Abu Dhabi is gearing up to host the Fifth Leaders’ Meeting of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) from October 25 to 28, 2024. This pivotal event will bring together more than 300 conservation experts and leaders, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's dedication to environmental stewardship.
With over 120 sessions lined up, the meeting aims to capitalize on collective knowledge and experience within the SSC. The program is structured around the Species Conservation Cycle—Assess, Plan, and Act—ensuring comprehensive discussions on each category. Attendees can expect engaging panels, workshops, and plenary sessions featuring notable figures from the conservation field.
Razan Khalifah Al Mubarak, President of IUCN, expressed enthusiasm about the UAE's commitment, stating, "It is with great pride...that Abu Dhabi remains a steadfast hub for conservation leadership." The rich history of the UAE hosting SSC meetings since 2008 showcases its commitment to global species conservation strategies.
Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), emphasized the meeting's significance for shaping conservation efforts worldwide. The conference will also draw insights from local challenges and successes, fostering collaboration among different governance structures and conservation organizations.
Also at the forefront of the discussions will be the urgent need for action against the looming threats facing numerous species globally, which were starkly highlighted during the previous SSC Leaders’ Meeting held four years ago. The participants will explore innovative solutions and strategies based on the latest research findings and on-the-ground experiences shared during this gathering.
Jon Paul Rodríguez, Chair of the SSC, stated, "For some, it will be the first time they meet... but for most, it will be... inspiring and nurturing." The meeting not only serves to strategize on current issues, but also to strengthen the bonds among global conservation leaders, uniting them under the shared goal of protecting biodiversity.
The SSC is recognized as the world’s largest volunteer conservation network. It plays a significant role through its Red List of Threatened Species, which provides valuable data on species conservation status. With over 160,000 species assessed, the Red List is relied upon globally as the benchmark for biodiversity evaluation and guides conservation priorities.
Participants are expected to articulate clear action points and outcomes, with initiatives from the Global Species Action Plan, launched by IUCN following the previous meeting’s call to action. The aim is to mobilize immediate responses to save species at the brink of extinction.
The meeting not only offers to push forward the mission of species conservation but also looks to engage local communities and institutions, enhancing efficacy through shared learning and experiential knowledge. This integrative approach could potentially guide future conservation strategies, addressing both local needs and global priorities.
Overall, the meeting symbolizes more than just discussions among experts; it signifies a concerted effort to address the biodiversity crisis engulfing many species today. With rising concerns related to climate change and habitat loss, the urgency for coordinated global action has never been more pronounced.
Such gatherings reinforce the importance of conservation efforts and highlight the intrinsic value of maintaining biodiversity for future generations. Al Mubarak noted, "Our focus remains on the intrinsic value of preserving diverse species, each of which plays a unique role"—reflecting the fundamental belief among conservationists: protecting species is safeguarding our planet.
Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and action planning at the Fifth SSC Leaders' Meeting, attendees will work to fortify conservation efforts aimed at fostering resilience within ecosystems worldwide. Observers hope this meeting will mark another milestone, not just for the IUCN and its collaborators, but for global biodiversity itself.
