The OSS at the IUCN World Conservation Congress

Abu Dhabi, October 9-15, 2025

The OSS at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025: Showcasing African Innovation for Biodiversity

The Sahara and Sahel Observatory will take part in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress, to be held from October 9 to 15, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). Organized every four years, this major global event brings together thousands of decision-makers, experts, researchers, and representatives from civil society and the private sector to discuss and propose solutions to the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
As part of a rich and diverse program, the OSS will host an official session on October 11 entitled “Innovating for Biodiversity: Ecosystem Accounting and Nature-Based Solutions in Africa.” This session will spotlight the contributions of the Copernicea program, the AfrikENCA platform, and nature-based solutions to public policy development, integrated resource management, and successful African experiences in conservation and inclusive governance.

The OSS will also take part in several thematic panels organized by its partners:

October 9, 2025

• Strengthening African collaboration on Red List assessments and genetic diversity indicators for conservation measures. Organized by ME Tunisia and SANBI
• African TSCs: Building biodiversity capacity. Organized by CBD & IUCN
• Agriculture, desertification, and climate resilience: From global commitments to community-based solutions. Organized by IUCN

October 10, 2025
Launch of the World Bank report - Continental Drying: A Threat to Our Future. Organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (United Arab Emirates)

October 12, 2025
From Local Knowledge to Global Goals: Valorizing Rangelands and Pastoralism in the Arab Region. Organized by IUCN West Asia Region

Through these contributions, the OSS reaffirms its role as a center of scientific and technical excellence in Africa, committed to biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of natural resources, and supporting the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Find all our presentations on our social media channels.

Find out about our participation program.