Welcome to the HCV Resource Network

This site is for anyone interested in High Conservation Value (HCV) areas, to learn about the concepts, stay up to date with developments, find information relevant to your activities, and share information and experience.

Technical Panel: New applicants, July 2010

Following a public comment period, the Network Steering Group is expected to confirm the appointment of new members of the Technical Panel (TP) shortly. Please note that these will be selected in accordance with the Panel's mechanism for operation; a list of all the current applicants is available for information.

Regional HCV Updates, June 2010

As a supplement to its regular email briefings to the wider community of HCV stakeholders, the Network has produced regional briefing notes summarising recent HCV related developments in South East Asia (currently available in English only), and in Central & South America, available in English, Spanish & Portuguese.

Safeguards for using the HCV approach within responsible land management, May 2010

The Network is delighted to release Version 3 of its Charter, including the HCV RN Principles of Application for the use of the HCV approach within responsible land management. The revised Charter sets out safeguards for using the HCV approach outside the context of certification, and in situations involving the conversion of natural habitats.

These Principles of Application have also been incorporated into the Network Guidance on Reviewing HCV reports (peer reviewers can click here to download an editable version of this document).

Steering Group Expansion, March 2010

As a result of decisions taken at its last meeting, and in line with previously defined strategic aims, the Network is pleased to welcome Fauna & Flora International, Funbio, Solidaridad, UNEP-WCMC and Wilmar International on to its Steering Group.

Click here for an updated list of SG membership organisations & named representatives.

HCV Network Briefing Notes

Download updated (October 2009) briefings:

HCV Overview - HCV Network - Technical Panel - Certification - Landscape Planning

HCV Guidance Documents

A number of HCV guidance documents are available for download from the Resource Centre:

Click here for the HCVF practical guide, aimed at forest managers.

Click here for the HCV good practice guidelines, aimed at practitioners and auditors.

WWF HCVF Brochure

"High Conservation Value Forests: The concept in theory and practice" provides an introduction to the concept and practical examples of a variety of its uses throughout the world. Click here to download.

Also available in Bulgarian, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish.

The High Conservation Value (HCV) concept was originally devised in the context of forest certification (High Conservation Value Forests or HCVF), but it is also applicable to all kinds of ecosystems and habitats. It has developed into a valuable and flexible toolkit for a variety of uses, including land-use planning, conservation advocacy, and designing responsible purchasing and investment policies.

The HCV Resource Network has been established by a group of organisations who use the HCV approach, including environmental and social NGOs, international development agencies, timber and forest product certifiers, suppliers and buyers, and forest managers. The Network aims to encourage collaboration, provide information and support on the evolving usage of HCV, and ensure that a consistent approach to HCV is understood and applied throughout the world.

All of the information and discussions on this site are open to everyone, and you can also become actively involved in the Network's development or list your interests as an HCV practitioner by registering your support for the HCV Charter.

What's on this site:

HCV Overview: What is the High Conservation Value approach? An overview of the six High Conservation Values, the HCV Process, History and Uses.

HCV in Practice: Practical help and support for using HCV in your region, including generic guidance documents (Toolkits), Country Pages, examples of existing HCV projects, and a searchable Database of HCV Practioners.

About the Network: What it is, how it works, what activities are planned, and how you can join in.

Resource Centre: Links to useful material, and documents for download.

The HCV Charter: Aims and values of the HCV Resource Network.