Global platform for conservation
India’s Red List Debuts at Global Conservation Meet: The IUCN World Conservation Congress is one of the largest forums on biodiversity and sustainability. Held every four years, it gathers over 1400 member organisations including governments, NGOs, and Indigenous groups. The 2025 edition will take place in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 15 October.
Static GK fact: The IUCN was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland.
India’s representation
India has been a State Member of IUCN since 1969. At the 2025 Congress, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh will lead the delegation. The launch of India’s first national Red List of Endangered Species highlights India’s conservation priorities and positions it as a strong voice in global biodiversity governance.
The Red List of Endangered Species
India’s Red List is a comprehensive inventory of species within its territory, focusing on extinction risks. It serves as a policy tool for guiding conservation strategies, scientific research, and collaborations. The list provides a framework for balancing development with ecological sustainability.
Static GK Tip: The global IUCN Red List categorises species into nine groups, including Critically Endangered, Vulnerable, and Least Concern.
Themes of the 2025 Congress
The Congress agenda revolves around five major themes:
- Strengthening ecosystems through resilient conservation action.
- Tackling climate overshoot and its biodiversity impacts.
- Ensuring equity in conservation benefits.
- Promoting nature-positive economies.
- Driving innovation and leadership in environmental solutions.
Global scale and participation
The 2021 Marseille Congress drew more than 9,200 delegates and 25,000 visitors, producing the Marseille Manifesto on biodiversity and climate emergencies. The Abu Dhabi event is expected to surpass this, with global leaders, scientists, and experts including Astrid Schomaker (CBD), Mukhtar Babayev (COP29), Musonda Mumba (Ramsar Convention), and Ricky Kej, Grammy Award winner.
Link between biodiversity and climate action
The Congress highlights the interconnection of climate change and biodiversity loss. Nations will explore pathways for collaborative action. For India, unveiling the Red List here reflects its intention to integrate climate resilience with conservation and position itself as a leader in environmental diplomacy.
Static GK fact: India is one of the 17 megadiverse countries, hosting around 7-8% of recorded species globally.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India’s Red List Debuts at Global Conservation Meet:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event | IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 |
| Venue | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Dates | 9 to 15 October 2025 |
| India’s Representation | Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh |
| India and IUCN | State Member since 1969 |
| Key Outcome | Launch of India’s first Red List of Endangered Species |
| IUCN HQ | Gland, Switzerland |
| Previous Congress | 2021 Marseille, France |
| Major 2021 Output | Marseille Manifesto on biodiversity and climate |
| Global Speakers 2025 | Astrid Schomaker, Mukhtar Babayev, Musonda Mumba, Ricky Kej |
