Motion 116

Gibbons, found in 11 countries across Asia, are the world’s most endangered primates. All 20 species are threatened, with five classified as Critically Endangered. They face critical threats from habitat destruction, fragmentation, hunting, and illegal trade, making immediate action essential to halt their population decline. Since 2020, in collaboration with the IUCN SSC, the Global Gibbon Network (GGN) has been gradually established to focus on gibbon conservation.

This motion is crucial for scaling up conservation efforts by promoting the success of the Hainan gibbon conservation model (Case Study launched at 2021 IUCN WCC). It aims to apply nature-based solutions to other gibbon species and expand these approaches to additional endangered species. Furthermore, cross-border collaboration between IUCN, national governments, NGOs, and local communities to secure gibbon habitats and halt population declines is needed.

If adopted, this motion will initiate the second phase of the IUCN Save Our Species (SOS) Gibbon initiative, focusing on habitat restoration, anti-poaching efforts, and community-based conservation. The GGN will coordinate regional projects, engage local communities, and provide technical expertise to enhance conservation outcomes. Increased fundraising will be critical to support these protection and restoration activities.

Human resources will be required for coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of conservation programs. Collaboration with local communities is essential to ensuring that conservation strategies align with local customs and promote sustainable livelihoods. Political support and cross-border cooperation from governments and regional organizations will be necessary, as gibbon habitats often span multiple countries.

Approaches not limited to national conservation efforts will not address the transboundary threats facing gibbons. This motion offers a comprehensive strategy that integrates scientific research, cross-border partnerships, and local knowledge to tackle the multifaceted conservation challenges.

Gibbon conservation requires long-term and sustainable financing from a range of funders, as well as clear involvement of payment mechanisms for forest ecosystem services which includes direct involvement of local communities. Gibbon conservation should be mainstreamed into payment for ecosystem services for forests and biodiversity protection.

Promote the application at the project level of the mitigation hierarchy with emphasis on avoidance when it comes to energy extraction, agrobusiness and associated linear infrastructure development including supply chains. Shifting cultivation and smallholder agriculture with cash crops such as coffee, cardamom, cinnamon, cassava and corn is still leading to conversion of intact gibbon habitat. We call for the development of gibbon-friendly agroforestry to improve the livelihoods of local people while protecting gibbon habitat. We support the development of gibbon friendly products (e.g. coffee) which is already providing a viable option.

Species action plans are in development through the SSA for all 20 species and 11 countries with associated budgets for implementation.

In conclusion, this motion presents a critical solution for gibbon conservation, requiring significant financial and human resources. By aligning efforts across borders and communities, the motion aims to prevent further population declines and ensure the long-term survival of gibbons.