UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series

This Series presents the results of projects carried by the Centre, often in partnership with other members of the UN and specifically UNEP family and other organisations. These publications may be downloaded and the information that they contain used, provided full acknowledgement is given to the source. Earlier publications in the WCMC Biodiversity Series may be accessed from here.
Global Marine Assessments Global Marine Assessments: A survey of global and regional assessments and related scientific activities of the marine environment.
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 27

In 2003, UNEP and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO published 'A survey of global and regional marine environmental assessments and related scientific activities' in response to the call of the UN General Assembly (Resolution 57/141) and the Heads of States and Governments at the World Summit on Sustainable Development to establish a regular process for the global reporting and assessment of the state of the marine environment. Today, the urgency to understand the state and functioning of our oceans is even greater than ever. In December 2006, the 61st session of the United nations General Assembly adopted a new resolution (A/RES/61/222) on Oceans and the Law of the Sea, renewing the commitment of Member Stats to support the implementation of the start-up phase: the Assessment of Assessments of the Regular Process.

This sequel builds on the 2003 survey to provide a starting point for the Assessment of Assessments. It lays out the components of an effective assessment and summarizes the key considerations for establishing an assessment process, the findings of this latest survey, an analysis of gaps and emerging issues. It also draws lessons from completed assessment processes.

The report is supported by an interactive online database tool which enables the user to search through assessments and activities relating to the marine envisionment, providing information on the activities and their implementation.

The report and database together are intended to inform and facilitate the task of the Group of Experts undertaking the Assessment of Assessments by providing easy access to essential background information. These tools also provide a valuable new resource for decision makers having to deal with marine environmental issues.

ISBN 978-92-807-2800-2 | Download Report
Seamounts, deep-sea corals and fisheries Seamounts, deep-sea corals and fisheries
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 25

Seamounts, deep-sea corals and fisheries aims to raise the awareness of managers, decision makers and stakeholders about the distribution of deep-sea corals on seamounts and their vulnerability to trawling. It provides facts and information to support and guide the international processes within and outside the United Nations system to find solutions for the conservation, protection and sustainable management of seamount ecosystems – before it is too late.

ISBN 978-92-807-2778-4 | Download Report
In the front line In the front line: Shoreline protection and other ecosystem services
from mangroves and coral reefs
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 24

This report has gathered lessons that have been learned since these events that will be relevant to future management of the coasts in the context of severe weather events and other potential consequences of global warming. More than ever it is essential to consider the full value of ecosystem services - that is the benefits that people derive from ecosystems - when making decisions about coastal development.
The publication aims to help decision and policy makers around the world understand the importance of coastal habitats to humans, focusing on the role of coral reefs and mangroves. As well as coastal protection, it also addresses the huge range of other benefits provided by these ecosystems and the role that they can play in coastal development and in restoring livelihoods for those suffering from the effects of extreme events.

ISBN 92-807-2681-1 | Download Report | Available to buy from IUCN World Conservation Bookstore or Earthprint.
Non-Timber Forest Products Commercialization of non-timber forest products: Factors influencing success
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 23

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have been widely promoted as a potential solution to high rates of tropical deforestation, by increasing the value of forest resources to local people. The content of this book is based around findings from a DFID/FRP funded international research project that has examined why commercialisation of NTFPs does not consistently contribute to poverty alleviation, gender equality and sustainable resource management.

It documents:
  • The current research context;
  • Our multi disciplinary methodological approach to collecting, analysing and integrating different data types to achieve comparative analysis of 17 different NTFP case studies (in Mexico and Bolivia), based around a framework of 6 hypotheses and 40 research questions;
  • Our conclusions as to what factors influence the success and failure of NTFP commercialisation;
  • Our policy recommendations

ISBN 92-807-2677-3 | Download Report


Cold-water Coral Reefs Cold-water Coral Reefs: Out of Sight - No Longer Out of Mind
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 22

This report presents comprehensive and up-to-date information and data on marine cold-water coral reefs from around the world. Cold Water Coral Reefs: Out of Sight - No Longer Out of Mind aims to provide policy makers with the information required to take concerted action in the conservation, protection and sustainable management of these beautiful, largely unexplored and fragile coral reefs.


