision of goods or services as private individuals in terms of IUCN’s procurement policy, and will be evaluated in accordance with the Technical Specifications and in terms of qualifications, or qualifications and cost criteria as appropriate, without any favourable status arising out of their WCPA affiliation. In other words, there will be transparent selection based on fair and transparent procedures. Similarly, compensation will be based on the prevailing IUCN commercial rates.
12.2. WCPA Procurement of Services
In general, WCPA will favour the use of COF and project funding to support activities that involve the greatest number of WCPA experts, and as a first option, subject to availability of funds, will provide the costs of compensating WCPA members for travel, accommodation and direct expenses
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for their participation, without compensating them for their time or expertise. Recognising that WCPA members commit themselves to providing voluntary services ( at least 15 days per annum), it would be expected that WCPA members would have no expectation of compensation for services in respect of leading or coordinating groups, communicating progress, convening or attending meetings, preparing reports etc., i.e. the usual voluntary work of a WCPA member.
With respect to opportunities presented by WCPA, using COF resources or project funding allocated to WCPA activities, and which are intended to compensate WCPA members for their expertise directly, over and above their voluntary commitment to WCPA, IUCN will similarly aim to ensure the transparent, fair and equitable awarding of opportunities to WCPA members. All WCPA members will be informed through direct email of opportunities to provide services where the service providers are intended to be WCPA members. WCPA will also provide honoraria for services of WCPA members, rather than professional fees, in accordance with the following benchmarks:
Category Honorarium in CHF Description
1 150-200 Junior Professional
2 250-300 Professional: Degree +5 years experience
3 300-350 Senior Professional: Degree +10 years experience
4 350-450 Senior Professional: Masters +10 years experience
5 450-550 Expert: Masters + 15 years experience
6 600-700 Authority: 15+ years experience
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13. Growing and activating WCPA membershipTo be able to fulfill its roles and functions, the Commission has to have an active and significant membership. This section addresses how to build that membership, how to involve people, how to perform the critical functions of a Thematic or Regional Vice-Chair in leadership, and the key tools to retain network strength.
A network, especially a voluntary network, can only function as a network with the following key characteristics.
There must be a perceived need for the network Someone must take a leadership role to motivate membership, convene meetings and to sustain
that role Communication tools such as a list serve, website and regular newsletters must exist that are
efficient, do not cause annoyance and are within the capacity of the network to maintain The leadership of the network must create opportunities for members to genuinely contribute their
expertise or capacity to various inputs, projects and occasions
13.1. Choosing Vice-Chairs (VC)
It is an honour to be a Vice-Chair of an IUCN Commission. It is not an ornament for CVs or an excuse to travel. Those invited need to assess if they have the credentials and the capacity to convene a network. They should preferably be reasonably well known and established in their field, with their seniority acknowledged by peers. This is important as one of the greatest strengths a VC can bring to WCPA is their own established networks.
Candidates also need to be sure they have the time to dedicate to the function. Time will vary a good deal but to do an adequate job most VCs should calculate on the basis of one full day a week, many will spend much more time than that. The job requires some support. Either a Vice-Chair needs to be within a supportive organisation/institution which will allocate time and some resources to the role, or they should be able to access some external support both financially and in terms of assistance and capacity.
13.2. Role of the Regional Vice-Chair
A Vice-Chair for a Region is principally responsible for mobilizing and activating a network of protected area professionals to contribute to the agreed goals of WCPA and the broader program of IUCN.
The Vice-Chair needs to:
Establish a network Maintain an accurate data base of members Provide a means of communication Encourage and facilitate cooperative work and exchanges which enhance WCPA’s conservation goals Respond to requests from the WCPA Chair and IUCN GPAP Endeavour to assist global colleagues where possible with requests and contacts
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13.3. Getting the network in place
A Vice-Chair can be faced with a ‘chicken and egg’ issue, i.e. building new members or making the existing network work better. It may be best to build from strength by getting the existing network working better. Once the network starts to demonstrate value to members then it will be easier to recruit. Following are some suggested ways to build up membership and a vibrant network in your region.
13.4. Find your current members
The first task any Vice-Chair will have is to ‘clean the lists’. This means emailing or calling all current members to check if details are current. Obviously a bounced email can result in a lot of hard work, but most people appreciate that you have bothered to track them down and it can facilitate a conversation on what activities or information would be of greatest use.
