IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025

Protecting nature on a global scale requires global collaboration – which is why we’re at the world’s largest gathering of conservationists, the IUCN World Conservation Congress. 

Taking place in Abu Dhabi, this year's Congress brings together thousands of conservation experts – including our own world-leading scientists and conservationists – to share knowledge, showcase expertise, and build the collaborations needed to secure a future where people and nature thrive. 

Making changes on a global scale

We’re at the IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) to help shape the global conservation agenda. The Congress is where key elections and decisions are made, with ripple effects that influence how conservation is delivered worldwide.

The Congress brings governments, NGOs, and charities together to drive the changes needed to protect species and restore habitats. Our combination of world-leading science, zoo-based expertise, and global conservation projects gives us unique insight allowing us to give impactful science-based advice on a wide range conservation efforts. 

We want nature at the heart of every decision. 

From individual choice to investments, supply chains and international treaties, we want to drive change that moves our global economic framework to properly value nature.

From managing London and Whipsnade Zoos and their vital breeding programmes, to research at the Institute of Zoology and hands-on conservation projects worldwide, we combine expertise and practical action to make a powerful contribution to global conservation.

At ZSL, we are leading studies on biodiversity to drive policy change and raise crucial awareness for the importance of what is at stake. Our scientific research on nature-based solutions is building a new framework to tackle the biodiversity and climate crises together. 

Just as no single species can sustain an ecosystem alone, we cannot protect all wildlife or habitats on our own. Held every four years by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Congress offers the chance to share knowledge, showcase expertise, and build collaborations—both with individual organisations and larger partnerships. These collaborations are essential to securing a future where nature and people thrive.

Our Focus at the Congress

Our work at WCC reflects our four core commitments as we drive forward our vision for a world where wildlife thrives. Here’s how we are contributing:

Protecting Species

Through the Extinct in the Wild Action Partnership, the EDGE of Existence programme, and our contributions to the IUCN Red List, we bring science and expertise to recover species, guide global conservation priorities, and give wildlife the chance to thrive in their natural habitats.

Restoring Habitats

We address the drivers of habitat loss through initiatives like mangrove restoration projects while our SPOTT platform, is playing a crucial role in guiding the palm oil, rubber, and timber industries towards sustainability. These efforts help build resilient landscapes for both wildlife and people.

Training Conservationists

We work with partners such as the Universal Ranger Support Alliance to improve ranger welfare, skills, and recognition, and provide training in tools like SMART technology to strengthen monitoring and protection on the ground. By equipping rangers with the right knowledge and resources, we support effective, long-term conservation for species and ecosystems.

Creating Change

Our CEO, Matthew Gould, will advocate for stronger global action on biodiversity, representing our voice in high-level discussions. Alongside contributions to the IUCN Red List, our science – including the Living Planet Index, which tracks global wildlife population trends – ensures that policy decisions are informed by the best available evidence. By championing collaboration at the international level, we help create the conditions for lasting change at scale.

Throughout the event, our experts will be closely following and contributing to Motions that can turn into highly impactful initiatives, including tree planting, the development of a robust Nature Positive framework for business, the commercial pet trade, and longevity conservation. 

Our delegation

Matthew Gould, CEO 

Andrew Terry, Director of Conservation and Policy

Mike Hoffman, Head of Wildlife Recovery

Professor Sarah Durant, Institute of Zoology

Professor John Ewen, Institute of Zoology

Dr Mirjam Hazenbosch, Sustainable Business Programme Manager

Caleb Ofori Boateng, EDGE Fellow

Fiona Sach, Zoo Conservation Impact Manager

Monica Wrobel, Lead for Strategic Programming - Conservation and Policy

Myrianne Keuko, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer