What is IUCN?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN; officially International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Its mission is to “influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.”
Why is IUCN Important?
Established in 1948, IUCN is the oldest international organization dedicated to nature conservation. Its membership brings together both governments and civil society with a shared goal to protect nature. Its aim is to encourage international cooperation and provide scientific knowledge and tools to guide conservation action.
In 1964, IUCN established the Red List of Threatened Species. The “Red List” has evolved into the world’s most comprehensive data source on the global extinction risk of species. In addition, IUCN has helped establish the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, World Heritage Convention, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. IUCN is an official observer of the United Nations.
Today with more than 1,400 member organizations and more than 15,000 international experts, IUCN is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network.
IUCN Council
IUCN Council is the principal governing body of IUCN. The Council is composed of 37 members including President, four Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Chairs of IUCN’s seven Commissions (e.g., Species Survival Commission), and 25 Regional Councilors.
Roles and Responsibilities
of IUCN President
The roles of President are many, among these the most important are to preside over the work of the World Conservation Congress (see below) and the Council; to guide the IUCN Director General on issues and policies; to contribute prestige and influence to enhance the high regard in which the IUCN is held in the international arena and to facilitate its access to governments and international organizations at the highest level; and to represent IUCN at meetings of persons of similar status.
IUCN World Conservation Congress
The World Conservation Congress (WCC) is IUCN's highest decision-making body. The Congress convenes every four years. It elects members of Council, including the President, and approves IUCN's programme of work for the next four years, and approves its budget. The next World Conservation Congress will convene at ADNEC on 9 October in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
IUCN Membership
The IUCN consists of approximately 1,400 members, including states, government agencies, subnational governments, international non-governmental organizations (I-NGOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).