IUCN Conservation Forum Opens in Ottawa, Canada

The Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) is being held in Canada on October 1-2, 2024, at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa. This event, organized by the North American Regional Office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Canadian Committee for IUCN (CCIUCN), focuses on uniting conservation actions both in Canada and globally. It serves as a platform for over 100 conservation professionals and stakeholders to discuss strategies for achieving a nature-positive future, aligning with Canada's National Biodiversity Strategy and empowering Indigenous Peoples in land stewardship. The forum features interactive workshops covering various topics, including Nature-based Education and Habitat Protection Legislation. Participants will engage with experts from diverse sectors, including government, NGOs, and academic institutions, to share updates on conservation actions and initiatives. Approximately 20% of attendees are youth participants, highlighting the importance of involving younger generations in conservation efforts. IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak emphasized the significance of the forum in shaping the direction of IUCN ahead of the World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in October 2025. The discussions aim to influence global conservation policies and foster new partnerships among stakeholders, ensuring that conservation actions are aligned with international commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. Overall, the RCF represents a critical moment for Canada and the global conservation community to collaborate and strategize for a sustainable future, reinforcing the need for collective action in biodiversity conservation.