ICCON 2025 Biodiversity Summit in Dehradun showcased India’s commitment to wildlife conservation, releasing the MEE report on protected areas and launching TechBridge for innovative solutions.
India Hosts ICCON 2025 to Tackle Urgent Biodiversity Challenges
Introduction
India hosted the Indian Conservation Conference (ICCON) 2025 at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun from June 25–27, under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) This flagship event brought together over 500 delegates—from scientists, IFS officers, students, NGOs, to international participants—to address pressing biodiversity challenges via science, policy, and practice
Inauguration and Theme
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated ICCON 2025, describing India’s conservation efforts as a model for national and global leadershipThemed “Breaking Silos – Bridging Divides – Solving Conservation Issues,” the event leveraged collaborative discourse to shape cutting-edge conservation strategies
Introduction of TechBridge
A standout feature of this edition was TechBridge, a platform showcasing wildlife tech innovations. It provided a space for start-ups, researchers, and field practitioners to demonstrate technologies in wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching, habitat restoration, and data-driven conservation models
Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE)
A significant highlight was the unveiling of the latest Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) report, assessing 438 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries from 2020–25 The overall MEE score rose to 64.41%, marking a “good” performance, up from 60.52% in the previous cycle, showcasing improved governance and management of protected areas
Top & Low Performing Areas
Out of 438 PAs:
- 84 earned a “very good” rating.
- Leading states/UTs: Chandigarh (85.16%) and Kerala (76.22%).
- Areas such as Karnataka, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh showed strong ratings.
- Ladakh scored lowest at 34.9%, indicating critical management needs
Top performers included Eravikulam NP and Dachigam NP (~93%), while Ringba‑Roba WLS, Hemis NP, and others struggled
Institutional Developments & Youth Engagement
Minister Yadav also inaugurated the WII’s new Herbarium Gallery and a Tusker Indoor Gym, symbolizing infrastructure boosting scientific research and animal welfare He underscored the importance of youth involvement, urging students to integrate technology, empathy, and innovation into conservation
Conference Format and Scope
ICCON 2025 featured:
- 17 thematic areas
- Hundreds of oral and poster presentations
- Speed talks, keynote lectures, and 10 capacity-building workshops
Conclusion
ICCON 2025 emerged as a landmark convergence for conservation discourse by combining policy dialogue, science-driven strategies, youth mentorship, and technology. The improved MEE scores demonstrate enhanced governance, while TechBridge and student initiatives illuminate a progressive path toward resilient biodiversity conservation.
🌟 Why This News Is Important
Relevance for Government Exam Aspirants
- Exam Subjects: Biodiversity, Environment, Ecology, and International Commitments. ICCON 2025 aligns with core topics in UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, Police, and Teaching exams.
- Policy Insight: Showcases India’s conservation strategy, an evolving government focus, which may appear in questions on current environmental policies and governance.
Emphasis on Technology & Science
- The TechBridge initiative highlights India’s push toward tech-enabled conservation—relevant for questions on innovation in environmental governance or SAR technology in police and defence roles.
- Youth focus underscores the government’s strategy to include students and early-career professionals in policy ecosystems.
Performance Metrics
- MEE Report: Offers statistical insights (“good” at 64.41%) and comparative rankings among states—a potential point in exam-based statistics or national vs. state policy comparisons.
- Understanding success and challenges in PAs can be tied to analytical questions in civil services and law enforcement roles.
📚 Historical Context
Origins of ICCON
- First launched in 2023 during Project Tiger’s golden jubilee and coincided with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) launch—a milestone in global wildlife conservation
Evolution of MEE
- India adopted the IUCN World Commission on PAs methodology in 2006.
- MEE cycles evaluate protected areas, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement in conservation governance.
National Conservation Framework
- Rooted in the 1972 Wildlife (Protection) Act and Project Tiger (1973).
- India’s conservation has evolved to include ecosystems beyond flagship species and to balance development and biodiversity protection.
📌 Key Takeaways from ICCON 2025
| S. No | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | ICCON 2025 held in Dehradun (25–27 June) with 500+ participants from India and Global South. |
| 2 | MEE score rose to 64.41%, showing overall improvement in PA management. |
| 3 | Chandigarh (85.16%) & Kerala (76.22%) topped state rankings; Ladakh (34.9%) rated ‘poor’. |
| 4 | TechBridge launched as wildlife-tech showcase—a boost to conservation innovation. |
| 5 | Youth, scientists, and practitioners collaborated to integrate tech, science, and empathy in conservation. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ICCON 2025?
ICCON 2025 (Indian Conservation Conference) is a national-level conservation event organized by the Wildlife Institute of India under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to address biodiversity issues through science, policy, and community collaboration.
2. Where was ICCON 2025 held?
It was held at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, Uttarakhand from June 25 to 27, 2025.
3. What is the significance of the MEE report released during ICCON 2025?
The Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) report evaluated 438 Protected Areas (PAs) in India for 2020–2025. It showed improvement in conservation governance, with an average score of 64.41%.
4. What is TechBridge in ICCON 2025?
TechBridge is a new initiative launched during ICCON 2025 to showcase innovative wildlife technologies, involving startups, researchers, and NGOs working in conservation tech.
5. Which states scored the highest and lowest in the MEE report?
Chandigarh (85.16%) and Kerala (76.22%) topped the MEE scorecard, while Ladakh scored the lowest at 34.9%.
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