Why in news?
The IUCN World Conservation Congress is the world’s largest gathering focused on global nature conservation, shaping priorities and decision-making for biodiversity protection every four years. The latest Congress is being held from 9–15 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
 
Historical Background

• Established in 1948, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has convened the Congress since then, influencing global conservation policies, including World Heritage protection and international treaties like CITES.

Key Features and Objectives

• The Congress helps shape global policy on conservation and climate change, with interactive sessions, art exhibits, and networking events.
• Themes this year include scaling up resilient conservation, reducing climate overshoot risks, equity in conservation, transitioning to nature-positive economies, and disruptive innovation for conservation leadership.
• The IUCN Members’ Assembly serves as the core decision-making forum, where new motions, policy updates, and priorities for IUCN’s work are finalized.
• The IUCN Congress also updates the Red List for threatened species and sets strategic conservation targets for the coming term, including post-pandemic recovery and climate action.

Indian context

• India launched its National Red List Roadmap (2025–2030) at the IUCN World Conservation Congress to establish a nationally coordinated red-listing system and aims to assess approximately 11,000 species (7,000 flora and 4,000 fauna).
• Notable Indian species that are critically endangered or endangered include the Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Red Panda, Dhole (Indian wild dog), Great Indian Bustard, Himalayan Quail, and several birds of prey and hornbill species.
• India aims to publish National Red Data Books for flora and fauna by 2030 to support conservation planning and policy.

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