About CEM
The Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) is one of IUCN’s six scientific Commissions. CEM is a network of about 400 volunteer ecosystem management experts from around the world. The Commission works closely with other IUCN Commissions, regional offices and global thematic programmes. CEM and its individual members are involved in a wide range of Ecosystem Management activities. CEM is supported by the Ecosystem Management Programme and its Secretariat both located at the IUCN Headquarters in Gland, Switzerland.
Mission, Structure & Governance
Our Mission
To provide expert guidance on integrated approaches to the management of natural and modified ecosystems to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
The Mandate of CEM is approved every four years by the IUCN World Conservation Congress.
Structure
The IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) is led by a Steering Committee consisting of the Chair, the Deputy Chair; the Regional Vice Chairs for 13 regions plus five Global Thematic Leaders - one for each of the key themes. The Heads of the Secretariat's Forest, Marine, Species, Wetlands and Water Programmes and Ecosystem Management serve as ex officio members of the Steering Committee.
Governance
The Chair of the Commission is elected by IUCN's members at IUCN's World Conservation Congresses, which are held every four years. The Chair proposes, a) a Deputy Chair for appointment by the IUCN Council at its first meeting after an ordinary session of the WCC, and b) the members of the Steering Committee no later than the second Council meeting after that session of the WCC. The Chair together with the Deputy Chair and the Steering Committee oversee the day-to-day operation of the Commission.
Work of the Commission is undertaken through specialist groups formed by the Regional Vice Chairs to address priority ecosystem management issues within their regions.
The Steering Committee meets at least once a year to discuss the implementation of the IUCN Ecosystem Management Programme and to decide on the initiatives and projects of the Commission. CEM is primarily supported by the Ecosystem Management Programme based at IUCN Headquarters and by the CEM Focal Point staff based in the regions.
