Elevating Ecological Connectivity Conservation for the IUCN World Conservation Congress and Beyond
9-15 October, 2025: Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress (WCC) is the world’s largest and most democratic recurring conference for environmentally sustainable development. Meeting every four years, the WCC brings together IUCN’s 1,400+ government, civil society, and Indigenous peoples members, as well as experts, leaders, and decision-makers from around the world.
The 8th WCC in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) will highlight ongoing implementation, set priorities, and drive further action to confront mounting threats to the health and vitality of all life on Earth. The Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC) is participating as an official Non-governmental Member of IUCN as it continues to increase its leadership across the Union, at WCCs, and across the field of international conservation. Learn more about our role in IUCN.
The WCC is pivotal in shaping global conservation and sustainable development. Outcomes will strengthen commitments and drive the next four years of action toward halting biodiversity loss by 2050 under the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework.
New Paper
On the occasion of the World Conservation Congress, a special edition of PARKS Journal includes a paper authored by the Center for Large Landscape Conservation summarizing recent progress on connectivity conservation policy and implementation by the Connectivity Conservation Working Group (CCSG) and partners. READ NOW
Capacity Building and Sharing
Through panels, presentations, discussions, and workshops, we’ll spotlight connectivity conservation successes, challenges, and lessons learned from around the world.
Policy
CLLC has contributed to policy resolutions, a 20-year strategic vision, and the World Commission on Protected Areas mandate to prioritize ecological corridors and combat habitat fragmentation. At the Members’ Assembly, these policies will be refined and adopted.
Events
With adoption of a new official policy resolution spearheaded by CLLC to support “Recognising and Reporting Ecological Corridors”, CLLC and partners are organizing and participating in the following events in Abu Dhabi to promote past accomplishments and future efforts:
OFFICIAL FORUM EVENTS
- Transboundary Conservation Around the World: Ecologically and Culturally Well-connected Landscapes and Seascapes on 10 October from 16:00 to 17:30. VIEW FLYER
- Increasing Coordination of Conservation Activities Across Central Asia to Meet National and Global Goals on 11 October from 11:00 to 12:30. VIEW FLYER
AMERICAS PAVILION
- Ecological Connectivity for Resilient Marine Protected and Conserved Areas on 9 October from 13:00 to 14:00. VIEW FLYER
- Recognizing and Reporting Ecological Corridors and Networks: Experiences and Innovations from Around the World on 12 October from 12:00 to 13:00. VIEW FLYER
ASIA PAVILION
- Wildlife Friendly Infrastructure in Asia: Safeguarding Whole Ecosystems Amidst Rapid Development on 13 October from 14:00 to 14:45
LEARNING ZONE PAVILION
- Resources for Scaling Up Ecological Connectivity on 9 October from 18:00 to 18:40
YOUTH PAVILION
- IUCN Commissions: Opportunities for Young Professionals on 11 October from 19:00 to 19:45
- Pathways to Conservation Careers: Experiences from Across IUCN Member Organizations on 13 October from 15:00 to 15:40
Members of the CLLC team will also be speaking at the following events:
- Conservation Action Centre Stage – UNCCD Global Land Outlook (GLO) Launch: High Level Event Restoring Land and Ecosystems to Reconnect People and Nature for a More Resilient Future on 11 October from 13:00 to 13:40
- Conservation Action Centre Stage – Global Partnership on Ecological Connectivity on 11 October from 16:00 to 16:45
- ENCA Pavilion – Bridging Science and Policy: European Action for Biodiversity and Climate Goals on 11 October from 14:00 to 15:30
- BRAZIL Pavilion – Mitigation Hierarchy for planning infrastructure in protected areas: lessons from key cases on 12 October from 14:00 to 15:00
Banner photo: Neem Island, Abu Dhabi – Adobe Stock
