IUCN World Conservation Congress
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Marseille Chanot Convention Centre & Online
Marseille
France
The IUCN World Conservation Congress is where the world comes together to set priorities and drive conservation and sustainable development action. The event has three main components: The Members’ Assembly, where IUCN Members vote on priority actions; the Forum, a global marketplace of conservation science and innovation; and the Exhibition, where exhibitors can showcase their work to Congress participants and the public.
The Forum
The forum is a hub of public debate, bringing together people from around the world to discuss and develop solutions to the world’s most pressing conservation and sustainability challenges. It will demonstrate innovative, scalable solutions to addressing critical challenges at the local and global levels, highlighting efforts of stakeholders from all sectors across the globe – from small island states to entire regions, and from individual to collective actions. The Forum will include a range of events from High-Level Dialogues, to training and capacity building sessions, as well as exhibition and social events.
The Members' Assembly
The Members' Assembly is IUCN’s highest decision-making body. During the Assembly, IUCN’s more than 1300 state and government agency members, civil society and indigenous peoples’ Member organisations from more than 160 countries vote on pressing conservation and sustainable development issues. IUCN’s unique and inclusive membership gives the Congress a powerful mandate, allowing these decisions to guide humanity’s relationship with our planet for the decades ahead. Key Decisions adopted during the Members Assembly include electing the IUCN Council, approving of the IUCN programme for the next four-year period, discussing topics of strategic importance, adopting motions defining the general policy of IUCN and amending Statutes of IUCN.
Agenda
Here are a few of the Congress events that were relevant to the wildlife economy in Africa:
| Title | Themes | Organised by | Description |
| Beyond hunting and tourism: innovations for funding community-led conservation | Landscapes; Economic and Financial Systems | WWF Norway; Luc Hoffman Institute | New thinking and funding innovations to sustain community-led conservation are critical in a rapidly changing world. Community-led conservation traditionally relies on tourism and / or trophy hunting to generate benefits/revenue for communities to sustainably manage and live with wildlife on their lands. However, in the face of global pressures, such as the economic situation; climate change; increasing human populations and consumption; illegal wildlife trade; and global and local politics, both trophy hunting and tourism may soon not be able to generate the needed revenue for communities. This will have particularly harsh consequences for future community conservationists. This session will present the results of community conservation practitioners and funding experts collectively identifying additional large-scale beneficiation and incentive opportunities that can provide funding for community-led conservation at the same/higher level as trophy hunting and tourism. |
| To lead or not to lead – what prevents us from progressively banning lead from hunting ammunition? | Landscapes; Knowledge, Innovation and Technology | Vulture Conservation Foundation | Lead has been pretty much banned from every other product used by humans (paint, utensils, gasoline, etc) except… hunting ammunition. There is plenty of evidence that lead has a significant negative impact on some wildlife, and efforts to progressively ban it from ammunition have been going on for decades. A panel of 6 speakers will discuss the issues around progressively substituting lead ammunition, including 1) a researcher from academia; 2) a conservationist with data on the population-level effect of lead on some scavenger species; 3) a representative from the industry; 4) a representative from Europe’s federation of hunting organisations (FACE); 5) a legislator from a country where lead ammunition has been eliminated and 6) a ballistics expert. A moderator will engage the audience for Q & A, and for a general debate on what we need to progress with a faster and consensual substitution of lead ammunition. |
| A scorecard for biodiversity - Measuring progress on safeguarding biodiversity for sustainable development and living in harmony with nature | Knowledge, Innovation and Technology | UN Environment - World Conservation Monitoring Centre; Luc Hoffman Institute | Policy makers need to address complexity to make decisions and measure impact of policies. The challenge is that biodiversity is a complex multidimensional concept that goes beyond genetic diversity or ecosystems intactness, as much as poverty goes beyond income, or economics goes beyond the market values of goods and services. There is a renewed interest in how to measure and communicate multidimensional concepts. Sectors such as poverty, development or economy have achieved coping with complexity by creating decomposable indices that summarise complex realities with a view to supporting decision-makers, facilitating communications and placing progress at the centre of the policy arena. Here we present an innovative initiative exploring if our lack of effective action to act upon the biodiversity loss crisis is related to our inability to measure the complexity of biodiversity in an integrated manner, and if it is possible to develop a GDP equivalent for biodiversity. |
