“We are delighted to host RCF 2024 in the historical city of Bruges. Working hand in hand with IUCN and local partners, we aim to make the RCF an impactful and inspiring event in the run up to the IUCN World Conservation Congress in 2025. By sharing inspiring success stories and stimulating debate, we aim to help leverage the momentum created by the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and advance the highly needed whole-of-society engagement in the implementation of the ambitious agenda for biodiversity and climate. By paying specific attention to sustainability, we also hope to deliver a benchmark for green RCFs,” said IUCN Vice-President and Councillor Hilde Eggermont.

Once every four years, IUCN convenes its Regional Conservation Fora as a crucial platform for the IUCN Members, Commissions and the Secretariat to prepare for the upcoming IUCN World Conservation. Bringing IUCN constituents from two Statutory Regions – West Europe, and East Europe, North and Central Asia, RCF 2024 is set to be an opportunity to present their work and sustainable development issues and conservation priorities from the global to regional perspectives, advance the next IUCN quadrennial programme and help inform and steer IUCN’s strategic direction in the regions.