IUCN World Conservation Congress
IUCN World Conservation Congress takes place every four years. It is the world’s largest and most inclusive biodiversity summit, bringing together world leaders and representatives from governments, science, academia, Indigenous peoples’ groups, non-governmental organizations, regional and local authorities and businesses to help address the world’s most pressing environmental and sustainability challenges.
Wetlands International is a member of IUCN and has co-sponsored and will vote on motions during the Congress. Find us at our shared booth with Commonland and our events below.
Our events at IUCN WCC
Advancing the Marine Conservation Breakthrough: Connecting Global Action to Scale Marine Nature-Based Solutions
Date: 9 October
Time: 15:00-16:00
Location: International Coral Reef Initiative
This session will emphasize the role of cross-sectoral partnerships, bringing stakeholders from finance, policy, and science in powering the 2030 Marine Conservation Breakthrough, and showcase how coastal and marine ecosystems can drive progress on both global biodiversity and climate goals.
Managing our Mangroves: lessons in conservation and restoration from the UAE and beyond
Date: 10 October
Time: 08:30 – 10:30
Location: Conference Hall B: Session Room 11
This interactive hands on session will delve into current practices in mangrove restoration showcasing case studies from Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates, Qatar, Philippines, Guinea-Bissau and more, discussing what has worked, what hasn’t and why, highlighting the importance of adopting a science-based and community centered approach.
Inspiring stories of transformative collaboration to advance conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems
Date: 11 October
Time: 14:00-15:00
Location: IUCN Programme 2026-2029 Pavilion – R1
This session will outline the state of mangrove ecosystems from around the world, and highlight transformative tools and approaches to drive collective impacts towards global, regional and national goals.
The Freshwater Challenge: Accelerating freshwater ecosystem conservation and restoration
Date: 11 October
Time: 16:00-17:00
Location: Hall 4C: Session Room 3
Explore how this country-led initiative drives freshwater ecosystem restoration and conservation, contributing to 30×30. Connect with IUCN members, from both countries and civil society organizations, who unite to advance the Freshwater Challenge. Discover solutions, success stories, and ways to help restore millions of hectares of rivers, lakes, and wetlands globally.
Global Upscaling of Holistic (Integrated) Landscape Management and Restoration
Date: 11 October
Time: 17:00-17:45
Location: IDEA Campaign and IUCN ENCA
The session will highlight the critical importance of Holistic Landscape Management and Restoration and its role in bridging conservation, restoration, and regenerative agriculture, looking into practical applications, key barriers, and opportunities for global upscaling, with special attention for developments in relation to landscape finance.
Blue Nature – From conservation to sustainable financing for improved livelihoods
Date: 12 October
Time: 14:00-15:00
Location: IUCN Africa
Successful conservation stories are embedded in sound scientific knowledge and long-term and sustainable financing options. The human element should be part of the equation, ensuring that livelihood options are prioritized. Come engage in a conversation that will highlight holistic ecosystem management approaches, the needed science and financing models being used.
Resources
A list of publications
