By Harry Jonas: Co-chair of the IUCN WCPA Specialist Group on OECMs, Sr. Director of Conservation Areas at WWF and Stephen Woodley: Co-chair of the IUCN WCPA Specialist Group on OECMs, WCPA Vice Chair of Science and Biodiversity.

The world is currently working towards achieving an important global target that calls for the conservation of at least 30% of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. This target, often referred to as the “30x30 target”, was agreed as part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which contains 22 other biodiversity-related targets. Considering the intense loss of biodiversity, achieving this target is critical for the survival of all life forms on Earth.

By Cyril Kormos, Executive Director Wild Heritage, Prof. Brendan Mackey, Director Climate Action Beacon, Griffith University, Australia, and Virginia Young, Policy Director, Australian Rainforest Conservation Society.

As the world races to meet the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an important message is becoming clear: biodiversity alone is not enough. In this feature, ecosystem integrity is explored as an essential for sustaining life on Earth. With discussions on primary forests coming into focus at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, this article makes the case for putting primary ecosystems at the heart of global policy.

By Raquel Jiménez Acosta, Karen Armengol Hernández, from Reforestamos México (IUCN Member organisation)

In a world where the environmental crisis demands urgent collective action, ensuring safe civic spaces, both physical and digital, is essential for conservation. These spaces are the heartbeat of collective action, allowing individuals and organisations to participate in environmental decision-making without fear of reprisals. Without them, a fundamental tool for change is lost, as they drive citizen participation and the development of sustainable solutions.

IUCN is committed to making the Congress as accessible as possible by offering a two-tiered fee structure. Lower registration fees are available for participants from Low-and Middle-Income countries, for young professionals and youth.

Showcase your work & have an impact on conservation in the Exhibition

Want to inspire change and drive action towards a more sustainable future? Don’t miss the opportunity to book your booth or pavilion in the Exhibition at IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025. c.90 exhibitors are already confirmed, and the Exhibition will soon be fully booked.

Follow this link to the Exhibitor Portal to reserve your space.

By Dr. Timm Döbert, Member of IUCN CEC and WCPA

Migratory birds are nature’s ultimate endurance athletes - and their stories have the power to inspire action across borders. In this visionary piece, Timm Döbert shares how the Wings of Survival initiative blends elite sport, storytelling, and conservation science to ignite public engagement and protect critical ecosystems along global flyways.

By Dolly Wong, Member of IUCN CEESP, CEC, CCC | UN IATT

A remarkable wild silk moth, once seen as a pest, is now at the heart of a thriving nature-positive initiative that blends biodiversity, women’s empowerment, and cultural heritage. Rooted in Javanese philosophy and backed by decades of cross-cultural collaboration, Dolly Wong, Member of IUCN CEESP, CEC and CCC, explains how The Royal Golden Cocoon of Java is a powerful example of how open science and local stewardship can drive truly regenerative economies.

By Helen Kopnina, Professor at Northumbria University, IUCN CEC Commission Member.

What if the next big conservation breakthrough began not in a lab or boardroom, but in a classroom? In this timely blog, Helen Kopnina, Professor at Northumbria University and IUCN CEC member, challenges the foundations of conventional management education and calls for a radical shift toward eco-centric learning. This blog explores how arts-based eco-pedagogy can cultivate future business leaders who prioritise ecological integrity and regenerative thinking.