The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has been uniting organizations worldwide since 1948 to protect and sustainably use nature. With over 1,400 members and a global network of experts, the IUCN sets standards, promotes research, and supports international environmental agreements.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a unique membership union that has been bringing together government and civil society organizations worldwide since its founding in 1948. As the world's largest and most diverse environmental network, IUCN is committed to the protection of nature and the sustainable use of natural resources.
The mission of IUCN is to influence societies to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that the use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. The goal is to create a just world that values and conserves nature[2].
IUCN has over 1,400 members from more than 170 countries, including government ministries, international and national non-governmental organizations, and indigenous peoples' organizations. The members are organized into six commissions that address issues such as species conservation, environmental law, protected areas, and education[1][3][4].
IUCN has a global network of over 16,000 experts organized in these commissions and regional committees. The IUCN World Conservation Congress, held every four years, sets the guidelines for global conservation efforts and elects the Council as the governing body[1][2][4].
With its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, and a global team of about 1,000 staff in over 50 countries, IUCN plays a central role in shaping and implementing conservation strategies worldwide. As one of the few environmental organizations with official observer status at the UN General Assembly, IUCN ensures that conservation is represented at the highest level of international governance[1][2][3].
