IUCN Asia and West Asia Named Official CBD Subregional Technical and Scientific Cooperation Support Centres, Following Host Agreement Signings at UNEA-7

The announcement was made yesterday on the side-lines of the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), marking a significant milestone in strengthening regional mechanisms for technical and scientific cooperation under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).

The Host Agreements officially mandate IUCN ARO and ROWA to lead, coordinate, and facilitate technical and scientific cooperation for CBD Parties in Asia and West Asia. The new Centres position collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and science-based decision-making at the heart of regional efforts to achieve global biodiversity targets.

“IUCN ARO is honoured to host the Sub regional TSC Centre. This partnership amplifies Asia’s leadership in biodiversity action, knowledge exchange, and technical cooperation – supporting Parties towards the KM-GBF Targets and strengthening Asia’s ability to deliver science-based solutions, accelerate cooperation, and mobilise innovation with ambition, rigour, and inclusivity,” said Dr Dindo Campilan, IUCN Regional Director for Asia and Hub Director for Oceania.

“The establishment of this Centre in West Asia places our region at the forefront of scientific and technical excellence. Hosting this Centre at IUCN ROWA underscores the trust placed in IUCN as a global authority on nature and reinforces our role as a convener, knowledge leader, and partner to governments and stakeholders,” said Dr Hany El Shaer, IUCN Regional Director for West Asia. He underscored that the TSC for West Asia will catalyse partnerships and mobilise resources for achieving global biodiversity targets, positioning the region as a proactive contributor to global conservation efforts.

The new Technical and Scientific Cooperation Support Centres will accelerate implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework by enabling countries in Asia and West Asia to access tailored scientific knowledge, tools, expertise, and capacity-building opportunities. Both Centres will enhance regional and national capabilities, foster innovation and technology transfer, mobilise financial and technical resources, and support demand-driven cooperation aligned with regional and national priorities.

Since the announcement of the global TSC initiative at CBD COP16, IUCN ARO has already been contributing to global coordination efforts and advancing regional dialogues on ecosystem restoration, Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) implementation, and inclusive governance. Key achievements in 2025 included the Target 3 Sub regional Workshop, the regional OECM Dialogue, and a multi-thematic Asia webinar series.

IUCN ROWA works closely with governments, national focal points, environmental authorities, academic and research institutions, and community organisations across West Asia. Hosting the TSC reinforces IUCN ROWA’s leadership in biodiversity conservation and capacity development, strengthens partnerships with the League of Arab States, UN entities, and global partners, and expands opportunities for innovation, knowledge exchange, and coordinated regional action.

Of the 18 globally designated TSC Centres, IUCN leads 4 TSC Centres globally, including the IUCN ARO and ROWA.

Notes to editors

For more information or to set up interviews, please contact:

Ryo Sekiguchi
Senior Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Officer, IUCN Asia Regional Office (ARO)
Email: [email protected]

Razan Baqain
Communications and Documentations
IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA)
Email: [email protected]