The IUCN Regional Conservation Forum for Europe, North and Central Asia 2024 (RCF24ENCA), held in Bruges, 30 September – 3 October, brought together over 400 participants to address the pressing global challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and social justice. This gathering provided a platform for collaborative solutions, intergenerational dialogue, and innovative conservation strategies in the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 lead-up.
For the first time, the Forum sponsored young conservation leaders and introduced a Youth Oasis space, highlighting the crucial role of youth in driving conservation action. Over three days, 58 Thematic Sessions and plenary discussions explored pathways to scaling up conservation, integrating equity in governance, and transitioning to Nature-positive economies. These insights will contribute to IUCN’s 20-year Strategic Vision and 2026–2029 Programme, shaping global conservation efforts.
We thank the Government of Flanders, the City of Bruges, the IUCN Belgian Focal Point, local partners, and all participants for making this Forum a success. We are pleased to share hereby the full report, summarising RCF24ENCA's key findings and insights that will help set the direction for IUCN’s work in the region and beyond.
