Source: DTE
Context: India will unveil its first-ever Red List of Endangered Species at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
About IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025:
What it is?
- The IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) is a quadrennial (every 4 year) global summit organised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- It brings together governments, civil society, scientists, indigenous groups, and private sector leaders to decide global priorities for nature conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.
- It is regarded as the world’s largest and most influential conservation policy forum.
Host Country: United Arab Emirates
History:
- The first IUCN Congress was held in 1948, soon after IUCN’s founding.
- India has been an IUCN State Member since 1969.
- The previous Congress took place in Marseille, France (2021) — focusing on post-COVID recovery, biodiversity loss, and the climate emergency.
Themes of IUCN Congress 2025:
The Abu Dhabi Congress will focus on five transformative themes to drive the global conservation roadmap:
- Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action – Expanding effective ecosystem restoration and species protection efforts.
- Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks – Accelerating climate mitigation to prevent irreversible ecological tipping points.
- Delivering on Equity – Ensuring inclusive, just, and community-driven conservation.
- Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies and Societies – Promoting sustainable production, circular economy, and green finance.
- Disruptive Innovation and Leadership for Conservation – Harnessing technology, AI, and youth leadership for conservation breakthroughs.
Participants:
- Over 9,000 global delegates including heads of state, scientists, policy experts, and business leaders.
- Representation from major multilateral organisations such as CBD, UNFCCC, Ramsar Convention, and UNEP.
Key Features:
- Global Voting Forum: IUCN’s 1,400+ member organisations vote on resolutions guiding global conservation policy.
- Marketplace for Innovation: A platform for research, technology, and nature-based solutions exchange.
- Networking Hub: Connects scientists, NGOs, policymakers, and corporations for joint conservation action.
- Public Outreach: Engages the wider public through exhibitions, film screenings, and educational events.
- Outcome Document: Adoption of a Global Conservation Declaration guiding 2030 biodiversity targets.
