Fifth IUCN Species Survival Commission Meeting Commences In Abu Dhabi With Global Experts

The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is hosting the Fifth Leaders’ Meeting of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC). This event, taking place from 25th to 28th October in Abu Dhabi, gathers 300 global leaders and experts in species conservation.

During the opening ceremony, EAD was recognised by the IUCN SSC for its efforts in changing the Scimitar-horned Oryx's status from 'Extinct in the Wild’ to 'Endangered’. This achievement marks a global first after over two decades. The collaboration with Chad’s Ministry of Environment has increased Oryx numbers to over 650.

Razan Al Mubarak, President of IUCN, highlighted the significance of this gathering. "This gathering holds a special place in our hearts, as it reunites us in the spirit of our 2008 initial meeting in Al Ain," she said. She emphasised the UAE's commitment to species conservation under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership.

She also noted the synchronicity with the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference in Colombia. This overlap underscores global momentum for biodiversity conservation and recalls strides made during COP28 hosted by the UAE. The event placed nature at the centre of climate discussions, affirming its role in mitigating climate change.

Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, EAD’s Secretary General, stressed that species conservation now requires more than government support. "Today, species conservation entails more than just government endorsements," she stated. With 300 experts present and backed by SSC’s vast network, they represent a critical mass for global conservation efforts.

She acknowledged IUCN's global recognition for its knowledge products like Red Lists. "As species experts, you carry a crucial responsibility to advance species conservation," she added. Establishing Centres for Species Survival is seen as a positive step forward with 20 such centres already established.

Conservation Achievements

The restoration of iconic species like the Arabian Oryx and Houbara is among Abu Dhabi's notable achievements. Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri highlighted these efforts: "Restoration of the two iconic species deeply intertwined with our environment and culture—the Arabian Oryx and the Houbara – is among our most notable conservation achievements."

Dr. Jon Paul Rodríguez shared insights on what makes this meeting unique: "The 5th SSC Leaders' Meeting stands out for its focus on the interconnected crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and human well-being." He emphasised how nature's regenerative power offers solutions to these challenges through conservation and ecological restoration.

The work of the Species Survival Commission relies heavily on data from the Red List of Threatened Species. This information is crucial for achieving targets set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It empowers policymakers and communities to make informed decisions based on scientific evidence.

Abu Dhabi's support for these efforts is significant. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund have supported nearly 3,000 projects affecting 1,800 species globally over 15 years. Many grants have contributed directly to Red List assessments.

This meeting provides an invaluable platform for exploring sustainable strategies to secure our planet's future. By focusing on how animals, fungi, and plants regulate ecosystems, it highlights their role in addressing global challenges through conservation and ecological restoration efforts.

With inputs from WAM