The IUCN World Conservation Congress begins

The state of Hawaii is hosting The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress under the theme “Planet at the Crossroads”, taking place from 1st -10th September.

The Congress, held every four years, is the largest conservation event in the world.

The IUCN, created in 1948, has previously helped to set the international agenda on everything from ecotourism and climate change to protecting indigenous rights and endangered species.

The Conference aims to bring together thousands of leaders and decision-makers from governments, the public sector, non-governmental organizations, businesses, UN agencies and indigenous organizations to discuss and create solutions for challenges with biodiversity and conservation.

This year, the State Department will be showcasing the Administration’s accomplishments on a range of international environmental issues, including climate, oceans and wildlife trafficking.

The United States will work to build support for the increasing protection of species, and to address urgent ocean issues within the topics of marine protected areas (MPAs), sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, and climate-related ocean impacts such as ocean acidification.

Those attending include primatologist Jane Goodall, biologist E.O. Wilson and marine biologist Sylvia Earle.

Numerous foreign dignitaries are also expected, including Hilda Heine, president of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Prince Albert II of Monaco, as well as numerous high-level officials from all over the world.

More than 8,000 delegates from over 190 countries are also expected to attend the Conference, held at the Hawaii Convention Centre.

US senator Brian Schatz said: “This is the first time the United States is hosting this important meeting of world leaders and it is an honour for Hawaii.”

He added: “Hawaii is the perfect location for the United States to welcome global leaders to work towards solving some of the world’s greatest conservation and energy security challenges.”

Neil Abercrombie, former governor, further explained why Hawaii was chosen as host: “Hawaii is a “textbook operation” in confronting the very issues that the IUCN is focused on, including water conservation, protecting endangered species, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and developing clean, renewable energy sources.”