| Oasis ecosystems : learning from the field for feeding the future | Climate Change; Knowledge, Innovation and Technology | Centre d'Actions et de Realisation Internationales (CARI) | The session proposed by CARI on behalf of RADDO will highlight the issue of safeguarding and developing oasis ecosystems as a subject at the crossroads of multiple issues. For example, food security, the management of scarce resources in arid zones, the conservation of biodiversity, the link between lifestyles and the maintenance of a living ecosystem in a context of climate change and desertification. The intervention will be based on the accumulated experiences of CARI and the international network for the sustainable development of oases (RADDO), in terms of whistleblowers, field actors and advocacy. It will aim to dispel certain misunderstandings or false representations about oasis ecosystems, their remarkable specificities in terms of ingenious systems of world agricultural heritage (FAO), the threats and crises to which they are subject and the public policy proposals that would be necessary. |
| Women & the Traditional - Powerful Actors and Driving Force for Change in Rural Communities | Economic and Financial Systems; Landscapes | Centre for Research in Anthropology (CRIA(; University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE); Specialist Group Gender | Women have been underestimated for their important contribution to producing and securing food, managing natural resources, and their ability to earn an income through these activities. Massive aid budgets from the major donors are allocated to expand Morocco’s programmes to combat poverty, social exclusion and gender inequality; however, rural women are still poorly integrated in Moroccan society. Women’s social enterprise on the other hand, offers the possibility to restore dignity, socio-economic development, and empowerment. This session explores the role of rural women for social enterprise to optimise social economic conditions and how this contributes to the well being and health and sustainable natural resource management. Ultimately, this transits via education and the integration of traditional practices. Based on extensive research conducted in the isolated regions of Morocco, the author will discuss at great length the tools that are available at community level. |
| Reconciling development in our managed and conserved landscapes | Landscapes | IUCN | This Conservation Café will build on the Opening Plenary of the Managing Landscapes Theme where the diverse demands for the use of land for conservation and development were juxtaposed and where solutions to the dilemmas of conserving nature while supporting human livelihoods were debated. The World Conservation Congress commences the day after the closing of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Third Open-Ended Working Group for the new post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework. Predictably, the negotiators of this new agreement are struggling to agree on the suite of targets that will help the world to address these dilemmas. Conserve 30% of land? Restore 20% of degraded ecosystems? Ensure all agriculture and forestry is sustainable? Because of the online format of the negotiations, the voice of civil society is not being heard enough. What are your thoughts? What are your recommendations? What would you do? |
| Thinking Rangeland as Commons | Freshwater; Landscapes | CIRAD; University of Innsbruck, Faculty of Geography, Austria / University of Padova, Italy | Rangeland is a set of diverse socio-ecosystems covering between one and two thirds of the world’s land, in form of steppe, prairie, shrub and tree savannah. Rangeland has key human functions, especially in water cycle, erosion control, biodiversity and minerals reserves. Rangeland is usually grazed by extensive livestock managed by emblematic societies with strong identity. Rangeland is also seen as low productive areas that could be better used to sustain the territorial and national economy. This justifies the strong and global agriculture expansion in rangeland, through specified public policies favoring private and public agribusiness initiatives. "Rangeland Dilemma" is the confrontation between conservation of socio-environmental functions and unsustainable territorial development based on agriculture expansion, at medium-long term. Alternatives exist: public policies adapted to local contexts, zoning to identify the most fragile zones (to be protected), collective actions... |
