IUCN World Congress
Context:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has updated its Red List of Threatened Species, highlighting that Arctic seals and several bird species are under rising threat due to climate change and human activity.
UPSC Relevance:
Environment Organization
Q. Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora? (2011)
(a) Biosphere Reserve
(b) Botanical Garden
(c) National Park
(d) Wildlife Sanctuary
About IUCN World Congress:
Held once every four years, the IUCN World Conservation Congress brings together several thousand leaders and decision-makers from government, civil society, indigenous peoples, business, and academia, with the goal of conserving the environment and harnessing the solutions nature offers to global challenges.
- The next IUCN World Conservation Congress will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 9 to 15 October 2025.
A Congress with three components:
- The Forum is a hub of public debate, bringing together people from all walks of life to discuss the world’s most pressing conservation and sustainability challenges.
- The Members’ Assembly is IUCN’s highest decision-making body. A unique global environmental parliament, it involves governments and NGOs – large and small, national and international – taking joint decisions on conservation and sustainability.
- In the Exhibition, IUCN Members and Commissions, businesses, partners, and academia host stands and events.
Congress history:
- The Congress only consisted of the Members’ Assembly of all IUCN member organizations.
- Since 1996, the Congress has grown to include the Forum, open to all, to debate major sustainable development issues, propose solutions and facilitate the sharing of information and experiences.
India Initiative in IUCN World Congress:
- Union MoS Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh leads Indian Delegation at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi and launches India’s National Red List Roadmap.
- India has launched the National Red List Assessment initiative to fulfil commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Aim: To develop a National Red List of threatened species in line with IUCN Red List standards.
- Roadmap: The National Red List Roadmap and Vision 2025–2030 provide strategic direction for the programme.
