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3-11 September 2021

ONE NATURE, ONE FUTURE
Marine conservation action – essential for our blue planet
 

Our oceans and coasts provide food security and livelihoods for millions of people, critical habitat for species, and support climate stability. But the climate and biodiversity crises are taking a serious toll on the health of the marine environment. Conservation action is now critical.

The IUCN Congress in Marseille will tackle these issues with 50+ Congress sessions focussing on restoring ocean health. The following reflections from IUCN Members call for broader protection in the high seas, demonstrate the success of Locally Managed Marine Areas, and emphasise the need for coastal conservation for species and communities.

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“One of the most serious conservation problems that I have been witnessing throughout my life is the degradation of the marine environment” – Sandra Bessudo, Director of the Malpelo Foundation

“The IUCN Congress is critically important to bring together the policy makers, the decision makers, the environmentalists, the best scientists in the world” – Andrew Forrest, Founder and Chairman of the Minderoo Foundation

 
Marine Protected Areas in the Southern Ocean – critical in the face of climate and biodiversity crises

by Claire Christian – Executive Director, Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition

The Southern Ocean, surrounding the Antarctic continent, is a habitat for many species including penguins, whales and seals. As a region extremely sensitive to climate change, more high seas Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are required to protect the region’s biodiversity and help reach the 30x30 goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Read more.
Velondriake – Madagascar’s first Locally Managed Marine Area

by Gilde Tahindraza – Southwest Madagascar Regional Manager, Blue Ventures

Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) enable sustainable community management of marine resources, benefiting both biodiversity conservation and local economies. The Velondriake LMMA model has been replicated, with LMMAs now covering about 20% of Madagascar’s coastline. Some activities include community-based fishing and aquaculture, data collection, monitoring of mangroves and reforestation. Read more.
Fostering political ambition for the protection of mangrove ecosystems  

by Dr Laura Puk – Mangrove Coordinator, WWF Germany

Mangrove forests are one of the most biodiverse ecosystems, providing critical habitat for species and numerous ecosystem services. The Save Our Mangroves Now! initiative is working to conserve and restore mangrove ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean region. National, regional, and international commitments are needed for mangrove conservation. Read more.

 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Early bird rates for the Complete Congress Experience extended to 17 June

The deadline for early bird registration for in-person participation has been extended to 17 June. Take advantage of these rates if you want to attend the in-person Congress in Marseille. For more information on rates and registration deadlines, please visit our registration fees page.
Official Forum programme now updated 

The Congress Forum programme has been updated and is now live, identifying all the sessions that will be held onsite, virtually, or in a hybrid format. See the updated Forum programme here.

Register for the Congress Essentials Experience

This virtual participation 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 or an excellent option for those unable to make the trip to Marseille for the full Congress. For more information on virtual participation, please visit our registration fees page.
Get the latest information on health and safety measures for a safe Congress

IUCN and the French government are committed to a safe Congress and are taking every precaution to ensure the health and safety of all participants. For a full list of the measures planned to date, see the Q&A section “About health and safety precautions” here.

 
Support Congress
Share the excitement on social media

Use the #IUCNcongress social media kit to share your enthusiasm for the Congress with videos, images and sample posts. Check out the toolkit here.
Hotel booking is now available

Take advantage of our exclusive deals on hotel rooms in Marseille. Hotels with sustainable programmes are available and easy to identify.  Read more.

Become a Partner or Sponsor

Partners and Sponsors are committed to nature conservation and play an essential role in making Congress a success. For more information on how to contribute by becoming a Partner or Sponsor, please visit our website
Questions about Congress preparations

Preparations for Congress are continuing. Please check the Congress website for updates and find answers to frequently asked questions by consulting our Q&A page here.
 
 
PHOTO CREDITS
 

-Banner – MET Jeong/Pixabay
- Marine Protected Areas in the Southern Ocean – Sarah N/Pixabay
- Velondriake – Madagascar’s first Locally Managed Marine Area – Garth Cripps/Blue Ventures
- Fostering political ambition for the protection of mangrove ecosystems – Jonathan Caramanus/WWF-UK
- Early bird rates for the Complete Congress Experience extended to 17 June– IUCN
- Official Forum programme now updated – IUCN
- Register for the Congress Essentials Experience – fizkes/Shutterstock
- Get the latest information on health and safety measures for a safe Congress – Chayanin Wongpracha/Shutterstock

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