Nature-Positive Vibes at the IUCN World Conservation Congress

As the forum segment of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 concluded in Abu Dhabi, I’m confident the delegates, like myself, left with a sense of renewed clarity and shared purpose. What began as a week of ambitious pledges evolved into a collective movement toward measurable impact. Hosted by the United Arab Emirates and co-organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi (EAD), the Congress gathered more than 10,000 participants from governments, civil society, Indigenous communities, academia, and the private sector. Across the Members’ Assembly, Forum, and Exhibition, discussions centered on how ambition transforms into action and how local leadership can shape global outcomes.

Over the past few days, the UAE Pavilion emerged as a hub of innovation and exchange, highlighting the nation’s long-standing relationship with nature and its growing leadership in climate and biodiversity diplomacy. Sessions ranged from cross-sector climate adaptation and freshwater resilience to marine megafauna conservation and green finance. The energy across the venue reflected both urgency and much-needed optimism. Panels on urban design, biodiversity credits, and youth engagement reinforced that conservation is no longer a niche pursuit but the cornerstone of a sustainable future integrating environmental, social, and economic well-being.

Collaboration at the Heart of Conservation Success

Across plenaries and pavilions, one message was clear: conservation success depends on collaboration. Leaders emphasized that protecting biodiversity requires not only scientific expertise but also equitable partnerships and financing that reflect the value of natural capital.

“Today demonstrated how integrated governance across government, business, and communities turns commitments into measurable outcomes,” said Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

The UAE’s approach, linking climate and nature action with food, water, health, and jobs, was repeatedly cited as a model for progress that benefits both people and planet.

The Challenge and the Opportunity

New reports released during the Congress underscored both the scale of the challenge and the opportunity for collective action. The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4, published on October 11, revealed that climate change now threatens 43% of the world’s natural World Heritage sites, an alarming rise that surpasses all other threats. Invasive species, pathogens, and unsustainable tourism are compounding risks, yet the report also offered evidence of resilience where local engagement and effective management have taken root. These findings echoed throughout the Forum, where discussions on blended finance, rights-based conservation, and the integration of Indigenous knowledge called for systemic change.

The Next Generation Shapes the Future

Youth and community voices have been among the most inspiring elements of this Congress. From panels on green jobs and mentorship to sessions on women in water governance and Indigenous-led restoration, the next generation is not waiting to inherit the future, they are actively shaping it. Initiatives like “The Invisible Thread,” hosted by EAD and featuring young innovators such as Sheikha Osha Bint Mohamed Al Nahyan, underscored the importance of collaboration across generations to sustain long-term conservation leadership.

As the Congress transitions from the Forum to its Members’ Assembly, participants carry forward not just a list of commitments, but shared accountability. The days ahead will focus on scaling up marine resilience, financing mechanisms, and youth-driven innovation. The collective call emerging from Abu Dhabi is for conservation that is inclusive, data-driven, and deeply human.

In the words of Kristina Gjerde, “The younger generation are the greatest hope for the planet.” Her sentiment encapsulates the spirit of this Congress, a recognition that while challenges are immense, our potential for transformation is greater still. The energy and collaboration witnessed this week remind the global community that conservation is not only a scientific pursuit but also a profound act of hope.

A Few Personal Favorites and Takeaways (In No Particular Order)

The Ocean Stewardship Award

The launch of the Ocean Stewardship Award, created by renowned ocean advocate Kristina Gjerde and her family with the support of Synchronicity Earth. Designed to empower early-career professionals safeguarding the high seas and deep ocean, the award pairs financial assistance with mentorship and global networking. “The younger generation are the greatest hope for the planet,” Gjerde noted, echoing the intergenerational spirit that defined this year’s Congress. As the ocean covers more than two-thirds of the planet, this initiative represents a pivotal step in equipping the next wave of leaders to protect our planet’s most expansive ecosystem.

25 Years of Biodiversity Hotspots

The 25-year re-evaluation of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. When I was at Conservation International more than twenty years ago, the newly released Hotspots book was pure inspiration, a framework for understanding where life on Earth is most irreplaceable and most at risk. Now, a quarter century later, hearing Russ Mittermeier and others present a comprehensive update to these global hotspots was nostalgic and deeply motivating. Funded by the Hempel Foundation and led by IUCN with partners including Re:wild, ZSL, BGCI, CEPF, and Newcastle University, the new data will reshape conservation priorities for decades, ensuring that we protect not only nature but the communities who depend on it.

Red Sea Research Excellence

The SHAMS and ICRI research in the Red Sea deserves far greater global attention. From advancing coral bleaching monitoring and standardizing regional data to valuing the Red Sea’s reefs as natural capital in policy frameworks, these efforts are defining what effective science-policy collaboration looks like. SHAMS and ICRI are proving that coral conservation, innovation, and community partnership can thrive together. I’m genuinely looking forward to future collaboration.

Deep Sea Protection

It was great to see growing attention toward the protection of the deep sea, one of the planet’s most mysterious and vulnerable frontiers. Initiatives like Motion 32, which aims to protect seamounts and other vulnerable marine ecosystems, and Motion 35, focused on safeguarding the mesopelagic zone, show that we are finally prioritizing the deep ocean amid rising threats from mining, military, and industrial activities. Organizations such as the Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative deserve continued spotlight.

Save Our Seas Foundation

Shoutout to the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF).

Green Sea Turtle Victory

A conservation victory: the IUCN Red List officially reclassified the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) from Endangered to Least Concern. A milestone and a powerful reminder that conservation works.

Reconnecting Across the Planet

And finally, reconnecting with colleagues and friends from across the planet after more than a quarter of a century. From private-sector innovators to marine scientists, from conservationists in hospitality to deep-sea researchers, these exchanges reignited my optimism. The conversations and friendships formed here are the fuel I needed to turn burnout into inspiration. We all play a part in the same, enormous, shared goal.

Written by: Giacomo Abrusci, SEVENSEAS Media