Reverse the Red Awards Medals to 26 Countries for Excellence in Biodiversity Planning
Countries committed to protecting and recovering species and biodiversity
Contact: Megan Joyce | megan.joyce@reversethered.org
October 10, 2025 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
For their outstanding commitment to species recovery, 26 countries have been awarded the Reverse the Red NBSAP Medal at the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress. These award-winning plans reflect a growing global shift toward science-driven, action-oriented policies to tackle the biodiversity crisis.
"For species and ecosystems to thrive, the commitment of national governments is key. Though we recognize that the biodiversity crisis is global, effective conservation action tends to be local,” said Prof. Jon Paul Rodriguez, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. “We are therefore deeply enthusiastic about the work of recipients of the Reverse the Red NBSAP medal, as the recognition acknowledges locally driven scientific and policy processes, aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity decline in their countries."
This distinguished recognition is granted to countries that have demonstrated excellence in the development and delivery of evidence-based National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans (NBSAPs). Reverse the Red is committed to supporting strategic, recovery-focused, and evidence-based action for species, and to helping countries deliver on Goal A and Target 4 of the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. NBSAPs are a key tool in the fight to reverse the trend of species decline, forming the foundation of each country's response to the biodiversity crisis.
“This achievement reflects a strong national commitment to biodiversity and species conservation, driven by local data and expertise that underlie evidence-based public policies,” said Michael Clifford, Reverse the Red Strategy Director. “We commend these countries’ leadership and efforts.”
An expert panel, led by the IUCN Species Survival Commission, reviewed NBSAPs from all Convention on Biological Diversity Parties using a clear set of criteria, assessing both the process and content of each plan. Scoring was based on transparency, scientific rigor, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with global biodiversity targets and medals were awarded to the highest-scoring NBSAPs from each IUCN statutory region.
The countries receiving commendation are: Argentina, Australia, Burkina Faso, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Denmark, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, France, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Slovenia, State of Palestine, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, and Uganda
The Reverse the Red executive committee member organisations, Botanic Gardens Conservation International, IUCN Species Survival Commission, Re:wild, Toronto Zoo, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and Zoological Society of London, are pleased to celebrate these countries and the people that make this work possible and we look forward to supporting their efforts.
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Contact:
Megan Joyce | megan.joyce@reversethered.org
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About Reverse the Red
Reverse the Red is a global coalition that ignites strategic cooperation and action to ensure the survival of wild species and ecosystems and reverse the negative trend of biodiversity loss. Through a strategic initiative, Reverse the Red brings together a diverse network of leading scientists, advocates, and partners committed to using a data-driven and science-based approach to assess, plan, and act for species conservation. Reverse the Red provides the tools and expertise to empower governments, partners and local communities to set and reach species conservation targets and celebrates and amplifies successful achievements for species.