The International Union for Conservation of Nature Council has announced plans to hold the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawaii next year, making it the first time the event will take place in the U.S. The event is scheduled for September 1-10, 2016.

Every four years, leaders from government, the public sector, non-governmental organizations, business, U.N. agencies, and indigenous and grass-roots organizations come together at the congress to develop and advance solutions to many of the world’s most pressing environmental and development challenges. More information about the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress here.

The Center for Biodiversity Outcomes works with the IUCN on several fronts and is currently developing a formal partnership with the IUCN Red List. CBO has partnered with IUCN to pilot the new Key Biodiversity Standard, which assesses areas of significant global biodiversity importance. CBO researcher Penny Langhammer leads this effort and serves as lead author for the KBA standard. The project receives support from NCEAS Science and Nature for People (SNAP). CBO also works with the Joint Species Survival Commission/World Commission on Protected Areas and the National Marine Fisheries Service, and provides support to a faculty affiliate to coordinate and lead CBO’s IUCN-related activities and communications.