| Navigating conservation for biodiversity, ecosystem services and nature's contributions to people | Landscapes, Knowledge, Innovation and Technology | CEM Eccosystem Services Thematic Group; University of New South Wales; CEM Red List of Species and Red List of Ecosystems | Species extinctions continue to increase at an alarming rate. In response, new terminologies and concepts to inform stakeholders of the consequences and engage them in actions to reverse this decline have been developed (i.e. biodiversity, ecosystem services, nature’s contributions to people). Implementing these concepts and definitions requires different measurements, monitoring and evaluation. Together we will cross-map these concepts highlighting similarities and differences in measurements, monitoring and evaluation; and opportunities at the conceptual and measurement nexus where implementation would provide co-benefits to nature and people. A novel outcome of this session is the participant developed guidelines to navigate the maze of terminologies and concepts on nature-people relationships providing clarity on appropriate measures for targeted conservation or sustainable use. |
| Elevating Indigenous voices and ways of knowing in the conservation of lands and waters. | Rights and Governance; Landscapes | The Nature Conservancy / Ahousaht Nation | Indigenous leaders from communities supported by The Nature Conservancy in several countries will present their experiences achieving conservation success by building Indigenous community governance and leadership capacity, increasing Indigenous decision making authority over natural resources, creating sustainable and culturally appropriate economic opportunity, and recognition and enforcement of their rights. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples identified conservation as a significant threat to Indigenous peoples. This session will highlight several narratives about investing in Indigenous communities as conservation strategy. These Indigenous leaders will share stories about Indigenous cultural resilience and revival, and how their communities are leading the way in conservation by elevating their traditional knowledge, identity, priorities, and values into plans and solutions for a sustainable future. |
| Partnerships for biodiversity: opportunities for development and growth | Rights and Governance; Landscapes; Economic and Financial Systems | Region Sud-Provence-Alpes-Cote D'Azur | Co-leaded by Costa Rica and Region SUD, this Thematic Session proposes to explore how partnerships for biodiversity 1) generate economic opportunities, especially in terms of income (sustainable tourism) and creation of value (attractivity); 2) hold human development opportunities for territories (with a special focus on clean water and sanitation - SDG 6 and empowering women and girls – SDG 5), and are 3) essential to the constitution of structured financial tools for action. The session shall present 3 panels (30 mn each) of 2 panelists, from Costa Rica, Region SUD, and partners invited to share their experience from several regions. In order to foment dialogue and mobilize young leaders on this strategic issue, we will establish, at the end of each panel, a 10mn Q&A public space, led by “eco-ambassadors”, students from Region SUD (especially from Marseille ; from different social and economic backgrounds) referents for environment issues. |
| Fisheries and biodiversity: smooth sailing or stormy seas? | Rights and Governance; Knowledge, Innovation and Technology; Oceans | EBCD / IUCN Fisheries Expert Group; EDF | We chart a broad path for fishery management towards effective and equitable sustainable use and biodiversity conservation considering: 1) Convergence of fisheries and conservation governance and their challenges to consistently reach their targets; 2) Pathways towards effective Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) and Conservation, with spatial and non-spatial measures, risk management, agreed norms for ecosystem status, and improved knowledge for monitoring, evaluation and adaptive management; 3) Effective implementation of OECMs to improve biodiversity conservation and fisheries' performance, following Decision 14/8 of the CBD COP; 4) Empowerment of all relevant actors for their effective and equitable participation from data collection to management, including monitoring and performance assessment, recognizing the connections between cultural diversity and biological diversity. Keynote presentations on these matters will be followed by discussion with panelists. |
| Inclusive approaches: lessons learned and opportunities for supporting indigenous peoples and local communities in conservation | Rights and Governance; Landscapes | GEF | The session will provide the opportunity for discussion and knowledge exchange on important topics related to supporting and promoting indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLC) conservation, sustainable natural resource use, and development. These recommendations will help guide organizations seeking to better engage IPLCs in throughout the project life cycle and help inform the development of the GEF’s inclusive conservation initiative. |
| NaturAfrica, a new EU initiative for protection and developing large landscapes around protected areas at the benefit of local communities | Rights and Governance; Landscapes; Climate Change | Not Specified | The session will present NaturAfrica, the innovative EU initiative in Sub Saharan Africa where EU action will tackle biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation while enabling sustainable green development and bringing multi-benefits (including stability) to local communities, partner countries and the global community. A NaturAfrica area could be defined as “a Key Landscape for Conservation and Development” where synergies are - Conservation of biodiversity in national and community-based protected areas - Green economy for improving the livelihoods of local communities (agroecology, hydro powerplants, ecotourism, circular economy…) Discussions will focus on a specific program in Northern Kenya and on the role of ecotourism in African protected areas and the interactions with the local communities. |
