IUCN Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North and Central Asia contributes to a shared vision for the future of conservation

“At this critical time for the planet’s future, transformational change is urgently needed, and it is our responsibility to be part of the change. Through bringing science and traditional knowledge to the table, working with people across different sectors, and taking conservation action on the ground, change is possible,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General. “The Union is stronger than ever, and by standing together, united as the voice for nature, we can drive this change and shape a world where people and planet can thrive as one.”

“These past three days have achieved a lot, from exchanging best practices to gearing up for the IUCN World Conservation Congress and beyond, from working together across Europe, North and Central Asia to shape IUCN’s future to setting a benchmark for a green and sustainable Forum and discovering the beauty of nature in Flanders,” said Hilde Eggermont, IUCN Vice President and Director General of the Research Institute for Nature and Forest. 

During the Forum, IUCN Members, Commission members and fellow experts discussed the major global challenges we face today – from the biodiversity and climate crises to social justice – and how IUCN can best contribute to addressing them.  

“I am deeply inspired by the commitment of our Members, experts, and partners from across Europe, North, and Central Asia. Together, we laid a strong foundation for the future of conservation in our region, and we are driving forward an ambitious, united vision for an impactful IUCN in the region," emphasised Boris Erg, IUCN European Regional Director. 

Over the three days, through plenary discussions, 58 Thematic Sessions and a Forum Fair with a Youth Oasis, participants engaged in lively discussions and contributed towards the development of IUCN’s 20-year Vision and Programme. These will be formally approved at the 2025 IUCN Congress, where IUCN Members will also vote on motions submitted in the next year. 

“It was wonderful to see so many IUCN Members and experts gathered to prepare for the IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi next year. Our vibrant IUCN community was working at its best to find ways to tackle the great nature conservation challenges we face on this beautiful planet we all share,” said Chris Mahon, Co-Chair, IUCN Interregional Committee for Europe, North and Central Asia (ICENCA).  

“Conversations emphasised the importance of IUCN’s evidence-based role and the need to ensure a range of actors, from youth, local communities and Indigenous peoples to the private sector, are part of conservation work,” said Divija Jata, Coordinator of the Belgian Biodiversity Platform, IUCN Belgian Focal Point. 

“I hope that one day, intergenerational processes will be the norm. The more we work together between generations, the stronger we will be,” said Abi Gardner, Forum youth volunteer and founder of the UK branch of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network. 

The Forum also saw a celebration of IUCN’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia office’s twentieth anniversary. Based in Belgrade, Serbia, the office has led regional conservation efforts, for example leveraging financial support for snow leopard, goitered gazelle, and sturgeon conservation, supporting the designation of Shar Mountain National Park and Vjosa Wild River National Park, and applying Nature-based Solutions in the Western Balkans. 

The event also saw the launch of the IUCN SSC Guidelines for Establishing a National Red List Programme. As countries report on species trends as part of their commitments towards the Global Biodiversity Framework, these Guidelines will support practitioners to develop national Red Lists around the world. 

The Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North, and Central Asia 2024 was organised with the support of the Government of Flanders, the City of Bruges, the IUCN Belgian Focal Point and local partners.