CMS VATAVARAN at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, Abu Dhabi
Celebrating Storytelling, Collaboration, and Action for Nature
CMS VATAVARAN was proud to participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025, held from 9–15 October 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) — a global gathering of changemakers, conservationists, and storytellers united by the mission to build a nature-positive future.
Represented by Dr. Vasanti Rao, Director General of the Centre for Media Studies (CMS), and Mr. Sabyesachi Bharti, Deputy Director, CMS VATAVARAN showcased the power of communication, storytelling, and education in driving global environmental action. The CMS delegation actively engaged in key sessions, high-level meetings, and collaborative dialogues emphasizing the role of media and behavioral change communication in shaping sustainable futures.
🌿 Highlights from CMS VATAVARAN’s Participation
🎨 Designing the Identity of the Nature-Based Education Pavilion
CMS VATAVARAN proudly contributed to the visual identity of the IUCN & CEC Nature-Based Education Pavilion by designing the main façade and key banner artworks. These creative elements showcased children and nature, creativity, inclusivity, and cultural diversity, helping set an inspiring tone for the pavilion. The design brought a storytelling-rich, welcoming, and nature-forward atmosphere to this global learning space.
🎬 Reel Impact: Inspiring Conservation through Stories of Resilience and Innovation
On 10 October 2025, CMS VATAVARAN hosted “Reel Impact” — a dialogue uniting conservationists, filmmakers, and communication experts. Moderated by Dr. Vasanti Rao, the session explored how storytelling and visual narratives can ignite collective action, influence policy, and inspire community-based conservation. The packed hall and enthusiastic response reaffirmed the transformative power of films in mobilizing nature-positive change.
🌎 Becoming the New Global Custodian of #NatureForAll
A proud and historic moment unfolded as CMS VATAVARAN was announced the new global custodian of the #NatureForAll movement. In a symbolic handover, Parks Canada and partners including IUCN CEC, WCPA, Alana Institute, Children & Nature Network, and Project Learning Tree passed the stewardship baton to CMS VATAVARAN for the next four years.
This marks a milestone ensuring voices from the Global South shape a global campaign encouraging people everywhere to connect with and act for nature. CMS VATAVARAN is deeply honored and committed to expanding #NatureForAll into an inclusive, action-oriented movement.
🤝 Strategic Engagements and Partnerships
Dr. Vasanti Rao and Mr. Sabyesachi Bharti held key discussions with international leaders to strengthen collaboration in environmental communication and nature-based education.
Notably, CMS VATAVARAN met Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, to discuss the ongoing impact of Wetlands for LiFE — a CMS-led initiative under the MoEFCC, Government of India, and GIZ, supported by IKI.
🌍 Showcasing Leadership in Environmental Learning
At the IUCN Canada Pavilion, Dr. Vasanti Rao presented “Establishing National Frameworks for Environmental Learning”, emphasizing the vital role of education in advancing sustainability. Her insights reflected CMS VATAVARAN’s commitment to bridging policy, education, and communication for meaningful impact.
🎥 Green Film Network Awards 2025
CMS VATAVARAN joined the Green Film Network Awards 2025, celebrating global excellence in environmental storytelling. Dr. Vasanti Rao, with Sidney Jang from the Seoul International Eco Film Festival, presented the Best Feature Award to Mauricio Albornoz Iniesta for “Una Canción Para Mi Tierra.”
🌱 Looking Ahead: Amplifying Global Voices for Nature
With renewed purpose and global partnerships, CMS VATAVARAN returns from Abu Dhabi inspired to continue building bridges between science, policy, and society. As the new custodian of #NatureForAll, CMS VATAVARAN pledges to expand the movement’s reach, foster collaborations, and champion a vision connecting people and nature across borders and generations.