13.5. Set up a list serve or online group
Various models exist, from a simple distribution list to more complex models, Yahoo chat groups etc. The Regional VC and Pacific Deputy VC moderate the one used in the Oceania Region. There is a simple method of subscribing new members and changing addresses. This task must be done assiduously as the list can soon become inaccurate. The list is not used as a chat room but mainly to post issues of information and to post the newsletter to all members. Once the list is set up, use it to contact all members and introduce yourself, outline prospective activities, and even issue a questionnaire on what activities and issues are of most concern to your members.
13.6. Regional e-newsletters
A simple way of making a network feel like a network is through establishing a newsletter. A regional e-newsletter can complement the current bi-weekly WCPA/GPAP newsletter, which focuses more broadly on all regions and WCPA issues. Clearly all regions will differ as to the extent of information available through other means. WCPA has a niche to collate information across agencies, institutions and NGOs on protected area issues. We can add value to members by alerting them to policy decisions, publications, and meetings in their fields. This is most simply done by being a subscriber to as many lists as possible and using them for your newsletter. Most organizations, governments and Ministers are actually only too happy to have their material distributed.
13.7. Meeting members
It can be very difficult in unfunded networks to get people together. Most regions are many thousands of kilometres wide and convening is costly. However, even if it is not the whole membership, but a subset, it is important to try to get some of the leading figures face to face. This exercise can be used to develop a support committee, discuss what is possible for a voluntary network and agree on priorities.
13.8. WCPA’s value
Members need to have a reason to join. The list serve and newsletter are two demonstrations of value but there are other actions through which an active VC can demonstrate that a Commission can be of use. Each region will differ in opportunities and challenges. In an example from Australia and New Zealand, early opportunities were to convene a meeting of very high level figures in the PA world across jurisdictions. This
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illustrated to central players that they could convene a different sort of gathering to the purely NGO or purely government gatherings which were the norm.
Other examples would be writing submissions to key government processes, convening a scientific symposium with a view to a publication, writing feature articles in news media, and putting together partners for a new training or capacity building initiative.
13.9. Recruiting Members
If WCPA is to be a force for real change and real gains for conservation then it needs to have a critical mass. A handful of volunteers will not change anything, let alone achieve the major urgent change we believe is necessary. Nor will there be enough people to do the tasks with such low membership. While WCPA is certainly seeking active membership and not just numbers, there needs to be a critical mass in each region with a minimum 100 of the top academics, government officials and NGOs dealing with protected areas and at least 10% of the most promising young conservation leaders of tomorrow in the region. Advanced IT, and the possibility of electronic dispersal of publications, may lower membership costs.
13.10. Strategic targeting membershipFor WCPA in the region to have strength and influence the following individual membership targets should include the following:
heads of parks agencies ; heads of major conservation agencies; CEOs or senior policy officers of major conservation NGOs ; heads of private land trusts; senior people from indigenous/ community groups involved in land/sea management; key academics in the protected area/biodiversity field ; young conservation leaders of tomorrow; and senior policy people from any of the above who have the time and enthusiasm to contribute.
Some of these people will have limited time to volunteer, but they can provide venues, personnel, access to information, lend you equipment, provide photographs and funding and, most importantly, they make your network significant. This strength means those who can afford more time are listened to and sought out for input. The more you build the strength and prestige of the group, the more leverage you have to recruit others.
13.11. Using the right language
It is important to develop a good way of communicating when you offer WCPA membership or represent the WCPA in any way. The language has to invite interest and the promise of enhancement to the individual in their work and contribution.
To start, establish the unique positioning and prestige of the group. Try using language such as:
Have you ever thought about joining the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas? It is the world's leading global network of protected area specialists.
Make clear why you would value the individual:
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I’d really like to you to join because you offer………….
You also might personalize the incentives, as in the example below:
I find it a wonderful way to stay in touch with what is happening all round the world through the list serve and the publications and from time to time you can make a real contribution. Professionally it’s a great way to find out who are experts in your field from around the world.
Also, highlight its significance in your region, such as in the example below:
In XXXX we are doing some excellent work and we have been influential in achieving x y and z and have real promise in delivering x y and z but we really need people with your special capacity to ….
