28 Jan Motions 53 and 121 approved by the IUCN plenary during World Conservation Congress

During the World Conservation Congress in Barcelona last October, The World Commission on the Protected Areas prepared motions 53 and 121, which were later approved by the IUCN plenary, thus became IUCN resolutions.

Motion 53, now Resolution 4.038, concerns the Recognition and Conservation of Sacred Natural sites in Protected Areas, acknowledging the importance of these sites to the protection of nature, being the oldest form of culture-based conservation, both by indigenous and mainstream faiths. It urges Governmental, Non-Governmental Organisations, Agencies and managers to recognise the rights, skills and the knowledge that both indigenous and mainstream custodians and communities have to manage the relevant resources and ecosystems and to confront threats affecting these sites. The Resolution encourages and promotes scientific research, investment in public education and advises resolution of conflicts were they exist. Furthermore, it requests implementation and field-testing of the new Sacred Natural Site guidelines in all categories of IUCN protected areas. See full text in English, French and Spanish.

Motion 121, now Resolution 4.099 regards the Recognition of the diversity of concepts and values of nature. The notion of nature is perceived quite differently in the vast variety of the world’s cultures. Western cultures hold a rather materialistic view of the concept of ‘natura’, especially after the 17^th century and the Cartesian distinction between material and spiritual elements. Other communities, on the other hand, believe that the spiritual realities permeate everything and that humans, nature and the universe share the same material and spiritual dimensions. Seeking the maximum support for nature conservation worldwide, among societies with different worldviews, the Resolution requests the adoption of an inclusive definition of nature in all the IUCN’s future documents and the development of appropriate guidance to recognise fully the diversity of the many concepts of nature in all activities related to conservation and sustainable development. See full text in English, French and Spanish.