Rapid response to conservation emergencies - An IUCN Save Our Species webinar

In response to these urgent threats, IUCN Save Our Species in collaboration with the EU Directorate General of International Partnerships (DG INTPA), launched a series of rapid action grants under the SOS African Wildlife initiative. Running from 2019 to 2024, these grants have provided crucial support to frontline conservationists, empowering them to safeguard endangered species and protect their habitats through innovative, on-the-ground interventions.

This webinar showcases the remarkable achievements of the rapid action grants and share invaluable lessons learned from this ambitious initiative.

00:00 - Introduction: Ana Nieto, Global Head, Species Conservation Action Team, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
03:13 - "Importance of rapid response funding": Dr Hans Bauer, Research Fellow, WILDCRU, University of Oxford
14:46 - Keynote address: Nadia Cannata, Policy Officer, European Commission - Directorate General for International Partnerships
21:16 - Overview of the African Wildlife initiative - Anne Mugo, Grants Coordinator, Species Conservation Action Team, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
33:00 - “Emergency action to address COVID-19-related threats to the survival of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park”: Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Conservation Through Public Health
46:00 - “Buffering South Africa’s unique succulent species from the impacts of the illegal wildlife trade”: Matthew Norval, Chief Operations Officer, Wilderness Foundation Africa
58:40 - “Emergency control of Salvinia molesta aquatic fern to save the African Manatee’s habitat and Lake Ossa’s biodiversity”: Dr Aristide Takoukam Kamla, African Marine Mammal Conservation Organization
1:11:48 - Panel discussion and Q&A