ABU DHABI, October 15, 2025 — The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) today celebrated the highly successful IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi—and the adoption of key decisions to help guide conservation policy and action for the future of nature and people.

There was pivotal progress at the IUCN Congress, the world’s largest convening of conservation practitioners, on such issues as ecological integrity; the pet trade crisis; synthetic biology in conservation; crimes that affect the environment; One Health; and the central role of Indigenous Peoples in sustaining biodiversity.

WCS is an active, leading Member of IUCN, and is pleased to see the adoption of a strong 20-year vision, a 4-year program for IUCN, several motions addressing key emerging conservation challenges, and a powerful Abu Dhabi Call to Action.

Also during the Congress, WCS led on the release of the first IUCN Green Status of Species assessment for the tiger (Panthera tigris) which found that the world’s largest cat is Critically Depleted after a century of population decline, but also shows that conservation has prevented even greater losses and provides hope for recovery of tigers across their range.

Said Dr. Susan Lieberman, WCS Vice President, International Policy:

“Building on rigorous science, coalition-building, and advocacy, we are seeing breakthroughs at IUCN that reflect the urgency of today’s conservation challenges.

“We welcome agreement to support the responsible use of synthetic biology in conservation; action to develop guidance to address the wildlife pet trade crisis; incorporating One Health into IUCN policy; and a stronger commitment to combatting crimes that affect the environment.

“These resolutions adopted by IUCN in Abu Dhabi will steer policy toward evidence-based choices that safeguard both nature and human well-being — and include the rights and leadership of Indigenous Peoples, essential partners in any durable conservation agenda.

“WCS stands ready to work with all of our partners to make these bold decisions a reality.”

Key outcomes at IUCN:

Wildlife Pet Trade
The IUCN World Conservation Congress adopted Motion 108, calling for the creation of urgently needed global guidelines to help countries manage the commercial trade in wild animals traded as pets. Around the world, millions of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates are taken from the wild every year to feed the pet trade—leaving forests and grasslands silent and stripped of vital pollinators, seed dispersers, and predators. More than 90 percent of the vote led to the adoption of this groundbreaking action by IUCN.

Synthetic Biology
The adoption of Motion 87 marks a milestone in IUCN’s approach to synthetic biology, through adoption of a sound policy. It sets a path for responsibly integrating emerging biotechnologies into conservation, supported by scientific evaluation, ethical safeguards, and transparent governance. WCS advocated for balance — enabling innovation where appropriate, while avoiding undue risk. A move to call for a moratorium failed.

Crimes that Affect the Environment
In a coalition-led effort, IUCN committed to stronger global coordination to counter crimes that affect the environment—including wildlife trafficking, illegal logging and mining, and illegal fishing.. Members adopted a motion and a new programme, increasing engagement on this critical issue, locally, nationally, and at the global policy level..

One Health Integration
Reflecting a growing recognition that human, animal, and environmental health are inseparable, IUCN adopted a motion and programme text to embed One Health into conservation policy. Spearheaded by WCS, it calls for stronger interdisciplinary collaboration to anticipate and mitigate health threats at the interface of people, wildlife, and ecosystems.

Indigenous Peoples
The IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi is being celebrated for making historic progress in centering Indigenous peoples—hosting the first-ever in-person World Summit of Indigenous Peoples and Nature, creating a dedicated Indigenous Pavilion, and embedding Indigenous leadership directly into the Congress agenda.

WCS’s John Robinson Awarded Distinction of IUCN Honorary Member
Dr. John G. Robinson was named an Honorary Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) — one of the Union’s highest distinctions — in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to global conservation science, policy, and leadership. Dr. Robinson’s career spans more than four decades of conservation impact. At WCS, he directed global conservation programs from 1990 to 2020, overseeing initiatives across Africa, Asia, and the Americas that integrated science, community engagement, and policy to protect wildlife and ecosystems. His pioneering research on the sustainable use of wildlife and tropical forest dynamics has informed international conservation strategies and influenced protected area management around the world.

See Here more about the WCS Delegation’s activities at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.