The IUCN Behaviour Change Taskforce is supporting a motion at the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi it hopes will represent a significant step forward in global conservation efforts. Titled "Strengthening human-nature connectedness to advance transformative change for nature", this motion focuses on how transformative change for the environment requires a shift in not just behaviour, but also values, norms and beliefs.

A New Approach to Conservation
Conservation success ultimately depends on human behavior. As biodiversity decline accelerates globally, the need for transformative change in how humans interact with nature has never been more urgent. This motion, spearheaded by organizations involved in the IUCN #NatureForAll movement, builds upon the foundation laid by previous IUCN initiatives to foster that change.
Measuring What Matters
What sets this motion apart is its emphasis on developing and implementing concrete measures to evaluate human-nature connectedness. This scientific approach will enable conservation organizations to monitor the effectiveness of their programs in influencing values, norms, beliefs, and behaviors that impact biodiversity.
Building on Success
The motion complements earlier IUCN resolutions, including WCC-2016-Res-085 and WCC-2020-064, which established the groundwork for incorporating behavioral science into conservation strategies.
It is a Collaborative Effort, that has already garnered support from a diverse range of organizations from around the world, including:
Looking Forward
As we approach the IUCN World Conservation Congress, this motion represents a crucial opportunity to advance conservation through better understanding of human-nature relationships. By supporting this initiative, the Taskforce reinforces its commitment to evidence-based approaches that can drive meaningful conservation outcomes.
This motion's implementation will involve:
Development of standardized metrics for evaluating nature connectedness
Scaling up successful programs that connect people with nature
Enhanced collaboration across sectors and stakeholders
Regular monitoring and evaluation of outcomes
How to Get Involved
Organizations interested in supporting this initiative or learning more about implementing nature connection programs can connect with the IUCN Behaviour Change Taskforce or email Yose Cormier, the #NatureForAll Global Coordinator, at info@natureforall.global.
Together, we can build a future where human-nature connections drive positive conservation outcomes and support global biodiversity goals.