World Conservation Congress 2020 - Spring

Advisor: Adrian Hill

Team Members: Shirley Binder (Manager), Sage Solomine (Deputy), Xueqian An, Caroline Berman, Stacia Carrington, Caitlin Harris, Hong Hong, Anne Leone (Editor), Jiahao Liang, Catherine Louie, Yutian Luo

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress plays a central role in setting global conservation priorities, with member organizations proposing and voting on motions that guide international conservation action. Despite the importance of these motions, their effectiveness varies widely depending on how they are written and implemented. An analysis of previous Congress outcomes identified key factors influencing motion success, including clarity of language, defined responsibilities, and broad institutional support. Motions that clearly articulated conservation problems and provided actionable recommendations were more likely to influence policy and implementation outcomes.

Building on these insights, a structured guide was developed to help conservation organizations design more effective motions and improve their chances of adoption and implementation. The guide outlines procedural requirements, voting dynamics, and strategic considerations, including coalition-building and aligning proposals with IUCN priorities. Recommendations emphasize drafting precise, actionable language, engaging stakeholders early, and ensuring alignment between proposed actions and institutional capacity. By strengthening the quality and impact of conservation motions, this work enhances the effectiveness of international conservation governance and supports stronger global coordination on biodiversity protection and environmental policy.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone projects.