TITLE
• Capacity Building Workshop on the Management of Internationally Designated Areas
DESCRIPTION OF THE WORKSHOP
• The Global Research and Training Centre for Internationally Designated Areas Under the auspices of UNESCO (GCIDA) provides education and training for the managers of four types of Internationally Designated Areas(IDAs): UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks, and Ramsar Sites.
• IDAs serve as global models and standards for conservation and sustainable development, playing a vital role in implementing international strategies and multilateral environmental agreements.
• With the number of IDAs and Multi-Internationally Designated Areas (MIDAs) rapidly increasing, these sites are facing common challenges—such as overlapping governance, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.
• This workshop aims to strengthen the capacity of IDA managers to effectively address these shared challenges by facilitating the exchange of conservation and management experiences, showcasing best practices, and promoting regional and international cooperation.
OUTLINE OF THE WORKSHOP
• Hosts: UNESCO, Korean Ministry of Environment, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
• Coordinators: GCIDA, MAB National Committee of Korea
• Period: July, 1-4, 2025 (4 days) * All participants must arrive on June 30
• Location: Jeju Island, Republic of Korea
• Languages: English, Korean (Simultaneous interpretation available)
• Number of Invited Participants: 35 managers of IDAs in the Asia-Pacific region
- 20 domestic participants(Korea)
- 15 international participants
THEMES OF THE WORKSHOP
• Understanding different IDAs: This session will explore the various concepts, governance, benefits, and challenges associated with each type of IDA. Participants will learn about each designation's objectives, application processes, and management frameworks. The session will also highlight the similarities and differences among IDAs, deepen the understanding of common challenges, and promote harmonized efforts to address them effectively.
• Management of MIDAs: This session will present case studies of MIDAs, including Jeju Island and other key sites. Through these examples, participants will gain practical insights and engage in peer learning to evaluate and improve the management strategies at their own sites.
• Global Trends in IDAs and the way forward: This session will provide an overview of global trends and the collective efforts of the IDA community to enhance its positive impact. Topics will include the implementation of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and how IDAs contribute to addressing global agendas such as climate change, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
QUALIFIED APPLICANT
• Manager of IDAs in the Asia-Pacific region (national/local government, public organization or relevant institutes)
• Fluent in English or Korean (Interpretation provided)
• (Desired) Applicants from MIDAs
• (Consideration) Diversity in the representation of countries, gender equality
COST OF PARTICIPATION: The workshop will be free of charge for all selected participants
• PROVIDED: Round trip flight from your region to Jeju(economy class), transportation, accommodation and meals in Jeju
• NOT PROVIDED: Visa application fees, expenses irrelevant to the official schedule
HOW TO APPLY
• Fill in the attached Application Form and submit it via email at:
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 21, 2025 KST
OTHER DETAILS
• Selection results will be announced individually by email by end of April
※ In case of cancellation by a selected participant, additional participants will be selected from the original applicants
• Each selected participant will be expected to give a PowerPoint presentation on their respective site during the workshop
• Video recording and photography will take place during the workshop
• Participants are expected to attend the full duration of the workshop
