Summary of the impact

Research at Imperial College led to the saiga antelope being included in the World Conservation Union's Red List at the highest level, Critically Endangered (2001). Imperial research underpinned the Medium Term International Work Programme (MTIWP) for the species under the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS, 2006, 2010). It led to the formation of the Saiga Conservation Alliance (UK registered charity since 2010), and supported conservation interventions carried out in the five range states, including public education, alternative livelihoods, improved law enforcement, better scientific monitoring by governments and NGOs, and improved capacity of in-country scientists. Recipients range from Government ministers to local communities. The global saiga population increased by almost 190% between 2006 and 2012 as a result of these conservation efforts [section 5, source F]. The conservation processes set in place as a result of Imperial research are now seen as a model of best practice within the CMS.

Summary of the impact

Emerging from investigations of social exclusion during the 1990s, the Unit's research into minority rights has led to outputs and consultancy ranging across political participation, identity, rights protection and international criminal law. The impact claimed here falls in two main channels. Firstly, research on socio-economic group rights, amplified by Castellino's work as co-chair of the relevant UN delegated group, has made a significant input into the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2015-30. Secondly, research has been incorporated into practice and capacity- building through projects involving judiciaries, advocates, statutory bodies, and NGOs. Beneficiaries include the public across 194 states who will benefit from implementation of SDGs over their 15 years lifespan; and civil society bodies and their users.

Summary of the impact

Research on the livelihoods of post-trafficked women in Nepal, co-produced with the women themselves, has produced three significant impacts by:

1. Informing and influencing policy debate and formation within Nepali government organisations and NGOs, and with international donors and agencies working in the region, on post-trafficking development challenges.
2. Building capacity amongst post-trafficked women to enhance their self-advocacy and influence as they secure their livelihoods and claim citizenship rights in Nepal.
3. Raising public awareness and changing conventional wisdom about post-trafficking livelihoods, locally and internationally, enabling women and their advocates to challenge their exclusion.

Summary of the impact

Research on sexual and gender inequalities in accessing citizenship has produced significant impacts by:

• Informing and influencing policy debate and formation in the UK and EU, and within Nepali governmental organisations, NGOs, and with international donors and agencies working in the region.
• Assisting the development of advocacy and policy implementation on sexualities equalities in the UK through capacity building in local authorities, healthcare, voluntary and community organisations, and on post-trafficking citizenship issues through capacity building in NGOs concerned with human rights in Nepal and internationally.

Summary of the impact

Research for the UNESCO trans-national World Heritage nomination of the Silk Roads led to a radical new policy framework for undertaking serial nominations (thematic groups of sites across state boundaries). The `Silk Roads Thematic Study' transformed the attitudes of governments and heritage agencies in the region and had a major impact on conservation, management, interpretation and heritage tourism. This study was supported by a long-term site-specific project undertaken at the ancient city of Merv in Turkmenistan. By developing education strategies with local teachers and transforming national approaches to heritage (through conservation training, management planning, and interpretation) the `Ancient Merv Project' is now an exemplar of best practice throughout the Silk Roads World Heritage Project.