SACOLA Joins IUCN: A New Chapter in Conservation
/We are proud to announce that the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA) has officially become a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as of February 2025. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter in our journey to support conservation and sustainable livelihoods in the Volcanoes National Park region and beyond.
The IUCN is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, comprising more than 1,400 government and civil society organizations, along with the expertise of over 17,000 scientists and conservation professionals. It is a global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Being part of this unique Union will strengthen SACOLA’s ability to contribute to regional and global conservation efforts, while deepening our commitment to community-led sustainable development.
In recognition of our growing role in conservation, SACOLA has been honored with an invitation to participate in the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress, to be held in Abu Dhabi, from 9-15 October, 2025. The theme of this Congress, "Powering transformative conservation", resonates deeply with SACOLA’s mission to improve community well-being while protecting natural ecosystems. This international platform will give us the opportunity to share our experience, learn from others, and build new partnerships that enhance both environmental and community resilience.
As we move forward with renewed purpose and global collaboration, SACOLA remains dedicated to empowering communities, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a future where people and nature thrive together.
Stay tuned for more updates on our participation in the IUCN World Conservation Congress and upcoming initiatives inspired by our new membership.
SACOLA Participates in the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 9-15, 2025
The Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA), a proud member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is honored to participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress taking place from 9th to 15th October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prestigious event is hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) and gathers over 10,000 participants from more than 160 countries, reaffirming its position as the world’s leading forum on global conservation and sustainable development.
The SACOLA delegation is led by Chairperson Pierre Celestin NSENGIYUMVA, who is representing the organization in high-level discussions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at advancing community-based conservation models and sustainable livelihoods.
Purpose of the Gathering
The IUCN World Conservation Congress is a unique platform that brings together governments, civil society, Indigenous peoples, scientists, and businesses to shape the future of conservation. Under the 2025 theme, "Transformative Conservation: Global Partnerships for Global Impact", the Congress emphasizes collaborative approaches to protect nature, combat biodiversity loss, and address climate change in a rapidly changing world.
Importance of SACOLA’s Participation
SACOLA's presence at this global event reflects its unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainable development in the Volcanoes National Park region of Rwanda. As a recognized IUCN member, SACOLA contributes a grassroots perspective to global conservation efforts—showcasing how empowering local communities through eco-tourism and conservation-led initiatives can lead to sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem protection.
By participating in the Congress, SACOLA seeks to:
Strengthen global partnerships and networks for conservation.
Share its success stories from Rwanda on community engagement and sustainable tourism.
Learn from other organizations and integrate innovative approaches into its conservation programs.
Contribute to shaping international conservation policies that recognize the value of community-led efforts.
A Global Stage for a Local Voice
The IUCN Congress offers SACOLA a vital opportunity to voice the concerns and successes of communities living around protected areas. As the world increasingly recognizes the importance of inclusive and community-based conservation, SACOLA’s experience stands as a model for balancing ecological preservation with socio-economic development.
SACOLA remains committed to the principles of transformative conservation and looks forward to strengthening its role in the global conservation movement through active engagement at this world-renowned Congress.
For more updates on SACOLA’s activities at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, follow us on our official website and social media platforms.
Réseau francophone de l’UICN pour la biodiversité : Unir nos voix, renforcer notre action, Abu Dhabi, 12 octobre 2025.
Le 12 Octobre 2025, à Abu Dhabi, la délégation SACOLA a participé au lancement officiel du Programme de Petites Initiatives (PPI) de l’UICN-Francophone, une étape majeure pour les acteurs francophones de la conservation de la nature. Cet événement a marqué la création d’un Réseau francophone de l’UICN pour la biodiversité.
Ce réseau francophone affirme que la francophonie est une force d’action collective, capable de contribuer de manière significative à un avenir durable pour les peuples et la planète. Le mot d’ordre lancé à Abu Dhabi :
« Unir nos voix, renforcer notre action ».