By Kat Bruce, Founder of NatureMetrics

Conducting biodiversity surveys can prove extremely challenging, especially in the case of freshwater ecosystems. The eBioAtlas, a joint programme recently launched between IUCN and NatureMetrics, is using environmental DNA to map global freshwater and inland biodiversity. This technology can better inform species assessments and help improve the impact of conservation programmes. Read more.

By Julia Pérez Sillero, Fundación Humedales

Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, important to both communities and habitats. Participatory water management, especially in rural communities, allows for more equitable and sustainable use of the water resources. The Agua Segura Project in Colombia works with local communities to improve water infrastructure and ensure access to clean drinking water. 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 13 August.

The deadline to sign up as a participant in a Forum Campus session has been extended to 18 August. Log in to the Congress registration platform to view the list of available sessions and sign up for a session today!

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.

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.

Reserve your space on a variety of special excursions around Marseille and Provence, just for Congress participants. 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.