MiAMBIENTE and IUCN coordinate the World Congress of Protected Areas in Panama• The National Coordination Committee will integrate various sectors to define the structure and logistics of the world's largest meeting on conservation and ecotourism. This event, hosted by Panama, will bring together approximately 10,000 leading specialists from around the world on biodiversity from September 3 to 10, 2027. The National Coordination Committee will follow up on the IUCN's Declaration of Requirements to integrate all relevant sectors of the country, including government, non-governmental organizations, indigenous peoples, experts, civil society, and the private sector. Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá. - The Ministry of the Environment (MiAMBIENTE) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) formally established the National Coordination Committee (NCC) for the 2027 World Congress of Protected and Conserved Areas. Special emphasis will be placed on the protected areas of the host region, promoting lasting initiatives that position Panama as a world power in biodiversity and ecotourism before the international community. Its main functions include defining the structure and program of the congress, planning technical visits and special events linked to conservation, and strengthening public and social support for the global event. Likewise, the committee will play a fundamental role in the logistics and organization of the event, working together with MiAMBIENTE and IUCN to ensure the necessary safety and operational standards for a meeting of this magnitude. Strategic alliances for conservation Among the assigned tasks, the NCC must manage comprehensive alliances between the IUCN Regional Office for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean (ORMACC) and various public entities, academic, scientific sectors, and working groups dedicated to fundraising. This advisory unit will function as a motor of support and national link from its installation until six months after the congress is concluded, facilitating the review of information on the state of protected areas and the strengthening of professional networks. Objectives and operation of the committee The NCC will meet periodically, at least once every three months, using technological tools for virtual coordination. The space will also serve as a technical benchmark for area professionals to exchange best practices and strengthen their collaboration networks. Finally, the members of the committee will be responsible for evaluating the challenges, opportunities, and emerging trends in the global state of conservation.
