Frequently asked questions - Press

Accreditation is required for all media who wish to cover the 2025 IUCN Conservation Congress.

Only completed applications will be processed. If your request does not have the required documents, delays may occur.

We will not be sending accreditation badges via mail. If you are applying for accreditation to cover the Congress on-site, you need to come in person and present your photo ID to collect your pass at the event.  

Please note that applying for accreditation does not guarantee registration.

Media accreditation is reserved for media professionals (print, photo, radio, television, film, news agencies and online media) who represent a bona fide media organisation. IUCN is committed to transparency and ensuring free and open access for media to the Congress. However, we can only give accreditation to those who supply proof of a track record of reporting for media organisations. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Accreditation is via the official IUCN World Conservation Congress registration platform.  

Online accreditation is the only official channel for media representatives to register for the 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress. IUCN is not able to process accreditation requests sent through any other channel (e-mail, post, etc).  

All members of the press must fill out the required details, before identifying themselves as media.

This can be done by selecting ‘private sector’ under ‘type of organisation’, then ‘media and communication’ organisation. Applicants will need to specify if they want virtual or onsite participation. 

To complete the process, you will need to submit the information detailed below. All information must be given as it appears in the passport or other official photo identification document the participant intends to present at the registration desk.

  • Complete name as it appears on official photo identification
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Passport or other photo identification number (driver’s license, etc.)
  • Email address

The names and information entered are for purposes of identification and verification only. Required information is used for accreditation and statistical purposes and will not be published. By submitting this information, you consent to the sharing of this data with the UAE authorities and other relevant stakeholders if required for the implementation of Congress. The data provided may be processed and shared with IUCN and its Congress supplier(s) K.I.T. Group GmbH for registration in compliance with the privacy policy and only to provide for the services described. You consent to IUCN processing this information in relation to this and future IUCN events and agree to receive information about this and future IUCN events.

This information will be retained in the system for use at future sessions, unless a written request to remove it is received from the media concerned.

Please refer to the IUCN privacy policy.

In addition to your personal data, your accreditation request must be supported by three examples of published content, authored by the applicant.

Applicants must upload a document containing three articles/ pieces they have authored, clearly showing their byline, and supply links to the media outlet where it is published. For audio and video files, please provide a time stamp referencing the section featuring your name.

If possible, please also supply copies of a valid press card and a letter of assignment on official letterhead of the media organisation (signed by the publisher / assignment editor, Editor-in-Chief or Bureau Chief) specifying the name and functional title of the journalist. 

If uploading your press card and assignment letter, please share PDF or image files using the upload function in the accreditation form.  File size limit is 5 MB.  

Print media representatives may submit three by-lined articles published within the past year. These may be scanned PDF or image files or links to the article online.

Audiovisual journalists may submit three recordings of reports or podcasts broadcast within the past year.

Photographers may submit original tear sheets or photos with credits of the issuing organisation. It is also possible to provide links to photos online, as long as the photo attribution is clearly that of the applicant.

Online media may include links to articles, blog posts, vlogs and others.  

The website must belong to a recognised media organisation and have a specific, verifiable street address and a telephone number.

Outlets should have been in continuous operation for at least six months and reach at least 20,000 visitors per month.

The website must have at least 60% original news content, commentary, or analysis, including coverage of climate change. Websites that only aggregate syndicated web content from other sources and do not feature original content will not be accredited.

The website must be updated at a minimum of three times a week.

If uploading your press card and assignment letter, please share PDF or image files using the upload function in the accreditation form.  There is a file size limit of 4 MB.  IUCN will not accept materials sent separately by e-mail. 

Media attending the IUCN Congress in the UAE must ensure compliance with the country's media regulations. This may include obtaining specific permits for media activities and adhering to content standards. Additionally, journalists and media professionals bringing equipment into the country may need to register it in advance if required by local authorities. It is the responsibility of each media representative to research and comply with these regulations before arrival. 

No. Double registration is not allowed (e.g. as media and delegate, or as media and NGO). If you are already registered, your application for media accreditation will not be granted.

Freelance journalists are subject to the same requirements for accreditation as outlined above. In the absence of an assignment from a specific news organisation or publication (incl. a valid assignment letter from that news organisation, or publication), you will be asked to submit proof of your previous work. Photographic agencies must provide clear evidence from a client news organisation or publication. You must also submit the other required documents for accreditation.

Media accreditation is for professional members of the media who represent bona fide media organisations. We cannot accord students the same accreditation as is granted to media professionals who have an established track record of reporting.

