Reporting from Abu Dhabi at the World Conservation Congress!
October 15, 2025
On October 7th Point Blue’s Director of Innovation Liz Chamberlin and Impact Strategist Debra Stein headed to the IUCN World Conservation Congress — one of the most influential gatherings for conservation science and policy in the world. As we shared earlier, Point Blue is a new member of the IUCN which holds great promise for our impact within global biodiversity conservation. This Congress is a wonderful kick-off to our engagement with this amazing global network.
What We’re Doing at the Congress
We’re diving in headfirst with a very active role throughout the week:
- Voting on more than 140 global conservation policy motions, many of which align directly with Point Blue’s science and mission.
- Voting in IUCN Council elections.
- Participating in the inaugural IUCN Subnational Leaders Delegation, alongside U.S. and international leaders.
- Contributing to the Subnational Strategy Workshop, where we’ll help design a global strategy for subnational leadership in conservation.
- Speaking on several panels, sharing Point Blue’s insights on the intersection of science, climate resilience, and community collaboration.
- Building partnerships with colleagues from organizations including California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), the California Ocean Protection Council (OPC), the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL), ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, and others—strengthening both our relationships and Point Blue’s global presence.
What Is the IUCN?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) brings together governments, scientists, and organizations from around the world to advance nature conservation and sustainable development. You may know IUCN best for its Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide.
Every four years, IUCN hosts the World Conservation Congress, where members set global conservation priorities, vote on motions, and share innovative solutions for protecting nature. At the last Congress, IUCN made a strategic decision to elevate the role of “subnationals”—state governments, provinces, cities, and NGO coalitions—in shaping global conservation policy. That shift opened the door for organizations like Point Blue to have a stronger voice in international conservation forums.
And this year, we’re thrilled to be participating as official IUCN members for the first time! After a rigorous global review process, Point Blue became an IUCN member this summer—granting us full voting rights at this year’s Congress.
Learn more about the Congress here.
Why IUCN Matters
IUCN motions have real impact. They help shape global conservation priorities and influence national and international policies—often paving the way for new treaties, laws, and biodiversity frameworks. Because they’re adopted jointly by governments and NGOs, IUCN decisions carry both scientific credibility and political weight. They’re also frequently cited in court cases, UN negotiations, and advocacy campaigns, amplifying their long-term influence.
IUCN is also deeply science-based, using biodiversity data to create tools and frameworks that guide conservation efforts worldwide. This creates a powerful opportunity for Point Blue—to both learn from and contribute to the global body of conservation knowledge and best practices.
Point Blue’s Role in Global Conservation Policy
Our participation in the Congress builds on years of groundwork. Point Blue has been an active member of the North American subnational leaders delegation, where regional and local leaders work to turn global biodiversity commitments into on-the-ground action. We also help lead the California Global Biodiversity Alliance (CalGBA)—a collaboration among state agencies, scientists, community groups, and organizations supporting the implementation of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Point Blue Impact Strategist Debra Stein, who brings extensive experience in international conservation policy, has been instrumental in advancing Point Blue’s global engagement. It was during last year’s UN Biodiversity COP in Colombia, where we participated as part of CalGBA’s 100-delegate contingent, that we were encouraged by the IUCN North America Director to apply for membership and take part in this Congress.
(You can learn more about CalGBA and explore its new website—designed by Debra!—at calgba.org).
Looking Ahead
This Congress represents an incredible milestone for Point Blue. We’re stepping into the global conservation arena with a seat at the table—helping to shape policy, elevate science, and connect California’s leadership in biodiversity to the broader international movement.
We’ll be learning a lot this week about how to best leverage our IUCN membership and deepen our engagement with the global conservation community. Stay tuned for more insights, connections, and ideas from this remarkable gathering.