IUCN Arabia Pavilion Showcases Regional Leadership and Innovation during First Five Days of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

From 9–13 October, the Pavilion brought together ministers, scientists, youth, Indigenous peoples, private sector leaders, and civil society representatives to explore transformative solutions across a wide range of conservation priorities. Discussions focused on advancing the “30 by 30” target through strengthened regional cooperation, launching the Gulf of Aqaba coral reef programme as a model for marine conservation, and scaling nature-positive solutions through innovative financing mechanisms such as carbon markets and blended finance.

The Pavilion also shone a spotlight on women’s leadership in grassroots climate action from Petra and Southern Jordan, while sessions on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies explored how innovation is reshaping restoration efforts and conservation impact measurement. Strategic collaborations were another key focus, with the IUCN–NCVC–Tilad partnership on rangeland restoration and the MENA Oceans Initiative’s efforts to expand marine protection taking center stage. Youth engagement featured prominently throughout, with interactive sessions on next-generation conservation, transformative storytelling, and shaping future environmental policies.

IUCN ROWA extends its sincere gratitude to its Silver Sponsors, PwC and Strategy&, and Bronze Sponsor, Tilad Business Holding, whose generous support has been instrumental in bringing the Pavilion to life and enabling meaningful regional conversations throughout the Congress.

During the Congress, the Union also proudly welcomed new Members from the region, further strengthening the IUCN network. The newly admitted Members are: Institute of The Environment–University of Balamand; Al Matn Organization for Environment and Sustainable Development; Qatar Foundation; Association for Community & Environment; The Friends of the Cedar Forest Committee; Beekeepers Cooperative Society in Jenin Governorate; Engineering Association for Development and Environment (EADE); Nature Care Association (NCA); Faculty of Agronomy; Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture Office in Al-Ahsa; Hikûmeta Herêma Kurdistanê; and Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund LLC.

This Congress witnessed the recognition of the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority for its recent designation as a Biosphere Reserve, marking a significant step in advancing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to conservation and sustainable development.

Building on this achievement, the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority (KARRDA) and IUCN ROWA announced a new global initiative to strengthen ranger capacity and enhance protected area management. Launched during the World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, this collaboration directly supports Target 3 of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to conserve 30% of the planet’s lands and seas by 2030. In partnership with the International Ranger Federation (IRF) and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), the initiative will help establish a comprehensive Ranger Capacity Development Programme, setting a new benchmark for conservation excellence worldwide.

Two important agreements were also signed during the Congress. The Memorandum of Understanding between IUCN and the Lebanese University establishes a framework for collaboration on conservation, research, and capacity-building in areas such as sustainable development, water pollution, and environmental law. In parallel, a strategic agreement between IUCN and NetZero focuses on joint restoration projects, piloting innovative tools such as the REMDY system for ecological and carbon monitoring, and scaling restoration initiatives across Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.

Additionally, the Kurdistan Regional Government delivered remarks at the Pavilion, expressing their appreciation to the IUCN Regional Office for West Asia and reaffirming their commitment to conservation and sustainable development.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 is taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 9–15 October 2025, bringing together thousands of leaders, experts, and stakeholders from around the world to shape the future of conservation. Through its Forum (9–12 October), Exhibition (9–13 October), and Members’ Assembly (13–15 October), the Congress is addressing critical themes including resilient conservation action, climate overshoot risks, equity, nature-positive economies, and disruptive innovation.

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About IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and 15,000 experts. IUCN provides public, private, and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools to enable human progress, economic development, and nature conservation to take place together.

About IUCN ROWA

The IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), based in Amman, Jordan, supports Members and partners across the region to implement impactful conservation programmes, strengthen governance, and advance inclusive, science-based approaches to biodiversity protection and sustainable development.