The ICCF Group

The ICCF Group supported the Saint Lucia Conservation Caucus in hosting a stakeholder workshop focused on best practices for developing Voluntary Protection Agreements (VPAs) with private landowners. This effort was made possible through the collaboration and support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, Fisheries and Sustainable Development. We extend our appreciation to ICCF Group expert consultant Mr. Wayne Stetski for delivering an insightful introduction to the VPA framework and for sharing his vision to expand this model to strengthen conservation initiatives across Saint Lucia and the wider region. Learn more: internationalconservation.org/blog/st-lucia-…

The Oceans Caucus Foundation is partnering with the Ocean Conservancy on a briefing series to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). The first briefing, which took place on March 18th on Capitol Hill, shared perspectives on the MSA and why it was created in the first place, what makes it work, and what’s ahead. Learn more: internationalconservation.org/blog/oceans-ca…

On March 17, 2026, in the UK Parliament, ICCF UK convened Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Conservation for a timely and wide-ranging discussion on the UK’s role in international conservation by Mary Creagh MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Nature. The briefing provided a valuable overview of the global policy landscape on nature and biodiversity, as well as a forward look at the key moments that will shape international action over the coming years.

On March 18, 2026, the ICCF Group assisted the Amazonia+ Program by supporting caucus members Senator Alfonso de Urresti (Chile) and Representative Yenica Acosta (Colombia) in a panel on Integrated Fire Management (IFM) and the financial sustainability of protected areas. The panel created a space to explore how countries across the region are integrating IFM into the management of protected areas, identifying key opportunities for sustainable financing, regional cooperation, and legislative support to strengthen the prevention, management, and restoration of ecosystems affected by wildfires.

ICCF hosted a Capitol Hill briefing marking the 50th anniversary of the Magnuson–Stevens Act, celebrating the United States’ globally recognized, science‑based fisheries management system. We extend our thanks to the panelists who shared their deep experience in fisheries management and offered insights into why the Act was created, how it works, and what lies ahead.

Delivering biodiversity outcomes increasingly depends on credible multilateral cooperation, backed by implementation, not just ambition.

Cross-party parliamentary forums provide valuable space for thoughtful discussion on biodiversity and conservation policy

On International Women’s Day we recognise the leadership of women in conservation policy. We are proud to work with @APPGIntlCons Vice Chairs @rozsavageMP & @Uma_Kumaran, championing action to protect wildlife and ecosystems. #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2026

Parliament has an important role in engaging seriously with complex conservation challenges - particularly where policy intersects with ecosystems, livelihoods and international delivery

ICCF-UK held a successful briefing this fall with world leading orangutan conservation groups to highlight the challenges faced by this incredible species from global deforestation and the illegal wildlife trade. In attendance were APPG chair @BarryGardiner MP and members Lord Grayling, Lord Gascoigne and @alexsobel MP. Learn more: internationalconservation.org/blog/rehabilit…

ICCF welcomes @RepMcDowell to the U.S. Congressional International Conservation Caucus. Rep. Addison McDowell is a freshman member of Congress representing North Carolina, and a lifelong outdoorsman with a strong appreciation for America’s wildlife and natural heritage. Prior to Congress, Rep. McDowell’s public service included serving on staff for Congressman (now U.S. Senator) Ted Budd and Congressman Richard Hudson. An avid hunter, Rep. McDowell knows firsthand what is required for responsible stewardship of land and wildlife. He displays his commitment to conservation on the House Natural Resources Committee and in the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and we are now pleased to welcome him to the International Conservation Caucus, where he can help advance pragmatic, pro-conservation solutions around the globe.

The Mexican Oceans Caucus, under the leadership of Senator Ivideliza Reyes and Congresswoman Azucena Arreola, with support from ICCF México, convened a Dialogue Roundtable on integrating ghost fishing gear into Mexico’s regulatory framework. The discussion brought together federal authorities, legislators, civil society, academia, and coastal communities to explore legislative solutions to address abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), strengthen institutional coordination, and improve traceability and reporting mechanisms. This dialogue contributes to Mexico’s international commitments, including the Global Ghost Gear Initiative, and supports the development of a national roadmap—led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—to prevent and manage ghost fishing gear in Mexican waters.

The Congress of Baja California Sur, with the support of ICCF Mexico, has launched the first subnational Environmental and Oceans Caucus in the world. This historic milestone strengthens the state’s environmental agenda by establishing a formal legislative platform to advance cross-cutting conservation policies with both short- and long-term vision. Led by State Deputy Erick Iván Agúndez Cervantes as Founding Chair, the Caucus reflects a strong commitment from the State Congress to advancing evidence-based environmental policymaking. The launch was attended by the Governor of Baja California Sur, Prof. Víctor Manuel Castro Cosío, along with representatives from the three branches of government, academia, local communities, and the private sector—demonstrating broad institutional support for strengthening local legislation by promoting environmental governance, advancing ecosystem restoration and circular economy approaches, supporting responsible fisheries and regenerative aquaculture, and integrating scientific rigor and transparency into public decision-making to safeguard Baja California Sur’s marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems.