13.12. Giving people information and time to think
It is always a good idea to give people time to think. Some people are worried about what it might mean for their time commitment or if there are hidden costs. One way is to get them interested and then simply offer to send them some information on what being a member means and they can think it over. Follow up in a few days with an email or phone call. People get busy and forget.
13.3. Nominating new members
Once you have agreement that an individual would like to be a member, the correct method is to ask the candidate for a short profile or CV, not a long one, and all contact details. These should be sent to the Chair of WCPA and copied to Delwyn Dupuis [email protected]. An online application will be generated which the new member must complete.
It is vital that the VC keeps a record of all nominations and keeps track of who has received invitations and who has properly accepted. A simple spreadsheet is the easiest method. At the point where the invitee accepts and fills in their registration they should be added to the VC’s list.
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14. Keeping members engagedThe following advice will help you get the most out of membership and help to ensure active participation.
14.1. Communication
Frequent communication makes people feel like they are a member of something which functions and has vibrancy, so commit to a regular pattern. It doesn’t have to be bombardment, but no more than a few weeks should go by without correspondence or distribution of a document of some kind.
14.2. Opportunities to contribute
WCPA is about contribution, so it is a primary task of a VC to generate opportunities. It may be helping with a submission, updating the website, writing something for a newsletter or helping in the convening of a meeting. The calls for assistance can be general via the list serve or individual. All help should be acknowledged in the newsletter to encourage others to do likewise.
14.3. Meetings
Large regional meetings will probably be infrequent but smaller gatherings such as getting people togetherfor a visiting expert or campaigns are feasible. Many people are keen to hear a person give a global perspective on a topic, so a visit from a leading IUCN figure or expert can be a good ‘hook’ to build a meeting around. Meetings should start with a global perspective and then more regional applications of the big themes. Most park agencies would donate the venue and basic catering, therefore lowering costs.
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Annex 1
IUCN WCPA Regional Vice-Chairs Terms of ReferenceRecruit and evaluate the performance of WCPA members
review membership list; increase the number and proportion of young professionals and female members; and remove inactive members.
Provide network leadership lead the WCPA network in the region; lead the development and implementation of the work programme; raise funds and other resources, including encouraging the involvement of members, for
delivery of the programme; report annually to the WCPA Chair on the implementation of the programme; set up and run effective WCPA governance mechanisms within the region by appointing sub-
regional Deputy Vice-Chairs where appropriate; encourage effective input from the region to other parts of the WCPA network, especially to
themes and task forces, and as a member of the WCPA global Steering Committee; provide mechanisms for interaction between members and for keeping members informed
of activities and opportunities; act as leader of an effective network to learn lessons from each others’ successes and
failures; and establish links with National CBD POWPA Focal Points.
Improve links with other parts of IUCN develop effective working relationships with the IUCN Regional Director and regional or
national office staff where these exist; develop links with other Commission Regional Vice-Chairs in the region, and develop joint
activities where possible; and develop links with all IUCN National Committees in the region to share common issues
Promote protected areas in the region promote the role of protected areas as a key conservation mechanism to as many
stakeholders as possible; develop effective working relationships with key regional stakeholders; establish means for WCPA members to provide advice to IUCN members in the region; promote the role of WCPA as an expert volunteer network to assist IUCN members on
protected areas matters; mobilize the network to help others to improve all aspects of protected areas planning and
management in the region and around the globe; and promote protected areas of the region globally by providing “Inspiring Places” articles to
IUCN Secretariat.
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Entitlements for WCPA Vice-Chairs
All new Vice-Chairs should discuss with the WCPA Chair their particular situation as entitlements vary according to regions.
Set up costs
RVCs can access assistance via the Secretariat/GPAP. The current contact is Delwyn Dupuis: [email protected]. The following are available:
a template for official letterhead; format for IUCN WCPA business cards; and help in designing a newsletter
Operational Costs
WCPA is a voluntary network with very modest funds available. All VCs are expected to seek funding to support their networks from appropriate bodies.
In the case of RVCs, funding can sometimes be accessed from key government protected area agencies that benefit most from WCPA’s activities.
Some funding is available at request from the WCPA Commission Operating Funds (COF) at the discretion of the WCPA Chair.
