Story | 17 May, 2024

Global 24-hour online event marks a milestone in species conservation efforts

In a groundbreaking response to the IUCN World Conservation Congress Resolution 4.019, Reverse the Red hosted the first World Species Congress on May 15, 2024. This 24-hour online event successfully brought together conservationists, governments, civil society, indigenous organizations, academics, and the private sector from around the globe to drive strategic, impact-driven efforts for species recovery.

The World Species Congress featured a mix of live and pre-recorded segments tailored to the diverse interests and needs of different regions. These sessions highlighted evidence-based conservation strategies, encouraging organizations and governments to intensify their commitments to saving species. The event inspired conservationists worldwide to amplify their successes and collaborate on a global scale.

The World Species Congress achieved several key objectives:

Generated 100,000 Critical Connections and Commitments: The event fostered significant engagement and commitments toward species conservation.
Showcased the Reverse the Red Species Pledge: Organizations demonstrated their commitments to this vital pledge.
Hosted Global Satellite Events: Public satellite events took place worldwide, alongside government satellite events that encouraged participation and discussion.
Announced the NBSAP Medal: The congress included the announcement of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAP) Medal, recognizing outstanding contributions to biodiversity strategies.

The congress placed a special emphasis on Reverse the Red’s support for government efforts to fulfill commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Attendees gained valuable insights into opportunities for individual and organizational engagement with Reverse the Red’s initiatives to reduce extinction risk.

In Fiji, NatureFiji-MareqetiViti, in collaboration with IUCN Oceania and the IUCN Species Survival Commission, hosted sessions for local participants at the IUCN office. IUCN Oceania acknowledged the support of the BIOPAMA programme for the Fiji event, ensuring robust local engagement in this global initiative.

The World Species Congress marked a significant milestone in the global effort to protect our planet’s biodiversity. By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders and fostering critical connections and commitments, the event laid the groundwork for accelerated species recovery efforts worldwide.

For more information on the outcomes of the World Species Congress and future initiatives, please visit Reverse the Red's official website.