Taking into account the current health situation, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has decided to organise a “hybrid” IUCN World Conservation Congress, thus allowing those not able to physically attend the event to follow and participate in some parts of the Congress remotely. The French government reaffirms that it is very pleased to host this IUCN Congress on its territory, while doing its utmost to ensure that this is done under the conditions desired by IUCN and in accordance with the health protocols in force at the time of the event.

The IUCN Congress will be held in Marseille with no change to the dates (3 to 11 September 2021).

With this decision, the French government and IUCN aim to ensure a successful event by enabling broad participation from around the world.

The IUCN Congress now has two different registration options:

- In-person participation: This provides the complete Congress experience, from direct exchanges with top conservation experts to high-level live and in-person debates and sessions. IUCN Congresses are opportunities for professional growth, networking and driving impact. While maintaining health and safety protocols throughout the venue, in-person participation will help to broaden your network, get first-hand information and allow you to weigh in on the most pressing issues facing our planet. For fees and deadlines, please see “Will IUCN extend early-bird rates or offer new discounted registration rates for in-person participation?” or visit our “registration fees” page.

- Virtual participation: This option provides you with all the Congress essentials from anywhere with an internet connection. It is the best option for those who are interested in identifying links that tie their organisation’s work with nature. With a variety of select, top-quality sessions, from high-level discussions to more technical ones, virtual participation offers an interactive experience and real-time access to the expertise and insights shared at the Congress. Many sessions allow you to share your thoughts and ask for feedback from the experts, making this the perfect first introduction to an IUCN World Conservation Congress or an excellent option for those unable to make the trip to Marseille for the full Congress. Please note that registration for the virtual participation option will be available from 6 May. For fees and deadlines for virtual participation, please visit our “registration fees” page.

The registration deadlines for in-person participation have been adjusted to align with the new Congress dates as follows:

• Early bird rates: up to 03 June 2021
• Standard rates : from 04 June to 03 August 2021
• Late rates: as of 04 August 2021

These deadlines only apply for the in-person participation fees as the virtual participation fees are comprised of  unique adult and youth fees with no distinctions on deadlines.

Find more about the registration fees and deadlines by visiting our registration fees page.

Should you choose or not be able to participate in the Congress in person, you may change your registration to the online option, transfer your in-person registration to a colleague at no cost, or cancel your participation.

Should you choose to change your onsite participation to the online participation, please contact the registration company GL Events (iucn@gl-events.com) to proceed with the change of registration category and reimbursement of the price difference between the two registration fees.

Find more information about transferring your registration by visiting the Congress website Q&A page.

The Congress maintains the same elements as planned for January 2021, including the open public access to the Nature Generation Areas and Exhibition. In order to implement necessary safety precautions, IUCN and France have been working to restructure the physical space and layout of the venue rooms and will continue to make necessary modifications as the situation evolves.

IUCN and France will make appropriate changes to protect participants while still upholding IUCN’s statutory, strategic and Membership obligations. These measures will be announced with as much advance notice as possible on the Congress website and through the Congress newsletter.

The IUCN Council has decided to reduce the length of the Members’ Assembly session to three days.

Find more information about the Congress changes by visiting the Congress website Q&A page.

IUCN and France are working with all summit organisers, with the goal to hold the summits during the Congress. IUCN will announce new dates and any other updates regarding the summits on the Congress website, in the Congress newsletter and on IUCN social media channels.

Please note that the Global Youth Summit was held online from 5-16 April 2021. For more information visit the Global Youth Summit page.