ISBN 92 807 2453 3 | Download Report | Available to buy from Earthprint.


Protected Areas and Biodiversity Protected Areas and Biodiversity: An Overview of Key Issues
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 21

The area set aside for conservation by concerned governments and communities covers almost 12 per cent of the Earth's land surface. Protected areas are such a significant factor in the planet's natural resource allocation that they are important indicators in global environment monitoring. Recognition of the importance of participatory approaches and the values of community-conserved areas continues to increase.

Protected Areas and Biodiversity: An Overview of Key Issues synthesizes key aspects in the development of protected areas: the level of international commitment, the relationship of protected areas to sustainable development, and critical issues related to their effectiveness. This publication has been compiled by the Secretariat of the CBD and UNEP-WCMC as an input to the Seventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties.

ISBN 92 807 2404 5 | Download Report | Available to buy from IUCN World Conservation Bookstore or Earthprint.


Cloud Forest AgendaCloud Forest Agenda
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 20

Cloud forests represent a rare and fragile ecosystem that is under threat in many parts of the world. These rich mountain forests make up no more than 2.5 per cent of the world's tropical forests but contain a disproportionately large number of the world's species. The Cloud Forest Agenda report aims to stimulate new initiatives and partnerships for the conservation and restoration of tropical montane cloud forests around the world. The report provides the first global maps of cloud forests, a regional analysis of the threats facing these forests and information on their biodiversity and watershed importance.

Cloud Forest Agenda was compiled by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) as a product of the Mountain Cloud Forest Initiative, which is a partnership between UNEP-WCMC, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme and International Hydrological Programme (IHP), and the Commission on Ecosystem Management of the IUCN-The World Conservation Union.

ISBN 92 807 2399 5 | Download Report | Available to buy from IUCN World Conservation Bookstore or Earthprint. Also available on Amazon


Bamboo Biodiversity Bamboo Biodiversity (Africa, Madagascar and the Americas)
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 19

Bamboos are distinct and fascinating plants, with many values and uses, ranging from construction to irrigation systems, musical instruments to food and fuel. But we still know relatively little about most bamboos in the wild. As forest ecosystems shrink under human pressure, the survival of many potentially important bamboo species may be threatened.

The Bamboo Diversity Report represents the first step towards planning and implementing conservation and sustainable management of bamboos in the wild, in addition to making a significant contribution to the implementation of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, which aims to halt the current and continuing loss of plant diversity. This study is the result of a collaboration between INBAR and UNEP-WCMC.

ISBN 92 807 2383 9 | Download Report | Available to buy from IUCN World Conservation Bookstore or Earthprint.

See also UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series 14 - Bamboo Biodiversity (Asia-Pacific Region)
Non-timber forest products in Uganda Non-timber forest products in Uganda
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 18

This report describes a new map-based approach to defining areas best suited for NTFP commercialization. Uganda is used as a case study. As one of the most rapidly growing economies in Africa, its rich natural heritage highlights the conflict between national development efforts and the need for a globally responsible approach to biodiversity conservation.

Authors: Olivier Cottray, Lera Miles and Adrian Newton

ISBN 92-807-2364-2 | Download Report

From Ocean to AquariumFrom Ocean to Aquarium: the global trade in marine ornamental species
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 17

With the total value of the marine ornamental trade amounting to as much as US$330 million a year and an estimated 2 million people worldwide keeping marine aquaria, the industry plays a significant role in both source and destination countries. Tropical coral reefs are the most important source of specimens for the aquarium trade - mainly fish, including seahorses, the corals themselves, and others such as anemones, starfish and giant clams. Almost all marine aquarium species are taken from the wild, with few examples of captive breeding. From Ocean to Aquarium presents a brief overview of how the trade functions and the impacts it has on coral reefs, as well as on the human communities that derive an income from trading in marine ornamental species.

From Ocean to Aquarium is the product of a collaboration between UNEP-WCMC, the Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) and the industry itself. It is the first of its kind, examining issues surrounding the trade of live coral, fish and invertebrates for the marine aquarium trade, and presenting a comprehensive and independent synthesis of related information.

