India prepares to reveal its first red list of endangered species at IUCN World Congress

India's first Red List of Endangered Species will be launched at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. The congress is scheduled from October 9 to 15, 2025, where global leaders and experts will congregate to forge the future of world conservation.

India will be represented at the event by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh. He announced the development on October 4 on X, writing, “Proud to represent India at the #IUCN #ConservationCongress2025 in Abu Dhabi from Oct 9, where India’s first Red List of Endangered Species will be unveiled.”

Why is this event significant for India and the planet?
India has been a State Member of IUCN since 1969 and this is the first time it will present its own Red List, a critical step in documenting and protecting threatened species. The IUCN Congress, held once every four years, is one of the most influential platforms for shaping global conservation priorities.

Over 1,400 government, civil society and Indigenous organisations vote on policies to guide humanity’s relationship with nature. It is also a major meeting point for scientists, policy experts, business leaders and environmental professionals to share new research and innovative ideas for sustainable development.