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These ambitious commitments, gathered from participating agencies, Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½á¹ûÏÖ³¡Ö±²¥ members, partners, and donors during the Congress, included promoting nature-based solutions, expanding fair and effective protected area coverage, integrating traditional ecological knowledge into conservation, and enhancing the recognition of Indigenous Peoples' rights and territories. They also focused on community-led stewardship, equity, inclusion, and good governance. The Promise of Sydney positioned protected and conserved areas as critical not only for biodiversity but also as vital solutions to challenges like climate change, sustainable development, and human well-being. 

Among the resolutions passed at the Congress, the Healthy Parks Healthy People motion was unanimously adopted. This motion recommended members to "protect the earth’s two most important assets – nature and people" and to "promote the benefits of enhancing healthy ecosystems and human health and well-being synergistically." This emerging context for valuing nature for its life-sustaining role in promoting health and well-being is also evident in the formation of new alliances to address the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. 

The Promise of Sydney has led to various initiatives aimed at transformative change in conservation. Notable examples include , which documents and promotes replicable solutions across conservation and sustainable development topics, enabling cross-sectoral learning through successful case studies. The , launched at the Congress, recognises areas meeting international standards for biodiversity conservation and equitable governance. Efforts to protect marine biodiversity, such as establishing , aim to safeguard marine life like whales, dolphins, and sharks. integrate traditional knowledge and practices into conservation, managed by Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation initiatives use nature-based solutions, like restoring wetlands to mitigate flooding and enhance biodiversity. The Healthy Parks Healthy People motion promotes the synergistic benefits of healthy ecosystems and human well-being, recognising nature's life-sustaining role. These initiatives highlight significant progress under the Promise of Sydney, showcasing the power of collaborative and innovative conservation approaches. 

The journey since the World Parks Congress (WPC) highlights significant progress, showcasing the power of collaborative and innovative conservation approaches. Some successful implementations of the Promise of Sydney commitments include: 

1. : Efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef have been enhanced through the integration of traditional ecological knowledge from Indigenous communities. This collaboration has led to more effective management practices and improved resilience of the reef ecosystem 

2. Namibia's Community Conservancies: Namibia has established community conservancies that empower local communities to manage and benefit from wildlife conservation. This approach has not only improved biodiversity but also provided economic benefits through eco-tourism and sustainable resource use 

3. Costa Rica's PES program compensates landowners for conserving forests and other natural ecosystems. This initiative has successfully increased forest cover, enhanced biodiversity, and supported local livelihoods 

Looking Ahead 

In the coming months, we will highlight the achievements of the Promise of Sydney while also preparing for the 7th World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress, set for 2027. As discussions on hosting this landmark decadal event continue, we will reflect on the progress and legacy of the Promise of Sydney. 

The Promise of Sydney has positioned protected and conserved areas as critical not only for biodiversity but also as vital solutions to global challenges like climate change, sustainable development, and human well-being. By continuing to build on these commitments and fostering new alliances, we can ensure a vibrant and resilient future for both nature and people.