Hawaii - a natural choice

Honolulu, Hawai’i, U.S.A. will host the 2016 IUCN Congress, having received strong endorsement from President Barack Obama, his administration and the State of Hawaiʻi.

Bringing the IUCN Congress to Hawaiʻi brings attention to islands, the too-often-forgotten front lines of climate change and small scale representations of conservation issues facing everyone on the planet. Hawaiʻi is also central to the Pacific Rim, the fastest growing region in the global economy.

 A microcosm of global conservation crossroads

Islands allow us to see issues in the round—the beauty, biodiversity and rich local cultures, the threats to them and their relationship to human wellbeing and success.

Islands - the forgotten front lines of climate change.

Holding the IUCN Congress on a Pacific island draws decision-maker and media attention to islands, highlighting their vulnerability and the urgency of addressing climate change. 

A geo-political hub

The Pacific Rim is the fastest growing region in the global economy, with tremendous potential impact on the environment. These countries make up over half of global GDP, and Hawaiʻi is roughly equidistant between them.

Local inspiration

Hawaiʻi has shown its leadership in conservation through its Aloha+ Challenge sustainability targets and is working with IUCN to put in place best practices to set a global example for hosting sustainable events.

A world-class venue

Hawaiʻi is one of the few islands with the capacity to host an event of this size and offers an exceptional modern venue. Learn more about our Hawaiian hosts

Special Congress Excursions 

Special Hawaiʻi excursions

Learn about nature conservation in Hawaii and explore the culture and natural wonders of the islands through special hands-on experiences our Hawaiian hosts are offering Congress participants.
 

 

Recent updates

IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016 rooftop reception
18 Apr 2017
IUCN has mitigated 100% of the carbon emissions associated with the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016 held this past September in Hawaiʻi, USA. 
Traditional Hawaiian dancers at the IUCN Congress closing ceremony
16 Sep 2016
The IUCN World Conservation Congress 2016 embraced the “Aloha Spirit” throughout the Congress. 
Celeste Connors, Executive Director of Hawai‘i Green Growth
22 Jul 2016
“Hawai‘i highlights the unique and important role of islands in developing integrated nature-based solutions that can be scaled to achieve the globally agreed UN Sustainable Development Goals,” says Celeste Connors, Executive Director of Hawai‘i Green Growth.  
Nainoa Thompson, President of the Polynesian Voyaging Society
21 Jul 2016
“Hōkūleʻa and her crew have been crossing the ocean to show the world that old knowledge can be made new again, and that traditional ecological understanding is key to solving some of today’s greatest problems,” says Nainoa Thompson, President of the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
Cindy Orlando, Superintendent of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
21 Jul 2016
Cindy Orlando, Superintendent of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park talks about how the park is connecting with Hawaiian youth for conservation of the State’s natural and cultural heritage. 
Suzanne Case, Chair of the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources.
13 Jul 2016
“Our small islands act as scaled-down models of continental ecosystems, where impacts are magnified and connections across the landscape more perceptible,” says Suzanne Case, Chair of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Palau
17 Jun 2016
"We know that we must protect the natural beauty of our islands and the ecosystems that our livelihoods depend on to ensure a future for our children and our way of life. Our Micronesian neighbours share this vision," says Hersey Kyota, Palau Ambassador to the US.
Woman with shells
10 Jun 2016
Climate change Gender Action Plans (ccGAPs) help governments integrate gender issues into national climate strategies. Impacts have been profound, not least for island and coastal communities. 
Coral colonies
06 Jun 2016
“Key to our work is the synergy from bringing together experienced coral growers, conservation resource managers and coral reef scientists,” says O'ahu Coral Nursery Manager David Gulko.
The effect of biocontrol on strawberry guava
18 May 2016
Reese Brand Phillips from the US Fish and Wildlife Service discusses the impacts of invasive alien species in Hawai'i and introduces new ways to addressing the problem.

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