IUCN Congress 2025: Global Conservation Outcomes

Strengthening Global Conservation Through IUCN Congress Outcomes

Why in the News?

The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 concluded in Abu Dhabi, bringing together over 10,000 delegates to adopt key resolutions addressing biodiversity loss, climate threats, and environmental crime, while launching the Abu Dhabi Call to Action outlining a 20-year vision for sustainable global conservation. This event showcased efforts towards an inclusive digital future in conservation and addressed climate change inequities.

IUCN Congress 2025: Global Conservation Outcomes

Key Highlights of the Abu Dhabi Congress:

  • The IUCN World Conservation Congress ended after a week of deliberations focused on a renewed global conservation agenda.
  • Over 10,000 delegates from governments, NGOs, Indigenous communities, and research institutions participated, demonstrating a commitment to participatory governance in environmental issues.
  • The Congress adopted landmark resolutions to address biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental crime.
  • Motion 108 was passed with over 90% support, aiming to regulate the capture and trade of wild animals in the pet industry.
  • Motion 87 created a framework for the responsible use of synthetic biology, ensuring ethical and scientific safeguards in conservation.

Major Conservation Initiatives and Resolutions

  • For the first time, Motion 42 addressed fossil fuel phaseout, supported by WWF and the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, promoting a just transition from coal, oil, and gas and addressing climate justice concerns.
  • The Abu Dhabi Call to Action was unveiled, presenting IUCN’s 20-year vision and four-year plan on climate resilience, biodiversity recovery, and nature-positive innovation.
  • Zimbabwe’s reinstatement as an IUCN member reflected renewed commitment to national conservation goals and efforts to bridge the north-south disparity in global conservation efforts.
  • The World Heritage Outlook 2025 revealed that only 57% of natural World Heritage sites now have a positive conservation outlook, declining from 62% in 2020, highlighting the ongoing challenges in preserving global heritage.
  • Factors such as climate change, invasive species, and emerging diseases were identified as major threats to global ecosystems, emphasizing the need for more effective multilateral action.

About IUCN :
● IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland.
● It brings together states, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and researchers to advance sustainable nature conservation.
● IUCN maintains the Red List of Threatened Species, a key global indicator of biodiversity health.
● The World Conservation Congress is held every four years, providing a platform to guide global conservation priorities.
● Dr. John G. Robinson was honored as IUCN Honorary Member for his four decades of leadership in wildlife conservation and sustainable use of resources, contributing to the organization’s efforts to address global environmental challenges.