The International Union for Conservation of Nature is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Their mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. The scale and complexity of the challenges to address are beyond the reach and resources of any one country or organization
The IUCN has developed over six decades to become the world’s largest community of environmental experts incorporating State and government agencies, NGOs large and small, economic development agencies, scientists and academics, as well as the private sector and representatives of civil society.
Their common cause is concern for the sustainable future of the planet. Members act collectively to provide leadership, governance and set the organization’s strategic agenda.
Members benefit from IUCN’s scientific credibility, its unsurpassed knowledge base, its convening power, its networking opportunities, and the access it provides to high-level political, economic and social decision making. Members bring the specialist knowledge and expertise from a wide range of perspectives to the IUCN.
World Conservation Congress
Every four years, thousands of delegates participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the world’s largest and most important conservation event. The Congress includes a Forum where IUCN Members and partners discuss cutting edge ideas, thinking and practice. Members submit motions and vote on recommendations and resolutions that contribute to the formation of IUCN policies, the prioritization of programmes and the capacity to implement them.
Members contribute towards the implementation of important conventions and international agreements such as those on biodiversity (CBD), trade in endangered species (CITES), climate change (UNFCCC), deserts (CCD), wetlands (Ramsar) and the UNESCO World Heritage programme.
IUCN at a Glance
- The world’s oldest and largest global environmental network
- A leading authority on the environment and sustainability
- A unique democratic union with more than 1,200 Member organizations in some 160 countries, including States, government agencies, multilateral institutions and NGOs
- Almost 11,000 expert volunteers grouped into six Commissions reviewing scientific research and developing standards for the conservation community – a unique global scientific community
- The IUCN Programme approved by Members at the World Conservation Congress: our joint platform for action and policy influence in conservation
- A governing Council, elected by Members and responsible for the oversight and general control of all the affairs of IUCN
- Hundreds of partners in governments, NGOs, scientists, business and local communities
- A Secretariat comprising 45 offices worldwide; headquarters located in Gland, Switzerland
- Thousands of field projects and activities around the world implemented by IUCN Members and partners together with the Secretariat
- Official observer status at the United Nations General Assembly
- Funded by Members, governments, donor agencies, foundations, multilateral institutions and major corporations
The IUCN offers a unique, neutral forum where different interest groups come together to develop balanced, fact based environmental proposals that carry real weight around the world. By joining, JGIA will be advancing it’s cause and adding to it’s collective strength to overcome barriers to a sustainable future.
For more information on the benefits of IUCN membership view this link
