Luxembourg at the IUCN: «Aligning economy and ecology is essential! Serge Wilmes at the International Union for Conservation of Nature Congress in Abu Dhabi
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity, Serge Wilmes, took part in the World Conservation Congress of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which is being held in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 15 October 2025.
The IUCN Congress is held every four years and brings together ministers, researchers, companies and NGOs from all over the world. The 2025 edition focused on five central themes: scaling up resilient conservation actions, reducing the risks of climate change, equity issues, the transition to nature-friendly economies and societies, and innovation.
Minister Serge Wilmes took the opportunity to speak at a number of events, including the high-level «Nature-Positive Future: Turning Pledges into Investments»The presentation of the Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) and the discussion «Financing the Future: Unlocking Private Capital for a Thriving Planet»In addition, Serge Wilmes attended a special high-level session on the «Resilient Landscapes Luxembourg" theme.«Nature's Promise for Climate and People - A Call and Commitment from the Conservation Community to Belém and Beyond»He also met Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN, for a constructive bilateral exchange, further strengthening Luxembourg's relationship with IUCN.
During the plenary session«Nature-Positive Future: Turning Pledges into Investments»,Minister Serge Wilmes opened the debates on a crucial issue: How can we turn commitments into concrete investments for an economy that respects nature?
« Aligning economics and ecology is essential. To build a sustainable future for nature, we need to transform our economic models, mobilise responsible financing, and make nature a strategic priority - not an externality. Luxembourg is committed to showing that this transition is not only possible, but essential. », said the Minister.
In addition, at an event organised by Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF), Minister Serge Wilmes officially launched the phase 3 for this project, which aims to develop nature-based solutions to restore and protect coastal ecosystems while generating sustainable economic returns. This support will make it possible to implement scientific and scalable solutions for climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and the sustainable development of local communities.
Funded by Luxembourg's Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Biodiversity (MECB), since 2018 the BNCFF has supported 21 high-impact projects, mobilised more than €17 million in additional funding and contributed to the protection of 2.6 million hectares of marine and coastal ecosystems.
However, the highlight of the mission to Abu Dhabi was the meeting «Rio Changemakers, an innovative Luxembourg initiative which aims to connect projects, funds and investors. «Rio Changemakers» will facilitate the financing and implementation of projects that have a real impact on communities and the planet. Some thirty players from the financial sector, national governments, civil society, international organisations and local initiatives have responded to the call for proposals. call to action. This first meeting in Abu Dhabi was an opportunity to exchange ideas, identify potential barriers and devise realistic solutions.
In his speech at the lively discussion «Financing the Future: Unlocking Private Capital for a Thriving Planet»organised by Resilient Landscapes Luxembourg (RLL), the Minister highlighted the positive results and innovative character of RLL, an initiative that works in the field of nature-based solutions and incubates high-quality projects - scientifically robust and financially sound.
And finally.., Serge Wilmes and Gretha Aguilar welcomed the strong partnership between IUCN and the MECB at a bilateral meeting. The quality of the partnership is reflected in the catalytic and ongoing support provided by Luxembourg to strengthen the financing of biodiversity and nature-based solutions, while benefiting from the depth of IUCN's work in these areas.
Luxembourg's global leadership in sustainable finance and its expertise in climate finance are considerable assets in promoting more sustainable investment in natural capital.