The ICCF Group honors the extraordinary legacy of Jorie Butler Kent, whose lifelong devotion to nature and conservation has left an indelible mark on the world. Jorie championed the protection of wild places with uncommon vision and heart, inspiring countless people to recognize their responsibility as stewards of the natural world. She believed deeply in the power of partnership and in the idea that safeguarding our planet requires both courage and compassion — values that continue to guide our mission today. We are profoundly grateful for her invaluable support and for the example she set through a life dedicated to preserving the beauty and integrity of our shared environment. Her legacy will continue to inspire conservationists for generations. Thank you, Jorie.

ICCF honors the remarkable life and legacy of Robert Duvall. Beyond his iconic roles on screen, he was a steadfast champion for land, wildlife, and the natural beauty that defines our shared heritage. His commitment to conservation reflected a deep respect for the places and communities he loved. His impact lives on—in film, in stewardship, and in the landscapes he helped protect. Thank you, Bobby D.

Today in Washington, D.C., ICCF hosted a roundtable discussion on the opportunities presented by offshore economic development, including carbon sequestration/carbon capture and storage (CCS) and direct ocean capture (DOC) in the outer continental shelf. Congressional staff learned about economic opportunities with regard to offshore CCS/DOC, and how best to align investments in these technologies with benefits to sustainability and improved offshore safety. The roundtable included panelists from the private sector, academia, and the NGO community, including the @oceanindustries (National Ocean Industries Association - NOIA), the University of Texas (UT), and Captura.

On December 11, 2025, ICCF hosted a working dinner in Luanda with Members of the Angolan Parliamentary Caucus for Conservation to introduce the Africa Keystone Protected Area Partnership, a major initiative led by the Rob Walton Foundation. The discussion also emphasized the importance of collaborative co-management models beyond conservation, the partnership’s broader objectives were highlighted, including strengthening government capacity to manage protected areas in line with international best practices; investing in skills development, training, and conservation education; supporting local economies through ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, and job creation for communities surrounding protected areas. Learn more: internationalconservation.org/blog/africa-ke… @USAmbAngola @Nature_Africa @TheHALOTrust @RainforestTrust

Today, the National Congress of the Republic of Chile launched the Chilean Conservation and Oceans Caucus in Santiago. The ICCF Group welcomed the participation of Members of Congress, Co-Chairs of the Colombian and Mexican Caucuses, Ministries, private-sector entities, academia, multi-lateral banks, and non-governmental organizations. Chile is home to nearly 6,500 km of coastline with a wealth of 127 terrestrial and 96 marine ecosystems. With this launch, the Caucus commits to consensus building and policy action for conservation in Chile. The ICCF Group wishes to thank @lagosweber, @sergiogahona, @paulinanu, @GermanBlancoA, and @Azucena_Arreola.

On Friday, December 12th, the ICCF Group hosted a Congressional staff briefing to recap three recent milestone conferences for global conservation. We were joined for this briefing by speakers from partner organizations like the @IUCN, @World_Wildlife, @fishwildlife, and @amazon, who fielded questions from staff and discussed how to carry forward the momentum from these events.

On November 24 and 25, the Mexican Oceans Caucus carried out its first field visit in La Paz to learn firsthand about exemplary community-led projects on the conservation and restoration of marine–coastal ecosystems, as well as initiatives on regenerative aquaculture, coral restoration, and the cultivation of Mexican pearls. During the visit, members of the Caucus engaged in dialogue with the Guardianas del Conchalito, toured the Santomar facilities, and learned about the work of Efecto Arena—three initiatives that demonstrate that it is possible to conserve while generating social well-being, resilience, and a stronger local economy. The delegation also participated in activities surrounding the arrival of the Statsraad Lehmkuhl tall ship of the One Ocean Expedition, aboard which the strategic pillars that will guide the work of the Mexican Oceans Caucus were presented. This first visit marks the beginning of a collaborative path that will strengthen the country’s ocean governance, consolidate legislative leadership, and open opportunities to advance solutions grounded in science, political will, and innovation. The ICCF Group wishes to thank @IvidelizaR, @Azucena_Arreola, @Rociolopezgoro, @karenyaiti, @IMIPASmex, @NoruegaMexCA, and @SEMARNAT_mx