Steering Committee Meetings
Regional Chairs can propose a venue at the Steering Committee. The regional Chair is responsible for the good management of the meeting, the logistics and venue selection, in collaboration with IUCN GPAP. The host country is expected to help cover costs of the meeting.
Travel and additional expenses of Regional Chairs should be covered either independently or with the annual allocation from the COF.
Additional Meetings
Where VCs are invited to attend a meeting in their official capacity they should always seek funding from the hosts. Where this is not available, costs will be determined on a case by case basis. Requests should always be made through the Chair.
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Annex 2 – Specialist Group and Task Force Leaders Terms of ReferenceSpecialist Group (SG) and Task Force (TF) Leaders are the driving force of all SGs and TFs. They provide leadership, guide the activities of their group and have responsibility for the overall governance, conduct, administration, activities and reporting of their group. As such, SG and TF Chairs play a vital role in achieving a smooth working relationship between IUCN and WCPA members.
As per IUCN Regulation VII-79, Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs are appointed (and removed) by the WCPA Chair in consultation with the WCPA Steering Committee. SG Chairs are normally appointed for a fixed term between IUCN World Conservation Congresses (usually 4 years) but, at the discretion of the WCPA Chair, their tenure can be changed.
Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs are responsible for meeting the minimum deliverables as outlined in the rest of this annex. In the case that the deliverables have not been produced, the WCPA Chair may find this sufficient cause to remove Chairs or dissolve the Specialist Group or Task Force.
Ninety days after each IUCN World Conservation Congress, the SG Chairs and SG member appointments end. Following the Congress, the newly elected WCPA Chair will reappoint/appoint SG Chairs at his/her discretion (IUCN Regulation VII-72).The role of SG and TF Chairs and minimum deliverables for which they are responsible are outlined in below.
1. Contributing to WCPA’s Mandate
1.1 Technical Input
Develop and contribute specialist knowledge and products (guidelines, policy statements and proposals) relevant to advancement of protected areas
Contribute technical information and policy recommendations for IUCN or WCPA’s contributions to international conventions (e.g. World Heritage, Ramsar, CBD, and regional agreements)
Contribute expert knowledge of the topic within their remits as part of WCPA’s wider work with regard to knowledge on planning and management of protected area systems and sites
Specialist Groups and Task Forces are essential in ensuring that the work of the GPAP and WCPA is based on cutting-edge science, knowledge and best practices. To enhance their input to the continuing growth of WCPA’s leadership in protected area conservation and management, SG and TF Chairs are further encouraged on their own prerogative and resources, and in consultation with their members, to:
Identify emerging conservation issues and opportunities Provide innovative solutions to broad issues in protected area conservation and management Suggest improvements to WCPA Consult regularly and closely with the WCPA Chair, other SG Chairs and/or GPAP staff on matters
of mutual concern Contribute to enhancement of products and operations which cut across SGs and TFs
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Engage, through the WCPA and the GPAP, in higher-level analyses of protected areas through the integration of knowledge from various SGs and TFs within the WCPA and from other IUCN Commissions
1.2 Alignment with the GPAP/WCPA Strategic Plan
Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs should work in support of the WCPA Mandate and contribute to the implementation of the GPAP/WCPA Strategic Plan. In accordance with IUCN’s Statutes and Regulations, SG and TF objectives and policies must be consistent with those of IUCN and in particular with the IUCN Programme (IUCN Regulation VII-79).
SG and TF Chairs are therefore responsible to:
Acquaint themselves with the WCPA Mandate Develop and implement a series of priority activities for the SG or TF based on IUCN WCPA
Programme, where necessary with the support of GPAP staff Report on SG and TF activities to relevant GPAP staff and/or the WCPA Chair when requested.
2. Specialist Group Leadership and Functioning
2.1 Governance
A variety of governance structures is possible within a Group, ranging from consensus style decision-making to regional sub-groups. The SG or TF Chair is, however, ultimately responsible for the overall governance of the Group, although they may delegate portions of their responsibilities to their members. Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs may appoint deputies, vice-chairs, assistants, programme officers and any other internal positions to assist them in fulfilling their duties.
