The Long Run Helps to Shape Industry Guidelines on Privately Protected Areas

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) earlier this month published Guidelines for Privately Protected Areas, with vital contributions and support from The Long Run.

Privately Protected Areas (PPAs) are areas of land put aside for long-term conservation under private governance – they can be established, ran and/ owned by individuals, NGOs, businesses, or other non-government entities. At a time where we are losing biodiversity at 1000 times its natural rate, it has become clear that no one actor can address the conservation challenge alone. Protected areas (such as national parks), are a key element to biodiversity conservation. Governments often lack the resources or political will to effectively maintain their protected areas and conserve critical ecosystems. In this context, the importance of PPAs is increasingly recognised. PPAs often complement government efforts by expanding the areas under protection, adding different skill sets, bringing sustainable financial models and stimulating innovation.

These new guidelines illustrate the growing significance of PPAs and the role they play in worldwide conservation efforts. They’ve been written for existing PPAs, governments, and policy-makers, about how to work with, improve or establish them. The Long Run’s Director, Delphine Malleret King, contributed to the guidelines, which feature best practice case studies from ten members.

Delphine comments, “We’re delighted to see the hard work of our members recognised and their experience shared in these guidelines. Collectively, The Long Run is a leading force in the successful management and establishment of PPAs, and a significant part of the push to protect the world’s most fragile ecosystems. Long Run members are pioneers in the world of tourism-based PPAs; there are very few networks in the world with such a body of experience and diverse knowledge about how best to manage them.”

Ten Long Run members are featured in the Guidelines, showcasing how to incorporate best practice into a PPA. A case study on Lapa Rios demonstrates how to overcome succession challenges and lock conservation mandates into easements. Caiman Ecological Refuge illustrates the importance of academic partnerships and the Grootbos Foundation’s Green Futures initiative is used as an example of local employment and community engagement. Borana Conservancy’s endowment fund provides insight into creating long-term finance security and Nikoi Island provides an example of tourism-based support for coastal communities. Chumbe Island Coral Park was the world’s first private Marine Protected Areas. Other members mentioned are Sinal Do Vale, Wolwedans, Tahi, Cottar’s 1920s Camp, and Segera.

 

By sharing practical tips, case studies, and insights in these guidelines, The Long Run hopes that others will be inspired to take the plunge to invest in protecting biodiversity and fragile ecosystems.

 

Download the guidelines for free here.

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