No. Media representatives must be at least 18 years old to apply for Media accreditation and have an established track record of reporting.

However, minors between 14 and 18 years old are welcome to participate in the IUCN Congress provided IUCN receives from the parent or legal guardian the signed parental consent form and each minor is duly registered to the Congress.  

Accreditation of bloggers and social media influencers for the IUCN Congress will be done on a case-by-case basis and criteria currently applied to online media will be applied.

If the media platform meets standards such as having editorial board oversight, it may be eligible for accreditation according to the same criteria applied to online media.

Independent film production companies are required to provide a letter from a broadcast organisation or film distributor which has committed to air or distribute the work, or from the IUCN Member or partner organisation that supports the production. The project should be related to nature conservation. You must also submit the other required documents for accreditation.

No. Your name should be included on the official delegation list and you will be registered as a member of the Member’s delegation. The communications and media team will be happy to assist with outreach to the media.

All journalists travelling with government representatives should be included on the official delegation list and be registered as a member of the delegation. 

Due to the requirements of the online registration system, it is not possible to give blanket media accreditation to a media organisation. Instead, accreditation is granted to individuals representing bona fide media organisations who provide the required valid documentation for accreditation. 

We are aware that assignments can change at short notice. Please communicate changes in staff as soon as they are known (contact congressmedia@iucn.org). The applicant will have to complete the same process, but if they have the required valid materials, there is usually little delay in processing.

Every effort will be made to issue the accreditation as soon as possible. We endeavour to get back to you within two weeks. 

Media accreditation allows journalists free access to all public events during the IUCN Congress, all public areas within the Congress venues, and restricted, designated media areas and events such as press conferences. Accreditation may only be used for coverage of the IUCN Congress 2025 and does not constitute an endorsement for any other purpose. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer financial support for journalists. 

No. Media representatives accredited to cover the IUCN Congress are responsible for their own travel and hotel bookings. However, special discounted rates have been secured for Congress participants at a selection of hotels conveniently located near the venue. Many of these hotels are within walking distance, while others offer shuttle services for added convenience. More information can be found here.  

The IUCN Secretariat is not able to help with issuing visas. You will be able to request a visa letter during the registration process. You may use that letter, the confirmation of your accreditation, as well as the letter of assignment from your media organisation when making your visa application. More information on the visa process can be found here.

Once you have received confirmation of your accreditation as an on-site journalist, you will automatically be registered to attend IUCN Congress 2025. You may collect your badge on-site at the registration desk at the conference venue. You must present the same valid photo ID as used in your profile. 

If you lose or forget your media badge, you may not be allowed access to the Congress. You must report any lost badges to the registration desk in the venue. A replacement badge will incur a fee of 40 USD.

All accredited media have access to the media centre, press conference room(s), exhibit areas, side events, open plenary sessions, and any public areas in the Congress venue. Specific information on media arrangements at conferences is provided through Daily Media Briefs. These are issued every day during Congress. All accredited media accessing the Congress premises must pass through security screening, including those with equipment.

Disclaimer

IUCN strives to provide a professional, respectful and harassment-free event experience for everyone. We celebrate the diversity of all Congress Participants, exhibitors and staff, and we expect every Participant to conduct herself/himself/ in a professional, respectful and responsible manner at all times and to comply with The IUCN Anti-harassment Policy, including bullying and sexual harassment, for IUCN events which can be found here.  

By attending the event whether onsite or virtually, you agree to respect and ensure a harassment-free event. You also agree to refrain from behaviour, which goes against the IUCN Anti-harassment Policy, including bullying and sexual harassment, for IUCN events and the applicable law. If you engage in such behaviour, you may be asked to leave the event at the sole discretion of IUCN.  

You must not take part in any canvassing, leafleting, demonstrations, objectionable behaviour or any activity, which may disrupt the Congress.

Smoking will only be permitted within the clearly designated smoking areas. Any fines for infringements of this ban shall be borne by the Participants.

IUCN reserves the right to deny you participation in a specific session and/or to stop any activity on your part that may interfere with, or cause annoyance to other Participants.

You must comply with the security requirements imposed by the venue and/or local/national authorities. You may not bring weapons (firearms and ammunition, knives and sharp objects), easily flammable or explosive substances including pyrotechnics, drones, dogs (except guide dogs), gases or hazardous substances (including chemical pesticides and insecticides), or foul-smelling substances or radioactive sources. Other restrictions may apply.