IUCN Regional Office for West Asia

Showcase your ground-breaking research, innovations, and initiatives on a global stage in the IUCN World Conservation Congress, which will take place from 9 – 15 October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Secure your place at the IUCN ROWA Pavilion during the #IUCNcongress exhibition. Get in touch with us at westasia@iucn.org for more details.

We are thrilled to share that on the 25th and 26th of last week, we successfully conducted a comprehensive training session under the Sida-funded project “Delivering a climate change adaptation and resilience program for southern Iraq – Basra marshes”. This training focused on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and was expertly led by Faizah Slehat, the Manager of NbS in IUCN-ROWA. The participants were from the ministries in Iraq, NGOs and local communities there. The training was focusing in delving through the NBS standard, 8 criteria and how to apply them on the design of any project, interventions and activities in a proper and effective way. The event was a fantastic opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of NbS and explore innovative approaches to sustainable development and concluded by ideas and proposed interventions trying to resolve their challenges such as soil degradation and salination, wastewater management, food security and livelihoods improvement. Sida # Sida # NBS-IUCN

On World Wildlife Day 2025: Investing in People and Planet, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights the urgent need to mobilize financial resources for wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration. The “Enhancing Climate Resilience for Biodiversity Hotspots in Jordan” project contributes to these efforts through the reforestation of approximately 200 hectares of degraded forest stands in Shoubak and Petra, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The initiative prioritizes the restoration of Evergreen Oak (Quercus coccifera L.), Palestinian Pistachio (Pistacia palaestina Boiss.), and Phoenician Juniper (Juniperus phoenicea L.), selected for their ecological significance and climate resilience. Local communities, particularly women and youth, play a central role in these efforts, applying traditional knowledge and sustainable land management practices to support long-term ecosystem recovery. Biodiversity underpins the well-being of societies and economies. Strengthening conservation finance is essential to safeguarding nature and securing a sustainable future for all. #WorldWildlifeDay #NatureFinance #IUCN #EnhancingResilience #WildlifeConservation #ForestRestoration Read more: https://lnkd.in/grBStKHk Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada

🌙 Ramadan Kareem! May this holy month bring peace, blessings, and renewal to you and your loved ones. #RamadanKareem #IUCNROWA

The Principles of Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus and its Applications Training Workshop successfully concluded in Basra, Iraq, on February 24, 2025. Organized by the IUCN ROWA in collaboration with Sida, the workshop brought together 30 participants from the Iraqi government, CRIM, Nature Iraq, Basra local authorities, and community organizations. The two-day event focused on integrating water, energy, food, and ecosystems to enhance sustainability and resilience in Iraq’s Basra Marshes. Participants explored the challenges and opportunities of the WEFE Nexus approach, addressing issues like water scarcity, energy access, and food security. Discussions highlighted strategies for ecosystem restoration, cross-sectoral governance, and sustainable resource management. Through group activities, case studies, and policy design exercises, the workshop provided practical tools for collaboration and climate adaptation. This initiative marks a significant step in advancing nature-based solutions and integrated policies for a more sustainable future in Iraq. IUCN remains committed to supporting resilience-building and environmental sustainability in the region.

Experience the highlights from Aqaba, Jordan, where we celebrated the newest sites joining the IUCN Green List. Watch the recap and be part of the movement for a greener future. #IUCNROWA #NatureConservation #SustainableFuture King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority The Royal Commission for AlUla National Center for Wildlife المركز الوطني لتنمية الحياة الفطرية Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) Shouf Biosphere Reserve

Today’s panel on Preserving Biodiversity and Ecosystems: Protecting Natural Habitats in a Changing Climate brought together experts to discuss the urgent need for conservation in the face of environmental change. Moderated by Dr. Thuraya Said Al Sariri, the discussion featured leading specialists in nature conservation, sustainable land use, and environmental policy. Panelists explored strategies for protecting ecosystems, advancing biodiversity initiatives, and strengthening international collaboration to safeguard natural habitats. This session highlighted the critical role of science-driven policies and cross-sector partnerships in addressing global conservation challenges. #OmanClimateWeek #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #Conservation #sustainability Oman Climate Week

Following the #IUCN #GreenList Ceremony, participants explored the #AqabaMarineReserve, witnessing conservation in action. From advanced monitoring systems to vibrant #coralreefs, the visit highlighted efforts to protect the #RedSea’s biodiversity. Watch the recap! #IUCNROWA #MarineConservation #Sustainability

Relive the celebration in Aqaba, Jordan, as we honor the newest sites added to the IUCN Green List. This milestone recognizes excellence in protected area management, ensuring sustainability and biodiversity conservation across the region. From the Red Sea’s vibrant coral reefs to Saudi Arabia’s vast reserves and Lebanon’s ancient cedar forests, these sites set a new standard for conservation. Watch the highlights and join us in shaping a sustainable future. #IUCNROWA #GreenList #Conservation #Sustainability #ProtectedAreas #Biodiversity #Collaboration King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority Shouf Biosphere Reserve Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) National Center for Wildlife المركز الوطني لتنمية الحياة الفطرية The Royal Commission for AlUla

Watch the recap of the IUCN ROWA Green List Workshop, where conservation experts and stakeholders came together to strengthen protected area management across the MEWA region. From key achievements to future plans, the workshop highlighted collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in conservation efforts. Thank you to all who contributed! #IUCNROWA #GreenList #Conservation #Sustainability #ProtectedAreas #Biodiversity #Collaboration