WCPA Annual Report

The World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) is a complex commission within the IUCN, consisting of protected areas experts from around the world. With over 2,500 members in 140 countries, WCPA makes a significant impact through its themes, regions, Specialist Groups, Task Forces, and publications. Since 1958, WCPA has influenced global conservation by advocating for … Read more

Forest Defenders Alliance

The Nature Restoration Law is essential for the future of forests (and the planet) Forest habitats are in a terrible condition in Europe. According to the latest State of Nature in the EU report, only 14% of protected forests are in favorable condition. Forest biodiversity status outside protected areas is even worse. https://forestdefenders.eu/the-nature-restoration-law-is-essential-for-the-future-of-forests-and-the-planet/

Mapping the impact of the proposed Hvalá Power Plant on the wilderness of the Drangajökull Peninsula.

In 2013 the European Union published a register of all the protected wilderness areas in Europe. The mapping that accompanied the register uses digital maps of land use, natural vegetation and remoteness from settlements and roads to create a picture of wilderness areas across Europe. This shows that a little over 42% of the top … Read more

A Dream of a Low Carbon Future

A new book written by James McKay (University of Leeds) and Benjamin Dickinson is being launched this weekend describing a vision of the future of Leeds and it’s Yorkshire hinterland in 2150 after 2-3 degC of climate warming and post-sea level rise. Although the message is generally positive and told through cartoons and personal narratives, the … Read more

Talk to JMT Welsh Members Gathering

Steve Carver gave a talk on mapping wildness in Wales to the John Muir Trust Welsh Members Gathering at Plas y Brenin on Saturday 1st October 2016. The meeting was well attended with over 60 members present including many folk from relevant agencies, NGOs and other bodies.

WRi on BBC Breakfast #wildbritain

Steve Carver, Director, appeared on BBC Breakfast today being interviewed by Graham Satchell about what wild means and where we might find wild areas in Britain using WRi’s mapping approaches.  See: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/wildbritain?source=feed_text&story_id=1416411478372986 and on twitter at: https://twitter.com/BBCBreakfast/status/772668546425978880

A missed opportunity for our National Parks

Defra, NE, NPE and the EA have just published a new 8 point plan for England’s National Parks. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/509916/national-parks-8-point-plan-for-england-2016-to-2020.pdf No mention of rewilding, very little mention of wildlife and wild spaces, no mention of IUCN Cat2 national parks… a missed opportunity to think outside the box of culturally limited landscapes.

Alan Watson awarded prestigious ST position in USFS

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Mar. 16, 2016 – A panel of scientists from across the United States met in January to review the career accomplishments of Supervisory Research Social Scientist Dr. Alan Watson of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute. The panel recommended Watson be promoted to an “ST” graded position in recognition of his contributions and leadership … Read more