The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) launched a three-day Regional Conservation Forum today, 23 July, in partnership with Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.
The forum will tackle issues in Eastern and Southern Africa ahead of the major World Conservation Congress 2020 due to be held in Marseille, France.
“Ministers responsible for environment from countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mozambique and Kenya will attend the forum to be convened under the theme: “Securing a future for people and nature in Eastern and Southern Africa,” with an aim of consolidating a common agenda to position and safeguard the region’s long-term conservation interests while delivering results for people and nature,” the department said in a statement.
Over 150 representatives of governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector and local and indigenous group representatives are expected to attend the forum.
“The world is living through a decisive moment in its history with regards to the conservation of nature. The pivotal year of 2020, when the world will agree on new targets for nature by 2030, is a defining moment,” IUCN observed.
“The programme will focus on moderated panel discussions, presentations, interviews, plenary conversations, side events, exhibitions and workshops all aimed at inspiring conservation solutions for Eastern and Southern Africa ahead of the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2020,” the union described.
Created in 1948, IUCN has evolved into the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. It harnesses the experience, resources and reach of its 1,300 Member organisations and the input of 14,500 experts. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
