A global movement that ignites strategic cooperation and action to ensure the survival of wild species and ecosystems

May 15, 2024

The World Species Congress, hosted by Reverse the Red, will amplify our collective conservation efforts and facilitate critical connections that accelerate our impact for species.

Reverse the Red is a coalition of organizations, groups, and agencies co-chaired by IUCN Species Survival Commission and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, committed to accelerating and amplifying successful species recovery efforts through collaboration, innovation, and national capacity support.

196 countries committed to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, agreeing to meet Target #4 by 2030, where

Threatened species are recovering, genetic diversity is being maintained and human-wildlife conflict is being managed.

The World Species Congress offers a forum for collaboration and a roadmap for success for anyone striving to create a healthier planet. We will celebrate and learn from successful strategies, tools, and partnerships in order to replicate, amplify, and accelerate action. 

 
 

Registration & Agenda

 

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The World Species Congress will:

  • Generate 100,000 critical connections and commitments

  • Showcase organizational commitments to the Reverse the Red Species Pledge

  • Have public satellite events participating globally

  • Invite participation and discussion at government satellite events

  • Include the announcement of an National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAP) Medal

  • Hear inspiring Success Stories integrating Governments, Botanical Gardens, NGO’s, Aquariums, & Zoos of how we’ve improved the status of species

  • Receive invitations to direct next steps to support your conservation impact 

  • Find examples and access to tools, assessments, and strategies

  • Have dedicated time to make new connections with colleagues across taxonomies, regions, fields, and more

  • See Organizational & National commitments to accomplish Target 4 

Over 24 hours, you will:

We will tackle key themes:

  • Uniting biodiversity, climate and protected area action

  • Financing species conservation

  • Market transformation and community engagement

  • True integration of Indigenous leadership and knowledge

  • Tools and data sets for informing best practice

  • Best practice examples in Convention on Biological Diversity target implementation

Who you’ll connect with:

  • Government Agencies, Environmental Ministers

  • Botanical Garden, Aquarium, Zoo (Leadership & Staff)

  • Species Specialist Groups, IUCN SSC members, regional liaisons, Centers for Species Survival

  • NGO staff and Conservation Practitioners

  • Biodiversity-minded corporations

  • Wildlife, biology, and ecology students and academics

  • Anyone who wants to save species

 

Get Involved

 
 

Species Pledge

Join species practitioners sharing their commitment to participate in measurable recovery of species. The pledge will become a map of strategic actions and impact indicators that can be used to accelerate collaboration and capacity building.

Host a Satellite Event

© Johannesburg Zoo

Host an event for your visitors, members, board, or community centered around positive action for species. You may choose to incorporate the live stream from the Congress during relevant sessions, or plan your event for another day.

Host a watch party for your staff, inviting all departments to join in because there will be something for everyone!

Sponsor or Partner

Your partnership with the World Species Congress supports all the efforts of the Congress and the tens of thousands of critical connections that will be made as well as the ongoing work of Reverse the Red. The Congress itself exemplifies the tenets of Reverse the Red: to amplify and accelerate conservation impact through mobilizing national networks, measuring impact, celebrating success, and empowering communities. By partnering, you will be helping realize Reverse the Red‘s vision for a world in which species thrive.

World Species Congress Event Partners

World Species Congress Gold Sponsor

World Species Congress Silver Sponsors

With Special Thanks to Peppermint Narwhal For Logo Design

Reverse the Red Executive Committee

Reverse the Red Advisory Board

  • Brighton Kaoma - Founder and CEO of Amano So

  • Karen Gaynor - Scientific Support Officer, CITES

  • Kaitlin Yarnall - Chief Storytelling Officer, Senior Vice President, National Geographic

  • Wendy Elliot - Deputy Leader Wildlife Practice, WWF International

  • Mark Penning - Vice President, Disney Parks

  • Dr. Nicolas Pilcher - Founder & Executive Director Marine Research Foundation

  • Angela Andrade - Chair Commission on Ecosystems Management

  • Cristian Samper - CEO Bezos Foundation

  • Prof. Keping Ma - Chair, South and East Asia Regional Committee