IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature

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.

• Red List of Threatened Species: IUCN compiles and maintains the international Red List, which documents the status of threatened animal and plant species worldwide[3][4][5].
• Protected Areas: IUCN categorizes and manages protected areas through the World Commission on Protected Areas to establish various protection categories such as nature reserves, national parks, and protected landscapes[3][4].
• International Standards and Guidelines: IUCN develops and publishes international standards, guidelines, and position papers on environmental and conservation issues[2][3].
• Research and Projects: IUCN supports scientific research and implements field projects worldwide to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems, and improve human well-being[1][2][4].

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].

• Environmental and Conservation Issues: IUCN works to bring pragmatic solutions to environmental and conservation issues by bringing together governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, and local communities[1][2][4].
• International Agreements: IUCN has been instrumental in the development and implementation of important international environmental agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the World Heritage Convention[1][3].
• Sustainable Development: IUCN supports the achievement of universal goals in biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable development. Through its work, IUCN promotes the sustainable and gentle use of natural resources[1][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].

• 1 - https://iucn.org/about-iucn/about-iucn
• 2 - https://iucn.org/about-iucn
• 3 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/IUCN
• 4 - https://www.bmk.gv.at/themen/klima_umwelt/naturschutz/international/iucn.html
• 5 - https://www.globalnature.org/35678/Kooperationen/Mitgliedschaften/IUCN/resindex.aspx