IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global intergovernmental organization focused on nature conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and the development of evidence-based policy. Founded in 1948, the IUCN brings together governments, non-governmental organizations, and indigenous peoples in a shared effort to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development. Its headquarters are in Gland, Switzerland.

The IUCN coordinates scientific assessments, field programs, and policy guidance through a network of commissions and programs. It is best known for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, an internationally recognized inventory that evaluates the extinction risk of species and tracks trends over time. Red List categories include Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, Near Threatened, Least Concern, Data Deficient, and Not Evaluated.

Structure and membership: The organization operates through a Secretariat led by a Director General and a network of commissions, such as the Species Survival Commission (SSC) and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). Its membership comprises government ministries and agencies, as well as non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and Indigenous groups, totaling over 1,400 member organizations worldwide.

Impact and activities: The IUCN publishes conservation guidelines, supports the management of protected areas, and informs international negotiations and national policies related to biodiversity, climate change, freshwater resources, and ecosystem services. It plays a coordinating role in biodiversity monitoring, funding allocation, and the development of biodiversity indicators that support sustainable development and the objectives of the United Nations and other bodies.