UICN - Union internationale pour la conservation de la nature

From Nagoya 2010 to IUCN World Conservation Congress in Korea 2012

28 October 2010 | News story

Today in Nagoya at the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Tenth Conference of the Parties (CBD COP10) a deal was signed outlining the strategic plan for IUCN’s next World Conservation Congress. This will be held in Jeju Island, Korea in September 2012.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by IUCN’s Director General Julia Marton-Lefèvre, the Republic of Korea’s Minister for the Environment Maanee Lee and the Governor of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Keun Min Woo.

Held every four years, the IUCN Congress is the world’s most important international conservation event. The 2012 Congress aims to put nature and conservation at the top of the global agenda.

“We intend that the world will pay more attention than ever before to the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Korea in 2012,” said Minister Lee. “We are now ready with the signing of this MoU to work on the more detailed aspects of our agreement, working together with trust respect and confidence.”

The World Conservation Congress will take place from 6 to 15 September 2012. The Congress will be held in the International Convention Centre (ICC) in the Jungmun Resort Complex in Jeju, an island south of the mainland. This state-of-the-art facility is set in a well-preserved natural environment and has committed to the “Green Convention Practice” by adopting renewable energy, electronic banners and recycled materials.

“Here we are in 2010 in this very important setting at CBD COP10,” said IUCN Director General Julia Marton-Lefèvre. “During 2011 we will continue to plan for the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress in a thoughtful and careful way.”

Joined on the podium by Jeju Governor Keun Min Woo he outlined his commitment to the IUCN World Conservation Congress: “Even though I have been in office for barely 100 days I promise you the determination and passion of the people of Jeju Island to realize the success of the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2012.”

Dr Enrique Lahmann is Director of IUCN’s Constituency Support Group and responsible for managing the next World Conservation Congress. He explained the substance of the deal that was signed in Nagoya.

Youngbae Sue is President of IUCN’s National Committee. He explained why the IUCN World Conservation Congress is so important in Korea.