Researchers, conservation practitioners, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, young professionals, civil society organisations, academics, governments and other stakeholders are invited to submit their ideas, research, experiences and solutions for the IUCN World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress 2027 in Panama. IUCN World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress 2027 Opens The Congress has opened its Call for Content, inviting individuals and organisations from around the world to contribute to the Technical Programme and help shape discussions about the future of protected and conserved areas. The international Congress will take place from 4–10 September 2027 in Panama City, Panama, bringing together diverse voices to explore how protected and conserved areas can become more effective, equitable and resilient over the coming decade. The Call for Content closes on 15 December 2026, giving interested contributors an opportunity to develop and submit proposals for consideration. What Is the IUCN World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress? The IUCN World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress 2027 is designed to bring people together to address the challenges and opportunities facing protected and conserved areas worldwide. The Congress is intended to be forward-looking and action-oriented, with an emphasis on solutions, innovation, evidence and practical recommendations that can help strengthen conservation efforts during the decade ahead. Rather than simply reporting on previous activities, the organisers are seeking contributions that address a larger question: What needs to happen now to strengthen protected and conserved areas for the decade ahead? Three Ways to Contribute Applicants can contribute to the Congress Technical Programme through three different formats. 1. Sessions Individuals and organisations can propose a 90-minute session bringing together different perspectives, speakers and approaches around a clear question, challenge or opportunity. Sessions should encourage meaningful participation and provide a space for diverse perspectives and knowledge. 2. Presentations Applicants can propose an approximately 15-minute presentation or contribution to be included in a session organised by another contributor. This format may be suitable for individuals who have specific research findings, experiences, evidence, case studies or solutions they want to share as part of a broader session. 3. E-Posters Contributors can also submit e-posters showcasing research, approaches, case studies or ideas. The digital posters will be available during the Congress and online, providing another way for participants to share knowledge with the wider conservation community. Proposals can be submitted in English, French or Spanish. What Is the Congress Looking For? The organisers are particularly interested in proposals that are forward-looking and focused on action. Strong submissions should clearly contribute to the objectives of one of the Congress themes and streams. Proposals should focus on areas such as: Solutions to conservation challenges. Innovation and new approaches. Evidence and research. Practical outcomes. Recommended actions for the future. Diverse perspectives and forms of knowledge. Meaningful and equitable participation. The organisers are also encouraging proposals that bring together different groups, including governments, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, youth, civil society, the private sector, financial institutions, academia and other stakeholders. This emphasis means that proposals should ideally demonstrate how different perspectives can contribute to better conservation outcomes. Three Major Congress Themes Contributors are asked to select the theme and stream that best fits their proposal and review its objectives and areas of focus before submitting. The Congress themes include: Shaping a Resilient Future This theme focuses on putting nature at the heart of planetary and societal health and well-being and exploring how protected and conserved areas can contribute to a more resilient future. Scaling Up Effective and Equitable Conservation This theme focuses on securing conservation gains and catalysing sustainable outcomes, with attention to improving the effectiveness and equity of conservation approaches. Conserving Together This theme focuses on rights, investment and capacity for everyone who stewards nature, recognising the importance of collaboration and inclusive conservation. What Should Be Included in a Proposal? Before submitting, applicants should carefully review the relevant Congress theme and stream. The submission will require contributors to describe the purpose and expected outcomes of their proposal, explain the proposed format and demonstrate how the contribution will support the objectives of the relevant stream. Applicants should therefore ensure that their idea is clearly connected to the Congress priorities and demonstrates practical value for participants and conservation efforts. The organisers have also published detailed programme content guidelines containing the submission requirements and selection criteria. Who Can Submit? The Call for Content is open to people and organisations with relevant ideas, experience and solutions that can contribute to the future of protected and conserved areas. Potential contributors include: Researchers and academics. Conservation practitioners. Governments and public institutions. Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Youth and young professionals. Civil society organisations. Private-sector representatives. Financial-sector stakeholders. Environmental organisations. Other individuals and institutions working on conservation and sustainable development. Those planning a training or capacity-development activity should note that these proposals must be submitted through the separate Learning Zone Call for Proposals. Key Dates The Call for Content opened on 15 October 2026. The application deadline is: Application Deadline 15 December 2026 Applicants are expected to be notified of the outcome by 15 March 2027. Approved session organisers and presenters must complete registration by 1 May 2027, while the final Congress programme is expected to be published on 4 June 2027. The IUCN World Protected and Conserved Areas Congress 2027 will take place from 4–10 September 2027 in Panama City, Panama. Why This Opportunity Matters For researchers, conservation professionals and organisations working on biodiversity, climate resilience, protected areas and sustainable development, the Call for Content provides an opportunity to bring evidence and practical solutions into an international forum. Selected contributions can help broaden discussions around how protected and conserved areas can respond to emerging environmental and social challenges while ensuring that conservation is effective, equitable and inclusive. Those with relevant research, successful approaches, innovative ideas or practical solutions are encouraged to consider submitting a proposal before the deadline. Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the offering organisation. This article is for informational purposes only. Contributors should review the official Congress guidelines and verify all submission requirements, selection criteria and deadlines with the official source before submitting. GSO does not process applications or proposals. Application Deadline 15 December 2026 Congress Dates 4–10 September 2027 Location: Panama City, Panama LEARN MORE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.