Young Professionals Task Force

16/06/2026

🌊🐢 World Sea Turtle Day | June 16

Do all regions of the world have sea turtles?
The answer is no.

Sea turtles have inhabited Earth’s oceans for more than 100 million years, traveling across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. However, they are absent from Antarctica and other polar regions because the extremely cold waters cannot support their survival.

These ancient marine reptiles play essential roles in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. From supporting seagrass meadows and coral reefs to regulating marine food webs, sea turtles are vital contributors to ocean health.

Despite their long evolutionary history, sea turtles now face increasing threats including plastic pollution, habitat loss, climate change, illegal harvesting, and accidental capture in fishing gear.

World Sea Turtle Day also honors Dr. Archie Carr, known as the “Father of Sea Turtle Biology,” whose pioneering research and conservation efforts inspired global action for sea turtle protection.

💙 Protecting sea turtles means protecting our oceans.

👇 What is your favorite sea turtle fact?

05/06/2026

🌍 World Environment Day 2026: Empowering Young Leaders in Urban Climate Action

Happy World Environment Day! Today, we are highlighting the vital contributions of early-career conservation leaders around the world.

Through advocacy, participation, and science-based action, young professionals are uniquely positioned to help create climate-resilient, nature-positive cities.

👉 Check out the carousel below to see the 3 key ways young conservationists are actively shaping urban environmental policy.

👇 Tell us: How is your city tackling climate resilience?

📣 Share this post to show your support for young environmental leaders!

21/05/2026

21/05/2026

21/05/2026

🌍 Can Artificial Intelligence help save Africa’s wildlife?

From tracking endangered species to improving biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem management, AI is rapidly transforming conservation across the continent — and young people have a critical role to play in shaping this future. 🐘🦏🌱

Join the IUCN SSC Young Professionals Task Force for an insightful webinar:

🎯 Harnessing AI for Wildlife Conservation: Empowering Youth in Conservation Monitoring and Environmental Action

This session will explore:
✅ Practical AI tools used in wildlife conservation
✅ Digital innovation in biodiversity monitoring
✅ How African youth can drive environmental action through technology
✅ The future of conservation in a rapidly changing world

📅 Date: 24 May 2026
⏰ Time: 19:00 – 20:00 GMT+2
🌐 bit.ly/43hnt5P

Whether you’re a student, conservationist, tech enthusiast, or simply passionate about protecting nature, this conversation is for you.

👉 Register now using the link below and be part of the movement shaping the future of conservation in Africa:
🌐 bit.ly/43hnt5P

Together, let’s protect nature through technology, innovation, and youth action. 🌍✨

22/03/2026

Meet the Young Professionals Task Force

21/03/2026

Happy International Day of Forests 🌴🌳🌳

17/03/2026

Vote for your favorite species

Announcement!
The Uproar Conservation Challenge is a new initiative from the Indianapolis Zoo, in partnership with the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), designed to spark curiosity, inspire learning and mobilize action for the planet’s most vulnerable species. In collaboration with SSC Specialist Groups, the Zoo has identified 64 at-risk animals, plants and fungi—many lesser-known, yet critically important to the health of their ecosystems and the planet.

For three weeks, the public is invited to make their voices heard in an online, head-to-head voting challenge, helping species advance round by round toward a single champion. Through this initiative, the Zoo will grant more than $50,000 in conservation funding, supporting conservationists and their efforts behind all 64 species represented. No species leaves empty-handed.

One species will rise above the rest and be crowned the champion, earning a $10,000 grand prize directed to the Specialist Group working to safeguard its future.

Voting begins today! Start here: https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/uproar-conservation-challenge/

16/03/2026

🌎Reintroducing the IUCN SSC Young Professionals Task Force

The IUCN Species Survival Commission Young Professionals Task Force is a global network dedicated to empowering early-career professionals in species conservation.

Through mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, the YPTF helps bridge the gap between young professionals and experienced conservation leaders.

Protecting biodiversity requires collaboration across many disciplines. Alongside scientists, professionals in policy, law, medicine, communications, education, and the arts all contribute to conservation solutions.

Together, these diverse perspectives help build a stronger future for species conservation.

Join us! Let´s do this together🤝