SG and TF Chairs are therefore responsible to:
Determine the governance structure, policies, decision-making and reporting procedures for the SG or TF and communicate them to their membership, as written guidelines
Establish clear appointment procedures, and clarify the roles and responsibilities for SG or TF officers
Act in support of IUCN and GPAP/WCPA policies and procedures (e.g., policies on publications, communications, reporting and gender) and consult with the GPAP staff and the WCPA Chair’s office for guidance on such matters when necessary
Appoint and remove SG and TF members Manage internal SG and TF members’ interactions to maintain cohesion, cooperation and
effectiveness.
Deliverables:
Provide GPAP staff and the WCPA Chair’s Office with the names and contacts of all SG or TF leadership positions within the group
Provide GPAP staff and the WCPA Chair’s Office with a workplan of activities to be implemented by the SG orTF and an annual progress report on its implementation.
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2.2 Appointment of Members
SG and TF Chairs are therefore responsible to:
Review their membership: re-appoint members where appropriate and identify and appoint suitable new individuals as members of their Group, ensuring appropriate technical knowledge and relevant geographic expertise and base, while promoting an equitable gender balance. Special Group and Task Force Chairs are strongly encouraged to give priority to identify, recruit and initiate young professionals
Ensure that any inter-commission SG or TF is approved by the respective Chairs of the Commissions involved and that key members of the inter-commission SC or TF are identified as members of both commissions
Inform the WCPA Membership Officer in GPAP of all member appointments and regularly and proactively update her/him on members’ contact details
Inform members of their responsibilities
Note: Individuals appointed as members of a WCPA Specialist Group or Task Force DO NOT automatically become members of the WCPA. If the Chair wishes that a person being appointed to a SG or TF should also be invited to become a WCPA member, they should first consult with the relevant Regional and Strategic Direction Vice-Chair, and subject to this endorsement, forward the name, contact details and a brief curriculum vitae for the person to the WCPA Membership Officer at GPAP
Deliverables:
A current membership list of key members with contact information (e.g. address, email, telephone numbers)
Ensure that members proactively inform on changes in their contact details as to maintain the membership database up to date
Pro-active recruitment of additional experts as needed
2.3 Oversight
The implementation of routine functions may be delegated to SG and TF members, although this is ultimately the responsibility of the SG or TF Chair.
SG and TFs Chairs are therefore responsible to:
Manage the Group’s finances, ensuring that funds raised in the name of the IUCN WCPA Specialist Group or Task Force are regularly accounted for against contractual obligations and that no over expenditure occurs. Please note that neither the WCPA nor IUCN will accept liability for the financial commitments or cost over-runs of a SG or TF
For projects undertaken by the SG or TF, ensure proper and efficient implementation reporting Maintain good working relations with other institutions who offer in-kind assistance
2.4 Conduct of the Group
Specialist Groups and Task Forces are often called upon to address complex and controversial conservation issues. They carry a powerful role, able to influence the policies of IUCN and others through the provision of sound, knowledge-based arguments. Many SGs and TFs are passionate in
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their support of the issue within their remits. Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs need to work in conformity with IUCN policy and should assume responsibility for the overall conduct of their Group with respect to such issues. Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs will receive, and should familiarize themselves with, the relevant policies of IUCN and the WCPA. The IUCN GPAP staff in Gland and the WCPA Chair will communicate such policy and procedures documents to the Chairs.
To this end, SG and TF Chairs are therefore responsible to:
Seek opportunities to provide input to relevant conservation debates and fora Make interventions on technical issues in the name of the Group, and ensure adequate
consultation within the Group prior to making such interventions Ensure that interventions on international policy events are cleared with the GPAP and WCPA-
Chair before making any such statements Maintain professional standards of conduct that enhance the Group’s professional profile,
standing, contribution and effectiveness Recognise their members’ contributions. Where such issues bear on the work of another WCPA Specialist Group and/or Task Force, the SG or TF Chairs should consult and coordinate their activities. Where such issues are potentially controversial, wide consultation and review within Groups, as well as consultation with GPAP staff and the Office of the WCPA Chair is expected.
2.5 Communication
Communication and networking are crucial roles of SG and TF Chairs. This includes communicating outputs to relevant stakeholders and target audiences and creating mechanisms for responding to requests for information and expertise. Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs should consult the WCPA Chair or GPAP staff before communicating to external audiences on potentially controversial issues.
SG and TF Chairs are responsible for effective and frequent communication on the Group’s priorities and activities in the following six areas.
