Iran Wins Two Global Conservation Awards at IUCN Congress
WANA (Oct 12) – Iranian conservationists have received two major international honors — the Reverse the Red Award and the International Ranger Award — at the ongoing International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Reverse the Red Award recognizes countries for their commitment to biodiversity protection and reversing species extinction through their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs). Iran’s national biodiversity strategies and locally adapted conservation initiatives impressed the selection committee, earning the country this distinguished medal.
The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the UAE accepted the award on behalf of the nation. Other winners in the region included Jordan and Palestine.
In addition, Iran received the International Ranger Award, presented by the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). This marks the first time the award has gone to a site in the Middle East.
The Seydva National Park in Semnan Province was among this year’s recipients, recognized for its successful community-based conservation efforts. Azin Saeedi of the Iranian NGO Ramyaran-e Hayat-e Vahsh Iran (Wildlife Friends of Iran) accepted the award on behalf of the park’s rangers and local conservation partners.
List of Endangered Animals in Iran
WANA (Aug 25) – Iran is a country with high biodiversity, which, due to its mountains, forests, deserts, plains, and seas, serves as the habitat of numerous animal species. This land, from north to south and east to west, hosts many species, many of which hold global value. However, human activities such as deforestation, […]
The IUCN World Conservation Congress, held every four years, is one of the world’s most significant environmental gatherings, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and environmental activists from across the globe to shape the future of nature conservation.
This year’s congress, taking place from October 9–15, 2025, focuses on addressing global environmental crises under the theme “Powering Nature Conservation for Transformative Change.”
Discussions center on innovative strategies to tackle the triple planetary crises of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. One of the key outcomes of the congress is the update of the IUCN Red List, which identifies species at risk of extinction.
First established in 1948 in France, the IUCN Congress aims to promote global cooperation in environmental protection and biodiversity preservation. Its core objectives include conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable development, shaping international environmental policy, and fostering global networks among researchers, policymakers, and conservation advocates.
Iran Wins Two Global Conservation Awards at IUCN Congress. Social media/ WANA News Agency
