The IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille came to a close by recognising “Local action as a powerful tool for change” as one of the approaches to pursue in The Marseille Manifesto so that we all, from grassroots organisations to governments, have a responsibility to act for nature and for our future. Empowering local authorities and civil society organisations in their commitment to their local development is indeed the backbone of the BEST programme.

“BEST and beyond” programme provided visitors a great opportunity to learn more about the projects and local/regional initiatives, as well as about the challenges and the actions undertaken by local organisations and individual underground stories. Among the speakers, the team noted the presence of National Ministers of Environment and representatives of intergovernmental organisations. The schedule also featured a special high-level joint BIOPAMA & BEST social event.

For those of you who missed any sessions, you can access some of them here: LIFE4BEST (ORs) and BEST 2.0+ (OCTs).

If you want to learn more about the 153 projects funded to date, please click here.