In the context of the COVID-19 international crisis, hosting the IUCN World Conservation Congress represents a major opportunity to provide deep and urgent responses to combat new pandemics while preserving biodiversity.
Mobilisation at a national level
In order to organise the Congress, a “project mode” governance has been put in place. Within the Ministry of Ecological Transition, a team dedicated to the organisation of the Congress has been formed that participates in various meetings with other stakeholders:
- An inter-institutional steering committee, chaired by Bérangère ABBA, Secretary of State in charge of Biodiversity, working on the organisation and content of the Congress. It brings together the cabinet of the Ministry of Ecological Transition, the French Ambassador for the Environment, other relevant ministries and a representative of the Prefect.
- An operational steering committee within the Ministry of Ecological Transition, bringing together the different departments of the relevant ministries, as well as the French Agency for biodiversity.
- Working groups on “Management / HR markets / Support”, “Mobilisation Strategy”, and “Communications”. A fourth inter-institutional working group deals with the “post-2020 biodiversity framework”. Each of the working groups mobilises the relevant departments in ministries, public institutions and IUCN.
Mobilisation of local stakeholders
The strong involvement of local stakeholders is noteworthy. Indeed, through the local Steering Committee, the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2020 mobilises participation of:
- funding partners: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region, Department of Bouches-du-Rhône, Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis, City of Marseille;
- and associated partners: CCIM AMP, ARBE and OFB, Marseille Tourist Board, Regional Tourism Committee and Parc des Calanques.
This synergy is reflected in the partnership agreements signed between the Ministry of Ecological Transition and each local authority.
Agreements with the 4 local authorities hosting the Congress
On 15 November 2019, the City of Marseille, the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis and the Department of Bouches-du-Rhône each signed an agreement with the Ministry of Ecological Transition detailing their respective commitments to the organisation of the Congress. A fourth agreement with the Sud - PACA Region was signed in 2021.
This partnership-based and inclusive approach to the planning tasks, as well as this joint reflection, have allowed for exchanges between the members to be strengthened and have led to the emergence of objectives shared by all, thus facilitating action. This is how local level institutions have identified their role:
- to mainstream the IUCN Congress 2020 as a highlight of a more global mechanism to promote the willingness of institutional stakeholders to commit to biodiversity and nature issues;
- to make the Congress an opportunity to highlight not only species and landscapes biodiversity in the area, but also the innovative projects carried out for the preservation of natural heritage.
The contribution of businesses
Because the protection of nature and biodiversity requires everyone to get involved, businesses, both at national and local level, are committed alongside IUCN and France to a successful Congress.
Through numerous meetings, encounters and exchanges, and the creation of a Congress Partners Club, as well as with the help of the Marseille-Provence Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Ecological Transition is engaging businesses and ensures a follow-up of their commitments. The main form of partnerships for businesses is in kind or financial sponsorship.
These contributions and support strengthen the organization of the Congress and enhance its impact. They also reveal the willingness of economic stakeholders to assume their share in the fight to conserve nature, and more specifically biodiversity.
Leaving a legacy
IUCN Congresses have always had a decisive influence on the most important global conservation initiatives and treaties in the past 70 years.
In order to turn words into actions, IUCN, France and their partners have set themselves the ambitious goal of making the Congress as sustainable as possible, leaving a long-term legacy in Marseille.
Given the magnitude of the event in terms of size, duration and outreach, several mechanisms are being considered: be it to respond to the organisational and logistics needs, or to actively communicate and mobilise the different audiences, local partners are all committed to ensure the popular success of this major event that will be a key driver for raising awareness of the richness of biodiversity that surrounds us and consequently of our collective responsibility to preserve it.
To this end, and to the extent possible, donations in kind granted by businesses will be redistributed locally.
