Global Center for Species Survival Helps Drive Conservation

Indianapolis Zoo’s Global Center for Species Survival conservation coordinators visited Abu Dhabi in early October for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress. The Congress hosts world leaders in conservation who come together to set priorities and drive conservation and sustainable development action.

The Congress tackled five critical themes focused on bold, transformative changes.
1. Scaling up resilient conservation action
2. Reducing climate overshoot risks
3. Delivering on equity
4. Transitioning to nature-positive economies and societies
5. Disruptive innovation and leadership for conservation

The Zoo’s Global Center for Species Survival coordinators were heavily involved in the Congress, specifically IUCN Species Survival Commission presentations, networking events and meetings. Throughout the week, coordinators organized, moderated or spoke at 11 sessions in addition to the sessions they attended for their education.

The “Aquascapes, Landscapes, and the Global Pact” session was co-funded by the Indianapolis Zoo. It highlighted the importance of linking aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems within global conservation strategies. Its moderator, Fanny Cornejo, is the 2023 Indianapolis Prize Emerging Conservationist Winner. Global Center coordinators Coralie Palmer and Monika Bohm
participated in the session.

“The Diverse Illegal Trade in Funga, Flora and Fauna” session highlighted the challenge that illegal trade involves more than just the moving of animals or plants; it affects ecological science and law enforcement, and it has socio-economic and governance considerations. Panelists brought together experts, policymakers and conservationists to explore what drives illegal trade, identify ecological and socio-economic impacts, highlight best practices in regulation and law enforcement and more. Global Center coordinators Jeffrey Stallman, Andrea Echeverry-Alcendra, Samuel Ivande and Coralie Palmer participated in this session.

Photos provided by Global Center for Species Survival Staff and Gerson Ferrer Yunkawasi.
Published October 15, 2025