IUCN and RCMRD sign MoU to support biodiversity conservation

Building on a strong foundation, including our work through the BIOPAMA programme, this renewed MoU formalizes a shared commitment to leverage geospatial technologies and data to drive informed decision-making and policy in support of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). This partnership comes at a critical time as nations intensify their focus on monitoring and reporting progress towards biodiversity targets.

The recent designation of RCMRD as a Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Technical and Scientific Support Centre, significantly amplifies the impact of this partnership. IUCN and RCMRD will work in close coordination to provide essential technical support to Member States, encourage regional knowledge sharing, and strengthen national capacities for integrating biodiversity data into their policy and planning frameworks within the Eastern and Southern African region. IUCN's wealth of knowledge products, including key GBF indicators like the Red Lists and Green List, will be instrumental in this support.

In addition, RCMRD’s ongoing process of becoming a Member of the IUCN Union underscores a deepening institutional alignment and positions the organization to engage more broadly in global conservation dialogue and action.

The MoU represents more than a formal agreement, it is a renewed affirmation of the value of partnership in addressing the complex challenges facing people and nature in the region.