ISBN 92 807 2363 4 | Download Report | Available to buy from IUCN World Conservation Bookstore or Earthprint.

Global Marine AssessmentsGlobal Marine Assessments
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 16

The world's oceans provide goods, services and functions fundamental to the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Planning for their sustainable use requires a more detailed understanding of the marine environment than is available at present: an understanding that will only become possible through improved levels of monitoring and assessment. This publication is the result of inter-agency and national government collaboration. It represents part of UNEP's contribution to evaluating the feasibility of establishing a Global Marine Assessment, a process that would regularly report on the state of the marine environment. The report presents a snapshot of assessments and related scientific activities that were in progress at the end of 2002. It considers and recommends various ways in which a future Global Marine Assessment process could integrate these activities, and identifies the thematic and geographical gaps that need to be addressed.

ISBN 92 807 2361 8 | Download Report

Towards a Global Tree Conservation AtlasTowards a Global Tree Conservation Atlas
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 15

This summary document outlines the need for spatial data on tree species as a tool for conservation action. It introduces plans for a tree species mapping programme that will build on the forest mapping information management expertise of UNEP-WCMC. A Global Tree Conservation Atlas will be one of the main outputs of the Global Trees Campaign. The Campaign focuses on trees as flagship species for conservation of ecosystems and landscapes, and enables local people to carry out rescue and sustainable use operations. Working in partnership with organizations around the globe, the Global Trees Campaign aims to save the world's most threatened tree species and their habitats through information, conservation and wise use.

The Campaign is a partnership between Fauna & Flora International and UNEP-WCMC,

ISBN 92 807 2344 8 | Download Report


Bamboo Biodiversity Vol 1Bamboo Biodiversity (Asia-Pacific Region)
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 14

Bamboos are distinct and fascinating plants, with a wide range of values and uses. They play a significant role in biodiversity conservation and contribute to soil and water management. They are important for biomass production and play an increasing role in local and world economies. This study used an innovative approach to map potential current distibutions of nearly 1 000 individual bamboo species that occur naturally within remaining forests of the Asia-Pacific region. The maps were also combined to generate regional maps showing potential species and generic richness. By quantifying the area of forest cover remaining within each species' range, this study shows that more than 400 bamboo species are potentially threatened by the destruction of natural forest cover. Conservation and sustainable management of wild populations of bamboo should be high priority, especially where diversity is high or deforestation is a significant threat.

A joint project between UNEP-WCMC and INBAR (International Network for Bamboo and Rattan)

ISBN 1 899628 22 3 | Download Report | Available to buy from IUCN World Conservation Bookstore


See also UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series 19 - Bamboo Biodiversity (Africa, Madagascar and the Americas)

Mangroves of East Africa Mangroves of East Africa
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 13

This publication provides a concise account of the available information and current issues facing mangroves in East African countries. It comprises a regional summary of the factors and activities that affect mangroves across East Africa, and a series of reports that focus on South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Tanzania, the Seychelles, Kenya and Somalia. These country summaries include details of mangrove-related legislation, industries associated with and involving mangroves, and details of how mangroves are utilized by local human communities. Information on marine protected areas that cover mangroves is also provided as are regional and national scale maps.

The project was carried out with the UNEP-GPA and sponsored by the Government of Ireland.

ISBN 1 899628211 | Download Report | Available to buy from IUCN World Conservation Bookstore

Mountain Watch: environmental change & sustainable development in mountains Mountain Watch: environmental change & sustainable development in mountains
UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No. 12

This report provides the first map-based overview of environmental change in mountain regions and its implications for sustainable development. New global maps illustrate selected values of mountain ecosystems and many of the pressures that are causing environmental change. A range of case studies illustrate how environmental assessments can inform the sustainable development of mountain regions. Mountain environments cover 27 per cent of the earth's land surface and directly support 22 percent of the people who live within them. Lowland people also depend on mountain environments for a wide range of goods and services, for example, water, energy, timber, biodiversity maintenance and opportunities for recreation and spiritual renewal. Mountain people face an environment where everyday physical demands are great, natural hazards are significant, and agricultural production is constrained.

ISBN 1 899628 20 7 | Download Report | Available to buy from IUCN World Conservation Bookstore


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