IUCN & SSC
S. Clayton
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) – General Overview
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world's oldest and largest global environmental organization. Founded in 1948, it brings together governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), scientists, and experts to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development. The IUCN is best known for its Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide. The organisation operates through a unique global partnership, combining scientific research, practical conservation efforts, and policy advocacy. IUCN’s mission is to influence, encourage, and assist societies to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature. The IUCN plays a pivotal role in the global effort to conserve biodiversity, acting through its Secretariat, diverse membership, and expert Commissions. With its focus on science-based policy and collaborative action, the IUCN continues to be a leader in promoting sustainable development and protecting ecosystems worldwide.
IUCN Members
IUCN’s membership base is one of its defining features, comprising over 1,400 member organizations from more than 160 countries. These members include government agencies, NGOs, scientific and academic institutions, and business associations. The members are grouped into two categories: governmental and non-governmental. They play a critical role in shaping IUCN’s policies and priorities through the IUCN World Conservation Congress, held every four years. Members collaborate on projects, share knowledge, and contribute to the IUCN’s policy development processes. This diverse and global membership base allows IUCN to function as a powerful network that drives global conservation efforts from the ground up.
Species Survival Commission (SSC)
The Species Survival Commission (SSC) is one of the most important IUCN Commissions, dedicated to the conservation of species and their habitats. The SSC includes more than 10,000 scientists, field researchers, and conservation practitioners who work to assess species’ conservation status and provide expert advice. It is responsible for producing the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a key tool for monitoring global biodiversity. The SSC’s work spans a wide range of taxa, from mammals to plants to invertebrates, and its influence extends to shaping conservation strategies at local, national, and international levels. The SSC's role is critical in identifying conservation priorities and guiding species-focused conservation efforts.
P. Meier
IUCN Secretariat
The IUCN Secretariat functions as the executive body that implements the organization's global conservation program. Headquartered in Gland, Switzerland, the Secretariat coordinates activities across IUCN’s regional offices, which span over 50 countries. It supports the work of IUCN’s Commissions and helps to coordinate the efforts of member organizations. The Secretariat is led by a Director General, who oversees a wide range of programs addressing issues such as biodiversity conservation, climate change, and ecosystem management. It also plays a crucial role in facilitating collaboration among members, partners, and donors, ensuring that the IUCN’s mission is carried out effectively.
IUCN Commissions
The IUCN operates through seven expert Commissions, which are central to its work. These Commissions bring together over 18,000 volunteer experts from a wide range of disciplines, providing a scientific foundation for the organization’s conservation work. The Commissions focus on areas like species survival, environmental law, protected areas, ecosystem management, education and communication, and policy planning. The work done by these Commissions influences both global conservation policy and on-the-ground practices. By drawing on expert knowledge and research, the IUCN Commissions help bridge the gap between science, policy, and action, making them essential to the organization’s mission.
B. Cranke
S. Clayton
IUCN Convening and decision making
The IUCN World Conservation Congress is a global event held every four years, bringing together thousands of leaders and decision-makers from governments, NGOs, indigenous people, businesses, and academia. The Congress serves as a platform to set global conservation and sustainable development agendas, addressing critical environmental challenges. It consists of two main components: the Forum, where participants share knowledge and innovations, and the Members’ Assembly, the highest decision-making body of IUCN, where members vote on key issues and policies. The Congress shapes global conservation efforts and guides the strategic direction of the IUCN's work.