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“At this critical time for the planet’s future, transformational change is urgently needed, and it is our responsibility to be part of the change. Through bringing science and traditional knowledge to the table, working with people across different sectors, and taking conservation action on the ground, change is possible,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Director General. “The Union is stronger than ever, and by standing together, united as the voice for nature, we can drive this change and shape a world where people and planet can thrive as one.”

“These past three days have achieved a lot, from exchanging best practices to gearing up for the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� World Conservation Congress and beyond, from working together across Europe, North and Central Asia to shape ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��’s future to setting a benchmark for a green and sustainable Forum and discovering the beauty of nature in Flanders,” said Hilde Eggermont, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Vice President and Director General of the Research Institute for Nature and Forest.��

During the Forum, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Members, Commission members and fellow experts discussed the major global challenges we face today – from the biodiversity and climate crises to social justice – and how ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� can best contribute to addressing them.�� 

“I am deeply inspired by the commitment of our Members, experts, and partners from across Europe, North, and Central Asia.��Together, we laid a strong foundation for the future of conservation in our region, and we are driving forward an ambitious, united vision for an impactful ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� in the region," emphasised Boris Erg, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� European Regional Director.��

Over the three days, through plenary discussions, 58 Thematic Sessions and a Forum Fair with a Youth Oasis, participants engaged in lively discussions and contributed towards the development of ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��’s 20-year Vision and Programme. These will be formally approved at the 2025 ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Congress, where ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Members will also vote on motions submitted in the next year.��

“It was wonderful to see so many ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Members and experts gathered to prepare for the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Congress in Abu Dhabi next year. Our vibrant ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� community was working at its best to find ways to tackle the great nature conservation challenges we face on this beautiful planet we all share,” said Chris Mahon, Co-Chair, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Interregional Committee for Europe, North and Central Asia (ICENCA).  

“Conversations emphasised the importance of ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��’s evidence-based role and the need to ensure a range of actors, from youth, local communities and Indigenous peoples to the private sector, are part of conservation work,” said Divija Jata, Coordinator of the Belgian Biodiversity Platform, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Belgian Focal Point.��

“I hope that one day, intergenerational processes will be the norm. The more we work together between generations, the stronger we will be,” said Abi Gardner, Forum youth volunteer and founder of the UK branch of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network.��

The Forum also saw a celebration of ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia office’s twentieth anniversary. Based in Belgrade, Serbia, the office has led regional conservation efforts, for example leveraging financial support for snow leopard, goitered gazelle, and sturgeon conservation, supporting the designation of Shar Mountain National Park and Vjosa Wild River National Park, and applying Nature-based Solutions in the Western Balkans.��

The event also saw the launch of the . As countries report on species trends as part of their commitments towards the Global Biodiversity Framework, these Guidelines will support practitioners to develop national Red Lists around the world.��

The Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North, and Central Asia 2024 was organised with the support of the Government of Flanders, the City of Bruges, the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Belgian Focal Point and local partners.