Environment Agency Abu Dhabi To Host The 5th Leaders Meeting Of The IUCN Species Survival Commission In October 2024

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are set to host the fifth SSC Leaders’ Meeting in Abu Dhabi from 25th to 28th October 2024. This gathering will unite 300 participants, including leaders and experts in species conservation.

The meeting, occurring every four years, aims to utilise SSC Groups’ expertise, encourage knowledge-sharing, and enhance species conservation efforts. More than 120 sessions are scheduled, focusing on the Species Conservation Cycle: Assess, Plan, and Act. The agenda features over 20 plenary sessions, workshops, and panel discussions.

IUCN President Razan Khalifah Al Mubarak expressed pride in Abu Dhabi’s ongoing role as host of this significant conservation meeting. She highlighted its importance in bringing together experts dedicated to species conservation. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD Secretary-General, underscored the meetings' impact on shaping global strategies for species conservation.

Prof. Jon Paul Rodríguez, SSC Chair, emphasised the event's significance as an inspiring and transformative experience for SSC leaders. The meeting will also facilitate knowledge exchange between SSC leaders and local institutions on challenges related to species conservation.

The previous SSC Leaders Meeting in Abu Dhabi in 2019 saw IUCN issue an urgent call for conservation action as a shared responsibility: "The Abu Dhabi Call for Global Species Conservation Action" urged governments worldwide to take emergency measures to save species at risk of extinction.

As a result of this call, IUCN launched the Global Species Action Plan in 2023. The SSC plays a crucial role in assessing species status globally through its Red List of Threatened Species, serving as a benchmark for biodiversity assessments.

Continuing Tradition

This meeting continues EAD’s tradition of hosting SSC Leaders' Meetings since 2008. It reinforces Abu Dhabi's commitment to advancing global efforts in species conservation by providing a platform for collaboration and innovation among experts.

The event not only strengthens ties between international conservationists but also promotes local engagement with global challenges. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, it aims to drive meaningful progress in protecting endangered species worldwide.

With inputs from WAM