Over five days, the Americas Pavilion showcased how the region is shaping global conservation, through Indigenous leadership, cutting-edge science, innovative finance, and partnerships that link local action to global ambition. 

On a crisp winter morning in Brest, France, African island innovation stood proudly on the global stage. What began months ago as a bold idea within the IslandPlas project — had now reached the world’s largest Ocean Hackathon arena. 

By Genovefa Feksi

In 2022, UNEA 5 adopted a resolution mandating the development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Three years later, plastic pollution was still a central topic in Nairobi, where IUCN led a legal training on the matter for a…

IUCN Director General Dr Grethel Aguilar delivered IUCN’s statement to the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya (UNEA-7) during the General Debate on 12 December 2025. Read the full statement below. 

As the world works toward an international, legally binding instrument on plastics, IUCN and GRID-Arendal, through generous Norad support, are helping empower five African nations´ negotiations for a strong global treaty.

Today, we join the celebration of the Mediterranean Day, a moment to honour our shared sea and the cooperation that unites the region. This year is especially meaningful, as it marks the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, a milestone in strengthening…