| Addressing the Emerging Post 2020 Priorities for Africa's Protected Areas | Rights and Governance; Landscapes; Economic and Financial Systems | WCPA East and Southern Africa; European Commission | The session will discuss the emerging issues related to resource use conflicts; challenges posed by poorly planned infrastructure; the need to plan for a climate-resilient future; the role of PAs in enhancing economic prosperity and human well-being; the use of appropriate technology to support conservation programmes and other initiatives, and; promoting inclusive and equitable governance in the management of Africa’s PAs and conserved areas. Each panellist will outline the emerging issues for each theme (what the issues are, why they are important, what the causes are, and impacts on PAs, biodiversity and people) and showcase inspiring examples of innovative approaches being undertaken to address them, and solutions that can be shared. The session will then be open to the public for input, with attention directed to sharing lessons on sustainable solutions that can be adapted as best practices to achieve long term conservation goals for biodiversity and people. |
| Landscape governance: learning from the field | Landscapes; Rights and Governance; Economic and Financial Systems; Knowledge, Innovation and Technology | University of Lausanne, University of British Columbia | We will facilitate a highly interactive session where participants will work in small groups to identify the key elements that enable improved landscape governance, focusing on institutional arrangements, decision-making processes, policy instruments amongst others. We will encourage participants to report on evidence that demonstrates the success and failure of attempts to achieve better governance at landscape scales. We will look for lessons that emerge from case studies and attempt to identify what works and does not work and in which contexts. |
| Sustainable wildlife management: the food, biodiversity and health nexus | Freshwater; Landscapes; Rights and Governance | Not Specified | This event will illustrate the specificities of the Sustainable wildlife management (SWM) Programme as a unique large scale programme focusing on wildlife uses, as well as at presenting flagship achievements and innovations so far, including its contributions to building back forward in a post-COVID-19 world. |
| Integrating Multidisciplinary Science into Practice for Sustainable Landscapes and Seascapes | Landscapes | Smithsonian Institute | Achieving sustainable land and seascapes requires innovative and cost-effective multidisciplinary approaches that integrate biodiversity conservation, maintenance of ecosystem services, sustainable production and livelihoods. In order to undertake and implement management plans that are sustainable at the land and seascape scale, researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers must work together. Drawing on decades of experience and expertise from Conservation International, the Smithsonian Institution and our network of partners, we will explore aspects of successful land and seascapes initiatives from Central America and South Africa. How can we bridge the gap between research and action and use science to inform conservation and integrated planning? Discussions will provide an opportunity to learn from successes and address remaining barriers, collectively identifying a path forward and a framework for more effective conservation measures. |
More info
From the Marseille Manifesto
We cannot separate ourselves from nature: we are part of nature, and depend upon it for our lives and livelihoods. O
Congress also calls for action to improve our understanding of the links between human, animal and environmental health. Action is needed to improve the sustainable use of natural resources, reduce deforestation, promote sustainable food production and account for and eliminate the negative environmental impacts of international trade.
From WCC-2020-Res-076-En on wildlife economies in Eastern and Southern Africa
CALLS ON all three pillars of IUCN in Eastern and Southern Africa to establish a One Programme Initiative, with technical support from the Species Survival Commission (SSC) and Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP) Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group, to:
a. continue to evaluate social, economic and ecological opportunities provided by wildlife-based land uses (WBLUs) for local communities, governments and the private sector;
b. investigate the barriers and limitations of current financing mechanisms for WLBUs;
c. work with investors and financial institutions to identify and pilot novel funding opportunities, including possible mechanisms for these, emphasising approaches that are sustainable and lead to self-sufficiency
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