International Union for Conservation of Nature: World Commission on Protected Areas Oceania Newsletter No. 1

Following the Australian bush fire beginning of 2020, 34 people lost their lives as well as many homes and properties in this bush fire and a vast number of wild and domestic animals. Climate change that was driven by unequalled scorching summer together with a prolonged drought rages into catastrophic fires in the eastern of Australia. This severe summer heat is taking a toll on the Great Barrier Reef. In addition of this year's tragedy events, the outbreak of the COVID-19 is causing a havoc around the world. This virus/disease causing the world to go into pandemic mode. So here at SPREP some of the meetings, conferences are postpones until further notice.