To the WCPA Chair on matters of vital and strategic importance to the Group or issues in their remit
To and amongst their members (through direct contact, correspondence, newsletters, list serves, web sites or other available media)
To relevant GPAP staff as appropriate To relevant staff at IUCN Headquarters and in Regional and Country Offices, IUCN Members,
IUCN National Committees and WCPA Steering Committee Members in promoting the Group’s work
To the Group’s external constituency, providing advice on issues in their remit To the WCPA Chair’s Office and GPAP staff for use in the WCPA Newsletter and other IUCN and
WCPA communication products, fundraising proposals, etc.
Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs are also asked to recognise their affiliation with the WCPA and IUCN in their Specialist Group and Task Force’s logos, letterheads and signatures.
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Note: Only the SG or TF Chair is authorised to speak on behalf of the SG or TF, directly and using his/her own signature and SG or TF letterhead.
Deliverables:
Regular reports on the SG or TF’s other activities, as requested by GPAP and the WCPA Chair, including one annual report on 31 December
Responsiveness to requests to meet communication needs from GPAP staff and the WCPA Chair’s Office
At least one brief article or news story suitable for inclusion on the GPAP website or in the WCPA/GPAP newsletter annually
2.6 Financing and Fundraising
Specialist Group and Task Force Chairs are responsible for working with their members and with GPAP staff as required to secure resources needed to support the activities of their Group. Task Forces and Specialist Groups should be self-financed. For certain projects, financial support can be offered to the SG or TF on request to the Chair. All requests need to be done in writing and submitted to the WCPA Chair for discussion and approval during an EXCO Meeting.
When fundraising in the name of their Group, SG or TF Chairs are expected to notify and work closely with relevant GPAP staff and the WCPA Chair’s Office to:
Formulate and implement a fundraising strategy, where appropriate For projects over USD 100,000, coordinate on approaches to prospective donors by notifying
relevant GPAP staff and/or the WCPA Chair’s Office of intended fundraising approaches Promote projects and ensure that funding proposals are widely reviewed by recognised
technical experts, GPAP staff and/or the WCPA Chair’s Office, as appropriate Maintain good donor relations and fulfil technical and financial reporting requirements in a
timely and adequate manner Ensure that, in formulation of funding proposals, all IUCN guidelines and codes of conduct are
followed
2.7 Succession
While there are no set rules on the tenure of SG Chairs, all SG Chairs should be looking for ways to effectively plan successions and seamless transitions. This means identifying potential successors and working with them in a direct and intentional fashion. In this way, the WCPA will continue to have a healthy flow of new energy, new ideas and new leaders to ensure a positive and proactive future. 3. Working with the IUCN Global Protected Areas Programme
One of the objectives of GPAP is to support the WCPA in its activities to deliver the WCPA/GPAP Intersessional Programme 2013 - 2016 as a contribution to the IUCN Programme 2013 – 2016. In practice the relationship of GPAP and WCPA is delivered as a partnership between secretariat staff and the WCPA network. The WCPA Chair is a member of the IUCN Council and reports to it with support from the GPAP as required.
Support is delivered to WCPA Task Forces from the GPAP in the form of network support (covering administrative support, such as registration of commission members and communications).
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Specialist Groups should be organized well, and operate by their own capacity and resources with limited support from GPAP.
4. Terms of Reference for Individual Specialist Groups and Task Forces
Terms of Reference for individual Task Forces will be established at their time of formation and should reflect the task-specific and time-bound characteristics of their designation as a Task Force. Normally, these TOR should cover the full term of operation of the TF (although they should be updated and re-approved by the WCPA Chair after the Commission is reconstituted following a World Conservation Congress). In addition to the elements outlined above on composition and operation of the TF, The TOR should include specific deliverables in terms of products or other outputs from the operation of the group.
Terms of Reference for Specialist Groups should be more enduring, reflecting the longer life expectancy of SGs compared to TFs. Nevertheless, the TOR should include specific deliverables, for the current term (immediate 12 months and the period up until the next World Conservation Congress). Updated annual programs should be submitted to the WCPA Chair in advance of the WCPA Steering Committee meeting each year.
For both TFs and SGs, if their proposed products include any publications (including editions in the IUCN/WCPA Best Practice Series), these proposals should be discussed with the WCPA Vice-Chair for Publications and GPAP in advance of the submission of the draft TOR to the WCPA Chair.
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