From 9 to 13 October, I had the opportunity to participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, invited as a collaborator of the ICCA Consortium. I was there to help facilitate and interpret discussions during this major global gathering, which brought together conservation practitioners, community representatives, scientists, and officials from around the world.
What struck me most was the diversity of projects and initiatives presented across countless side events, which shows how much creativity, scientific research, and concrete action are already driving conservation efforts worldwide. The Congress placed a strong emphasis on the vital role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in safeguarding ecosystems, and it was inspiring to see rewilding and ecological restoration increasingly recognized as essential parts of the global agenda.
And although PLUPS wasn’t officially on the programme, it did sneak into the Congress, as can be seen on the picture ! The event showed just how many exciting opportunities there could be for PLUPS to connect and collaborate within this vibrant international conservation community.
