IUCN and the United Arab Emirates Strengthen Their Collaboration in Preparation for the Upcoming World Conservation Congress

San José, Costa Rica, June 6, 2024. The IUCN World Conservation Congress, the world’s largest and most important conservation event, offers the global community a unique opportunity to collectively address the triple planetary crises of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change, setting the course to achieve the goals outlined in the Global Biodiversity Framework. The next World Conservation Congress will take place from October 9 to 15, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, an IUCN State Member since 2020.

In preparation for the Congress, a delegation from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, led by H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and accompanied by H.E. Rawdha Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to Costa Rica, visited the IUCN Regional Office for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean to discuss key areas of collaboration.

Dr. Abdullah Al Dahak acknowledged the importance of the partnership between IUCN and the United Arab Emirates, particularly highlighting the collaboration established through the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) Project. This project, implemented by the IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) in collaboration with the IUCN Global Species Programme and the Mediterranean Cooperation Centre, and funded by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, provides essential information to decision-makers for the identification and monitoring of KBAs as sites of importance for the global persistence of biodiversity.

Among the potential areas of collaboration identified during the meeting, water resource management stands out as a critical issue for the Mesoamerica and Caribbean region. The UAE has extensive knowledge and experience to share in applying innovative strategies and technologies. Another key area identified is the research, restoration, and conservation of mangroves, one of the planet's most valuable and threatened ecosystems, as indicated by the first global assessment of mangroves for the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems.

Jubail Mangrove Park, Abu Dhabi. One of the key goals of Jubail Mangrove Park is to attract visitors to encourage them to explore and understand the vital role mangroves play in helping keep the world’s natural habitat abundant. @Abu Dhabi Media Office​

“The collaboration between IUCN and the UAE holds great potential for driving significant advancements in environmental conservation and sustainable development. By leveraging our combined expertise and resources, we can address pressing environmental challenges more effectively. As we look forward to the 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, we are excited about the opportunities for deepening our partnership and fostering a more sustainable future for our planet”, noted Úrsula Parrilla, IUCN Regional Director for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.