Interview with Sônia Guajajara – Executive Coordinator, Coordination of Indigenous Organizations in the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB)

Indigenous women play a vital role in sustaining both traditional culture and nature, with nature needed in order for the culture to survive. In this interview with Sônia Guajajara, indigenous leader and activist, Sônia emphasises the need for conservation to also include the people that live within the ecosystem, not just the ecosystem alone. Read more.

By Teresa Tsotsane – Livelihood Officer, associação do meio ambiente (AMA)

Climate change impacts and socioeconomic vulnerabilities create hardships for coastal communities that rely on marine resources, and women are especially affected. The Locally Empowered Area of Protection (LEAP) project, implemented by AMA, empowers women to be involved in coastal natural resource management and restoration, which in turn empowers them economically. Read more.

By Ana María Acosta and Elizabeth Riofrío – EcoCiencia

Involving the local inhabitants of the Amazon Basin in the governance of the biome’s natural resources is critical for maintaining sustainability, culture, and livelihoods. EcoCiencia has developed conservation initiatives with the women of the Waorani Nation, including sustainable cocoa and bamboo production, which supports their families and way of life, and helps to preserve the forests. Read more.

 “Let’s connect” is a series of short informal networking sessions designed to help you connect to like-minded individuals, in order to encourage collaboration and share ideas. Whether you are interested in setting up new research and conservation projects or looking for collaborators to join a grant application you are currently developing, this is the medium for you. Please click this link to submit an application form. The deadline is 11 August.

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 more information about health and safety at Congress and traveling to France, see here.

IUCN and the French government are offering both in-person and virtual participation options, allowing those not able to travel to Marseille for the full Congress the opportunity to participate and provide feedback. For more information on rates and registration deadlines, please visit our registration fees page.

The Congress Forum programme identifies all the sessions that will be held onsite, virtually, or in a hybrid format. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the full options with onsite participation. See the updated Forum programme here.

IUCN has lined up a wide range of top-tier speakers from diverse backgrounds, to share their insights and expertise on the most pressing nature conservation and sustainable development issues. See the full list of speakers here.

Gender equity and a diverse, professional and harassment-free experience are top priorities for the Congress. The Evénement Egalité Femmes Hommes (Large Event Gender Equity label) is a certification that Congress is working towards. To learn more about inclusivity at Congress and to view the anti-harassment policy, see here.

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

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

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

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.