India’s First Red List Unveiled At IUCN Congress

India’s inaugural Red List of Endangered Species will be officially launched at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress. The event is scheduled from 9 to 15 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This milestone marks India’s enhanced commitment to biodiversity conservation on a global stage.

Significance of the IUCN World Conservation Congress

Held every four years, the IUCN Congress is a major global platform for conservation policy and action. Over 1400 member organisations from governments, civil society, and Indigenous communities participate. They vote on key environmental issues shaping the planet’s future. The Congress also serves as a hub for sharing scientific research, innovation, and sustainable development practices.

India’s Role and Representation

India has been a State Member of the IUCN since 1969. At the 2025 Congress, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh will represent India. The unveiling of India’s first national Red List marks the country’s biodiversity challenges and conservation priorities. It aligns India with international efforts to assess and protect threatened species.

About India’s Red List of Endangered Species

The Red List is a comprehensive inventory assessing the conservation status of species within India. It identifies species at risk of extinction, providing critical data for policymakers and conservationists. This list will guide national strategies and global collaborations to safeguard India’s rich biodiversity.

Thematic Focus of the 2025 Congress

The Congress will address five core themes – 1. Scaling up resilient conservation action to strengthen ecosystems. 2. Reducing climate overshoot risks impacting biodiversity and communities. 3. Delivering equity in conservation benefits and decision-making. 4. Transitioning to nature-positive economies promoting sustainability. 5. Emphasising disruptive innovation and leadership in conservation efforts.

Global Participation and Impact

The 2021 Congress in Marseille attracted over 9,200 participants and 25,000 public visits. It produced the Marseille Manifesto focusing on biodiversity, climate emergency, and post-pandemic recovery. The Abu Dhabi event is expected to draw global leaders, scientists, and experts. Notable speakers include Astrid Schomaker (CBD), Mukhtar Babayev (UNFCCC COP29), Musonda Mumba (Ramsar Convention), and Ricky Kej, a Grammy-winning composer.

Importance for Biodiversity and Climate Action

The Congress offers a unique opportunity to align conservation with climate goals. It encourages collaboration between nations and sectors to address biodiversity loss and climate change. India’s Red List launch here signals its readiness to take a lead role in global environmental governance.