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While researching endangered animals, you stumbled upon the acronym IUCN and may have thought: What is IUCN? So let’s answer your questions.
IUCN Basics
IUCN – the International Union for Conservation of Nature – is the world’s largest global ecological network. Founded in 1948, the organization develops sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
According to the mission statement, IUCN is committed to “influencing, promoting and helping societies around the world to conserve nature and ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and environmentally sustainable”.
What does this mean in simpler language? The IUCN is a group of researchers, scientists, governments, conservation organizations and administrators from around the world who monitor the planet’s species.
IUCN is ideally positioned to manage international conservation efforts and provide support to communities facing environmental challenges. The group also develops sustainable ecology programs, both independently and in collaboration with other organizations.
Wherever possible, IUCN advocates “natural solutions”.
Who founded the IUCN?
International efforts, governments, corporations and foundations have collectively funded the IUCN. The company was originally headquartered in Fontainebleau, France, and is now called its base in Gland, Switzerland.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established IUCN. Julian Huxley, a British biologist and later Director-General of UNESCO, spearheaded the initiative. Since its inception, the organization has been the first to embrace all of nature. Previously, groups only focused on one region or animal.
Over the years, the organization has changed its brand several times. In the early years (1948-1956) it was known as the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Between 1990 and 2008, he tried the shorter World Conservation Union, but eventually reverted to the previous version.
International cooperation has lasted more than 70 years, and today the International Union for Conservation of Nature works with more than 16,000 volunteer scientists from more than 160 countries. In addition, 1,400 public and private agencies participate in it. Finally, around 1000 staff members in 50 countries support the work of IUCN.
Red list
In 1994, the IUCN introduced the Red List, an international ranking of endangered species. Currently on the Red List, about 60,000 plant and animal species are divided into seven categories:
- Extinct: Animals that are not found anywhere else on Earth
- Extinct in the wild: Species that live only in captivity, such as in zoos.
- Endangered: Animals on the brink of extinction in the wild, characterized by a rapid decline in popularity.
- Endangered: Endangered animals are also on the verge of extinction, but their populations are larger than the species listed as endangered.
- Vulnerable: Species that have been steadily declining for several decades, threatening habitat loss
- Threatened by: Animals that have been declining in recent years.
- Least Concerns: Species with healthy populations and no immediate threats
Two additional categories, Insufficient Data and Not Listed, serve as catches for animals and plants with healthy populations.
Who makes decisions at IUCN?
We answered the question: What is IUCN? Now let’s look at its structure – in particular, the decision-making body.
The IUCN Assembly, known as the World Conservation Congress, meets every four years. During the plenary session, members elect officers and approve budgets. The current president is Zhang Xinsheng and Bruno Oberle is the CEO.
Frequently asked Questions
The ultimate goal of IUCN is to conserve and learn about nature. Thousands of volunteers and in-house scientists collaborate on animal and plant research and conservation projects.
IUCN is the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The official name of the organization is the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature maintains seven endangered and two neutral categories. Endangered species categories: extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and endangered. The other two categories, Insufficient Data and Not Listed, are for animals that are not in danger.
Yes, IUCN is reliable in terms of scientific evidence and institutional knowledge. Almost every country listens to his advice, and the organization retains observer and consultant status with the United Nations. Ultimately, it is one of the three most influential environmental groups in the world.
Although the IUCN is a trusted organization that promotes sound scientific discovery, it is not immune from criticism. The main blow to the organization is that it gives priority to nature for people, especially indigenous peoples. For example, the organization called for the expulsion of the Maasai tribes from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park, even though the area was their historic home.
Accusations that they are too “northern” or “western” in their analysis and approach also plague IUCN – as do concerns about corporate influence.
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