Introduction to the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas

Explore the IUCN Green List, an international standard that recognises protected and conserved areas that are equitably governed, effectively managed and delivering positive conservation outcomes. 

About the course

Many protected and conserved areas fail to deliver results due to weak governance, poor planning, or a lack of support. Without clear objectives, strong management, and active engagement with local rightsholders and stakeholders, protected and conserved areas may fall short of their goals. 

The IUCN Green List sets the global benchmark for diverse, effective and equitable, area-based conservation delivering positive outcomes for nature and people. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the IUCN Green List, exploring its foundational concepts, as well as to understand this global standard and its importance in supporting effective conservation, and the practical steps for applying it successfully. 

Whether you are the manager of a protected area or a conservation enthusiast, you will gain practical insights on how to engage with the IUCN Green List and contribute to the success and sustainability of protected areas. 

Who should take this course?

This course is designed for a diverse audience, including site managers of protected and conserved areas, staff of protected area agencies, and government officials. It also benefits students and educators in the conservation field, as well as anyone passionate about creating more effective protected and conserved areas.

What are the benefits of taking this course? 

By the end of this course, participants will have a clear understanding of the IUCN Green List, its Standard and Listing process, its governance and assurance model, and the different ways stakeholders can engage with it to contribute to the development and management of successful protected and conserved areas. This course prepares learners to take the next step into more specialized training or involvement with the Green List programme. 

What will you learn?

• The purpose and structure of the Green List as the global standard for effective area-based conservation 
• The benefits the Green List brings to sites, countries and people 
• The criteria and process behind achieving Green List status
• The many ways stakeholders can engage – as site managers, implementing partners, or supportive experts 

Financial support from:

Banner image photo: © Korea National Parks Service (KNPS) 
Course image photo: © David Young