Guidelines on Responsible Translocation of Displaced Organisms
Guidance on when and how organisms displaced by conflict, injury, development, illegal trade or disaster can be responsibly returned to the wild.
About these guidelines
Hundreds of thousands of organisms come into human hands every year through conflict, injury, infrastructure development, illegal trade, or natural disasters. Returning them to nature could have positive or negative consequences for conservation and for people. When and how can diverse species be responsibly released or planted in the wild again? These guidelines, released in alignment with the 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, address these questions and give practical solutions applicable to all organisms worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Which organisms do these guidelines cover?
Organisms that come into human hands through conflict, injury, infrastructure development, illegal trade or natural disaster, and which someone must decide whether to release back into the wild. The guidelines apply to all organisms worldwide, not only animals.
Why were they written?
Hundreds of thousands of organisms come into human hands every year, and returning them to nature can have positive or negative consequences for conservation and for people. The guidelines set out when and how they can be responsibly released or planted again.
When were they published?
They were released in July 2025, in alignment with the World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi. They are a separate set of guidelines from the core guidelines for reintroductions and other conservation translocations.
Is the document free to download?
Yes. The PDF opens from the button on this page with no login or fee.