At the heart of these discussions at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, is the urgent need to address dangerous climate “overshoot” risks and take ambitious, fair action to protect both nature and people.
As the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi moves into its key Members' Assembly phase, the global conservation community is focusing on the growing threats from climate change and the creative solutions needed to tackle them.
After four days of sharing knowledge in the Forum, delegates are now preparing to vote on important motions that will shape IUCN’s policies and programs for the coming years.
At the heart of these discussions is the urgent need to address dangerous climate “overshoot” risks and take ambitious, fair action to protect both nature and people.
The week began with a serious warning from the new IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4 report, which shows that climate change is now the biggest threat to natural World Heritage sites. Nearly 43% of these priceless locations are now considered highly endangered.
The report highlights how rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are worsening other problems, such as invasive species spreading and an increase in wildlife and plant diseases. In response, technology is being recognized as a key tool for turning things around.
The first-ever Tech4Nature Awards celebrated innovative solutions, including low-cost AI-powered drones for ecosystem restoration and mobile apps that help prevent endangered species from being accidentally caught by fishers.
Alongside technological solutions, new financing initiatives are gaining attention, reflecting a move toward nature-positive economies. On October 11, the IUCN and Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) Development Bank launched the Forest Action Facility (FAF) with €19 million in initial funding to support forest restoration projects across Latin America.
Similarly, the Worldwide Alliance for Landscape-based Decarbonization (WALD) Innovation Facility was announced to back high-quality carbon projects. Both initiatives aim to restore ecosystems, create green jobs, and support communities on the front lines of conservation.
At the same time, delegates are discussing governance reforms, including motions to formally include fair fossil fuel phaseouts in conservation policy, recognizing how fossil fuels drive biodiversity loss and the need for a fair transition to cleaner energy.
As the week moves toward critical decisions, the congress is sending a clear message of urgency, innovation, and fairness. The shift from the discussion-focused Forum to the decision-making Assembly shows that it is no longer just about ideas, it is time for action.
The votes on motions covering climate risks, fossil fuel policies, and other conservation priorities will send a strong signal to governments and industries about what the global conservation community sees as urgent and important in the lead-up to 2030.
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