Last September, environmental experts from across the world gathered at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille for the largest event of its kind since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

IUCN members, experts in conservation and sustainable development science, practice and policy came together to decide the future of the Union for the upcoming decade. From increasing the uptake of Nature-based Solutions to ensuring the transition to sustainable agriculture, Members made it clear that Europe needs to step-up its efforts and ambitions when it comes to protecting our natural world.

Six months on from the Congress, what has been achieved so far? What do the results mean for EU policies and for Europe on the global stage?

Draft Agenda

Moderator: Hilde Eggermont, Strategic Coordinator, Belgian Biodiversity Platform

Welcome by co-hosting MEPs:

• MEP Miapetra Kumpula-Natri (S&D, Finland) - 5 mins
• MEP Catherine Chabaud(Renew Europe, France) - 5 mins

Introductory remarks:

• Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries - 5 mins
• Dr. Bruno Oberle, Director General, IUCN - 5 mins

Panel discussion:

(Moderated session including a conversation with panellists, with set questions and also with the possibility to interact with the audience, via direct questions and/or with tools such as Sli.Do):

• Alberto Arroyo Schnell, Head of Policy & Programme, IUCN European Regional Office
• John Bell, Director for Healthy Planet (Dir. B),DG Research and Innovation, European Commission
• Dominic Waughray, Senior Advisor, World Business Council for Sustainable Development
• Giulia Testa, Biodiversity Youth Representative
• MEP Catherine Chabaud (Renew Europe, France)

Closing remarks: Moderator - 3 mins