The IUCN Congress 2025, which took place in Abu Dhabi from the 9th to the 15th of October, brings together some of the biggest actors in global nature conservation.
And this year, Wildya was invited to the party! 🎉
Our founder, Oliver Dauert, was selected out of more than 1,500 candidates as one of just 15 IUCN Changemakers. Wild, right?
On the stage, Oliver shared his vision: building the “Y-Combinator for Nature”, an accelerator helping ecopreneurs turn their bold projects into real-world impact.
Beyond his pitch, Oliver also connected with conservation leaders from around the world, exchanging ideas, learning from their journeys, and bringing back insights for Wildya’s growing Ecopreneur Community.
What is the IUCN Congress?
You’ve probably heard this name before. The one behind the famous Red List that assesses the conservation status of species around the world. But just in case…
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is the world’s biggest and oldest network dedicated to protecting nature. 🌵
Every four years, the IUCN Congress gathers thousands of people from scientists, NGOs, entrepreneurs, governments, and conservationists… all united by one mission: protecting nature and ensuring a future for all (including the tiniest creatures too!).
It’s where global decisions meet local action. 🌍
And this… Wildya was part of it!
What are the IUCN Changemakers?
The IUCN Changemakers are a new generation of young leaders driving change for nature. Ecopreneurs from around the world, following the same goal: turning ideas into action.
This year, over 1,500 candidates applied… and only 15 Changemakers were selected to present their vision during the IUCN Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
It’s an international recognition for these young ecopreneurs, proving that innovation, community, and biodiversity can move forward hand in hand.
And among them: Oliver Dauert, founder of Wildya! 🦁
On stage with Wildya: the “Y-Combinator for Nature” vision
Image credit: Photo by IISD/ENB | Anastasia Rodopoulou and Angeles Estrada Vigil
Oliver Dauert came to the IUCN stage to share the vision that drives Wildya from the beginning: building a “Y-Combinator for Nature”.
The idea? Giving ecopreneurs the means to transform their projects for nature into true levers of positive impact.
Finding traction.
Attracting an audience.
Accessing the proper funding.
And growing their ideas where nature needs it most.
Through its Beginner Bootcamp, 1:1 Consulting, and global Ecopreneur Community, Wildya helps those who want to repair, regenerate and protect biodiversity.
For Wildya, participating in the IUCN Congress 2025 was more than a recognition. 🏆
It was a unique opportunity to connect, learn and share our love for the wild!
As Oliver summed it up perfectly: “I loved the IUCN Congress for its diversity. The diversity of life that is helped, the diversity of solutions and obviously the diversity of the inspiring participants. It’s a stark reminder that diversity is humanity biggest strength, not weakness.”
So, as you’ve probably guessed by now, we’re here to help people turn their ideas for nature into thriving businesses!
If you’ve got a wild idea but don’t know where to start, check out our Ecopreneur Beginner Bootcamp.
Who knows… maybe you’ll be one of the next IUCN Changemakers? 🌿
