(61) "Sacred Relationships Matter in Conservation, Motion 96 and 107" with Gwen Bridge

Gwen Bridge is a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation from Alberta, Canada, and works in consulting and support for Indigenous nations and their partners across North America.

In today’s episode, Gwen joins us to talk about Motion 107 – “Scaling Up Indigenous Leadership in the Protection of Biodiversity and the Sacred” and Motion 96 – “Setting Area-Based Targets on Scientific Evidence and Reversing Historic Injustices.” These motions, submitted by WILD.org and co-sponsors, continue the work that was initiated at the 12th World Wilderness Congress.

During the IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) in Abu Dhabi this October, member organizations will gather in person to debate and vote on these motions live on the floor of the Assembly.

If we’re serious today about building more equitable relationships and societies, about bringing different visions together, we need to start with respect–respect for people’s perspectives, cultures, and ways of being. This is where harmony begins. For many Indigenous peoples, that also means recognizing sacred sites and spirituality as essential dimensions of a meaningful life. These sacred relationships matter–not just for culture, but for conservation.

In this episode, Gwen talks about centering Indigenous leadership in protecting sacred species and spaces, weaving Indigenous knowledge and wisdom together with scientific conservation models, why protecting Half the planet is neither too ambitious nor unrealistic, and much more.

Motion Guides:

Motion 096: https://wild.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Motion-096-Marketing-Brief-3.pdf

Motion 107: https://wild.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Motion-107-Marketing-Brief.pdf

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