UAE prepares to host the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress, emphasising innovation and global collaboration

The United Arab Emirates is getting ready to host the 2025 International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress, scheduled to take place from October 9 to 15 in Abu Dhabi. This high-profile global gathering, which happens only once every four years, is expected to bring together leaders from governments, indigenous communities, civil society organizations, businesses, and academia from around the world to tackle urgent environmental issues. The focus will be on developing transformative, science-based solutions that balance protecting nature with sustainable growth—highlighting the UAE’s rising role as a significant player in global environmental efforts.

Building on its long-standing partnership with IUCN—going back to 2001—the UAE has been actively backing key conservation initiatives, like supporting the Conservation Translocation Specialist Group and the Species Survival Commission. This collaboration has helped boost worldwide efforts, including funding the Species Pavilion at the 2008 Congress in Barcelona. It’s clear that the UAE’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and sharing knowledge is long-standing and quite impactful.

The 2025 Congress plans to zero in on five main themes: scaling up resilient conservation actions, reducing risks related to climate overshoot, promoting fairness and inclusion, shifting toward nature-positive economies and societies, and encouraging disruptive innovation and leadership for conservation. These themes aim to speed up the implementation of global biodiversity strategies and cut emissions, ensuring that both nature and humans benefit together.

Hosting the Congress in Abu Dhabi isn’t just symbolic; it showcases the UAE’s deep-rooted environmental vision, inspired by the legacy of its founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Back in the 1970s, he began efforts to protect endangered species and curb illegal wild bird hunting—early steps that laid the groundwork for today’s extensive conservation programs. Now, the country manages 49 protected areas, covering about 15.5% of its land, and dedicates substantial resources toward restoring and conserving coastal and marine ecosystems.

The UAE is also pushing forward with innovative climate tech projects like the Nabat AI platform, the Jaywun marine research vessel, and the Plant Genetic Resources Centre. These initiatives exemplify how the country combines traditional ecological knowledge with cutting-edge science to support the reintroduction of threatened species such as the Arabian oryx and dugong. The goal is to boost ecosystem resilience on a larger scale, which is pretty impressive.

During the Congress, there will be major updates announced related to the IUCN’s Red Lists—covering threatened species and potentially assessing the status of world heritage sites. Around 200 resolutions are expected to be proposed and debated by participants, reflecting the broad scope of global conservation challenges and the urgent need for collective action driven by shared policies.

Under the patronage of the UAE President, the event anticipates attracting over 10,000 participants from more than 160 countries. It’s set to serve as a vital platform for fostering international cooperation, exchanging knowledge, and crafting policy innovations—solidifying the UAE’s reputation as a hub for addressing pressing environmental crises.

The UAE’s approach emphasizes the importance of shared responsibility for caring for the planet, promoting sustainable development that benefits both current and future generations. By blending science, tradition, and policy, and encouraging partnerships between public and private sectors, the country is setting a strong example of environmental leadership in the Gulf region and beyond.

Looking forward, the Congress aims to spur decisive global action on biodiversity and climate resilience. It’s positioned to accelerate the transition toward nature-positive economies—where economic progress aligns with the restoration and protection of natural ecosystems. This bold agenda aligns closely with the UAE’s national priorities, sustainable vision, and commitments to the environment.

All in all, the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi marks a critical moment for uniting efforts around innovation and sustainable development. It’s a chance to highlight the UAE’s impressive environmental legacy and its ongoing dedication to pioneering solutions to biodiversity loss, climate change, and ecosystem degradation worldwide.

Source: Noah Wire Services