To encourage broader participation in conservation efforts, the Green Development Initiative (hosted by Earthmind) is piloting a public registry, international standard and best-practice toolkit for Verified Conservation Areas (VCAs). The online VCA Registry facilitates public recognition and support for verified conservation action on the ground.
All areas in compliance with the VCA Standard – whether public, communal or private – can be registered. The VCA Standard combines the objectives of the international Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to conserve biodiversity and use it sustainably, with a management process based on the CBD’s Ecosystem Approach. The VCA Toolkit provides best practice guidance to area managers for developing and implementing their conservation action plans.