IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 concluded in Abu Dhabi, marking a historic milestone in global environmental governance. For the first time hosted in the Middle East, the event gathered policymakers, scientists, conservationists, Indigenous leaders, and youth representatives to design a unified conservation roadmap under the vision-“Nature 2030: One Nature, One Future”.
The Congress adopted 148 motions, established a 20-year Vision (till 2045), and approved a Quadrennial Programme (2026–2029) aligned with major global environmental frameworks- including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Paris Agreement, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key Highlights
- Adoption of “Nature 2030: One Nature, One Future” programme.
- Launch of the Abu Dhabi Call to Action, outlining 5 principles for transformation.
- Secured ISO 20121:2024 certification for sustainability compliance — first global conservation event to achieve this.
- Adoption of 148 motions addressing biodiversity, climate, governance, and justice.
- Strengthened link between biodiversity, climate change, public health, and equity.
Themes of IUCN Congress 2025
The Congress focused on five transformative themes to redefine global conservation priorities:
- Scaling Up Resilient Conservation Action – Expanding restoration of ecosystems and species recovery.
- Reducing Climate Overshoot Risks – Preventing irreversible ecological tipping points.
- Delivering on Equity – Promoting inclusive, just, and community-driven conservation.
- Transitioning to Nature-Positive Economies – Advancing green finance and circular economy.
- Disruptive Innovation and Leadership – Leveraging AI, digital tools, and youth engagement in conservation.
Abu Dhabi Call to Action – Five Principles for Transformation
| Principle | Description |
| 1. Reaffirming Nature as Foundation | Recognize nature’s role in human well-being, culture, and sustainable development. |
| 2. Strengthening Multilateralism | Align national and global policies with nature-positive goals through collective accountability. |
| 3. Ensuring Justice and Inclusive Participation | Empower women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and defenders of nature in decision-making. |
| 4. Advancing Science, Knowledge & Innovation | Integrate scientific, Indigenous, and traditional knowledge systems for evidence-based policy. |
| 5. Scaling Up and Aligning Resources | Redirect financial flows to climate-resilient economies and phase out environmentally harmful subsidies. |
20-Year Strategic Vision (2025–2045): Unite for Nature
The Congress endorsed a long-term vision till 2045, aiming to:
- Conserve the integrity and diversity of nature,
- Ensure equitable and sustainable use of resources, and
- Integrate biodiversity, climate, water, food, and health systems under the One Health approach.
The framework links ecological sustainability with social equity and economic justice, reaffirming nature’s role in achieving the SDGs, Paris Climate Goals, and Biodiversity Framework 2030.
Quadrennial Programme (2026–2029): “Nature 2030 Implementation Phase”
- Operational plan for measurable biodiversity outcomes by 2030.
- Aligns with global milestones under the Kunming-Montreal Framework.
- Focus on scaling conservation impact, mobilising green finance, and enhancing governance.
Key Policy Motions Adopted (Highlights)
| Motion No. | Focus Area | Key Decision |
| 42 – Fossil Fuel Phaseout | Climate & Energy | Calls for a just global phaseout of coal, oil, and gas production – a first for IUCN. |
| 108 – Wildlife Pet Trade | Wildlife Protection | Advocates replacing permissive “negative list” systems with a risk-based, proactive regulation framework. |
| 133 – Synthetic Biology | Emerging Technologies | Enforces precautionary moratorium on environmental release of synthetic organisms, including gene drives. |
| 61 – Crime of Ecocide | International Law | Recognizes ecocide as an international crime under the International Criminal Court (ICC). |
| One Health Motion | Integrated Approach | Mainstreams One Health linking biodiversity, human health, and climate resilience. |
| Synthetic Biology Policy | Governance | Introduces the first-ever IUCN Policy on Synthetic Biology and Nature Conservation to balance benefits and ecological risks. |
IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025 (Outlook 4)
- Reports that climate change is the greatest threat to natural World Heritage sites.
- 43% of such sites face climate-induced risks.
- Only 57% of sites have a positive conservation outlook — a decline from 62% in 2020.
- Urgent call for stronger governance, enhanced funding, and recognition of Indigenous stewardship in conservation.
Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs)
- Hosted the first World Summit of Indigenous Peoples and Nature.
- Transitioned from “consultation” to “co-creation” in policy and implementation.
- Emphasized rights-based conservation, cultural knowledge, and community-led governance.
- Introduced the idea of “Scaling Deep” – prioritizing cultural and behavioral transformation over quantitative metrics.
India’s Leadership and Contributions
- Launched:National Red List Roadmap Vision 2025–2030
- Developed by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Botanical Survey of India (BSI), and IUCN-India.
- Aims to assess ~11,000 species of plants and animals by 2030.
- Aligns with the global Abu Dhabi mandate on advancing science-based conservation.
- Leadership Recognition:
- Vivek Menon, Indian wildlife conservationist, elected as Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) (2025–2029).
- First-ever Asian to lead the SSC in its 75-year history.
- Reinforces India’s position as one of the 17 megadiverse countries, home to 4 of 36 global biodiversity hotspots.
Significance of Congress
- Strengthens multilateral cooperation for global biodiversity protection.
- Sets benchmarks for nature-positive development and sustainable financing.
- Aligns IUCN’s conservation vision with Paris Climate Agreement and SDG 2030 Agenda.
- Positions the UAE as a new hub for sustainability and environmental diplomacy.
- Recognizes climate change, ecocide, and wildlife trade as interlinked planetary crises demanding integrated solutions.
Key Facts
| Topic | Key Facts |
| IUCN Full Form | International Union for Conservation of Nature |
| Founded | 1948 |
| Headquarters | Gland, Switzerland |
| Membership | 189 countries; includes governments, NGOs, and international agencies |
| Objective | To influence, encourage, and assist societies to conserve nature and ensure sustainable use of natural resources |
| Flagship Publications | IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (launched 1964) |
| IUCN Red List Categories | Extinct (EX), Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN), Vulnerable (VU), Near Threatened (NT), Least Concern (LC), Data Deficient (DD), Not Evaluated (NE) |
| Last Congress Venue (2021) | Marseille, France; it is held once-every-four-years |
| Next Congress (2030) | To be announced |
| ISO 20121 Certification | International standard for sustainable event management |
| One Health Concept | Integrates human, animal, and ecosystem health for disease prevention and sustainable development |
| Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) | Adopted in 2022 under CBD COP15 – aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 |
| Paris Agreement Year | 2015 (COP21, Paris) |
| India’s Biodiversity Hotspots | Himalaya, Indo-Burma, Western Ghats, Sundaland (Nicobar Islands) |