The recent Steering Committee Meeting of the IUCN Interregional Committee for East and West Europe (ICENCA), held on October 2, 2024, in Bruges, Belgium, gathered IUCN members from Europe, North, and Central Asia to discuss collaborative efforts in nature conservation. The meeting served as a platform for addressing regional conservation challenges and strategies.

This event follows the significant meeting hosted by FPWC in Armenia last year, which played a crucial role in fostering regional cooperation in nature conservation. The previous gathering underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and set the groundwork for continued dialogue and action among IUCN members.

Role of FPWC Leadership

It is noteworthy that the Director and Founder of FPWC serves as a Steering Group Member for East Europe, North, and Central Asia. This position facilitates FPWC's active involvement in shaping regional conservation strategies and contributes to the organization's leadership role within the IUCN community.

Summary of Activities

Workshops and Sessions: Attendees participated in informal meetings and training workshops focused on enhancing conservation efforts and promoting sustainable practices.

Preparation for IUCN Regional Conservation Forum 2028: The event included discussion workshops and training sessions aimed at preparing members for the upcoming forum.

Interregional Collaboration: Commission members, National Committees, and Country Focal Points convened to share experiences and discuss ongoing projects.

Networking Reception: A reception was held to facilitate networking among members and to discuss potential collaborative initiatives.

Looking Ahead
The meeting reinforced the commitment of FPWC and its partners to collaborative conservation initiatives. The discussions and insights gained will contribute to the preparations for the IUCN Regional Conservation Forum in 2028.

FPWC extends its appreciation to all participants for their contributions to the meeting's objectives. The organization remains dedicated to working towards a sustainable future through continued cooperation with regional partners.