Culture and Spirituality at the IUCN World Parks Congress

The IUCN World Parks Congress 2014 is a landmark global forum on protected areas. The Congress will share knowledge and innovation, setting the agenda for protected areas conservation for the decade to come. Building on the theme “Parks, people, planet: inspiring solutions”, it will present, discuss and create original approaches for conservation and development, helping to address the gap in the conservation and sustainable development agenda.Members of the Specialist Group on Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas (CSVPA) will organise and contribute to many different sessions, will contribute to the “Promise of Sidney” and develop recommendations in line with its mission, experience and expertise.

CSVPA will be advancing two key projects at the WPC:Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Protected Areas: Establishing a network and developing measures to recognise, promote and integrate the cultural and spiritual significance of nature into protected area management and governance.

WCPA Best Practice Guidelines: Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Nature: Guidelines for Application in Protected Areas.
There will be two sessions focused on these projects:• Stream 7 Workshop: Nov 18th; 10.30 – 12:00; Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Nature: Participatory workshop bringing protected area managers together with representatives of Indigenous Peoples, mainstream religions and environmental organisations on developing training modules and other measures.• Side Event: Developing Best Practice Guidelines and a Network on Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Protected Areas.Additional Sessions organised and contributed to by CSVPA:• Stream 3: Session 29; Nov 17th; 10:30 – 12:00; Well-Being and Sacred Natural Sites in Protected Areas and World Heritage Sites.• Stream 7: Nov 17; 13:15 – 17:00; Advancing Protection of Indigenous Sacred Natural Sites & Territories within the Global Protected Area Agenda.• Side Event: Book Launch and Network Celebration on Asian Sacred Natural Sites.There will be a Pre-Congress event attended by several CSVPA members: 7-11 November; Blue Mountains; Communities conserving nature and culture: A gathering among Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities from five continents.

More info:IUCN World Parks Congress 2014Cultural and Spiritual Values of Protected Areas

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