PARKS 27 (Special Issue) March 2021

A new special issue of PARKS, the journal of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, published March 11, reveals the impacts on global conservation efforts seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The special issue outlines some of the long-term implications the global pandemic may have on conservation efforts.

One bright spot in the special issue was recognition of the efforts of Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs) with governance power over their lands and waters were in many cases able to effectively steward their protected areas, despite pressures from economic downturns and increases in local reliance on ecosystem resources.

“COVID-19 has impacted people all over the world in many different ways,” says Dr. Sangeeta Mangubhai, WCS Fiji Country Director. “But, there are many important stories of resilience to inspire us, and to learn from. For example, indigenous peoples and local communities with rights to govern their lands and waters were able to put in place protective measures to isolate themselves and maintain the protection of their natural resources, highlighting their self-sufficiency".

PARKS 27 highlights the very real opportunity to better incorporate conservation practices with pandemic response plans. The collaboration supports and applauds the work conducted by those individuals responsible for this timely and critical special issue.