On November 13, 2023, the French Nature Congress took place, marking a crucial step in preparing for the 2025 World Nature Congress in Abu Dhabi. The event provided a platform to present and discuss several key recommendations aimed at advancing global conservation efforts.
Protected Areas: Ambitious Goals for 2030
One of the major priorities discussed during the congress was the establishment of protected areas. The French Committee of the IUCN committed to recommending the creation of more effective and better-managed protected areas, both on land and at sea, with the goal of protecting 30% of the planet by 2030. These areas need to be not only larger and better monitored but also more equitably shared among stakeholders to ensure their long-term effectiveness.
Combating Wildlife Trafficking and Integrating Biodiversity into Urban Planning
For species conservation, the Committee proposed two key recommendations. The first aims to intensify the fight against wildlife trafficking by strengthening awareness and training for all involved actors and by mobilizing international legal tools. The second focuses on systematically integrating species conservation into construction and restoration projects, to minimize the impact of urbanization on biodiversity.
Ecosystem Protection: Forests, Oceans, and Mountains
Specific recommendations were also made for protecting forest, marine, and mountain ecosystems. Forests will be safeguarded against risks associated with invasive exotic pathogens and pests, with efforts to preserve urban forest biodiversity and the health of forest soils. Regarding marine ecosystems, emphasis will be placed on defining the principles of the blue economy and improving knowledge of mesophotic zone ecosystems. For mountain regions, the preservation of headwater streams will be a priority.
One Health Approach and Nature’s Rights
The “One Health” concept, which links human, animal, and environmental health, will be supported by drawing on traditional lifestyles and knowledge for effective application from global to local levels. In the legal domain, the French IUCN Committee will advocate for increased recognition of the rights of nature and support the creation of a third pact focused on human rights and the environment.
Valuing Traditional Knowledge and Safeguarding Overseas Territories
The Committee will also emphasize investing in the naturalist education of younger generations by valuing the traditional knowledge and skills of local and Indigenous communities, particularly in overseas territories. Specific proposals will address critical issues such as the stranding of sargassum seaweed in the Caribbean, the protection of freshwater resources on atolls, the development of syntropic agroforestry, and combating illegal mining activities threatening the Maroni River.
Support for Biodiversity and Civil Society
The Committee will insist on maintaining public development aid dedicated to biodiversity conservation, even in geopolitically tense contexts. It will also continue to support the engagement of local governments through initiatives like green budgets and territorial strategies, as well as businesses, by promoting the integration of biodiversity into their value chains and applying the “Nature Positive” approach.
Conclusion: Towards Global Mobilization for 2025
The French Nature Congress 2023 marked a decisive step in preparing for the 2025 World Congress. The recommendations developed reflect a clear commitment to strengthening conservation actions at all levels, combining biodiversity protection, respect for nature’s rights, and the integration of traditional knowledge. These combined efforts, led by the IUCN and its partners, aim to address current environmental challenges while preparing a more sustainable future for the planet.
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