IUCN is a unique organization formed by the Secretariat, the members and a diverse group of experts coming from our thematic Commissions. Our members have different backgrounds and expectations from IUCN, and they have joined IUCN because they believe in our mission and our vision.
Our members are spread all over the world and have a wide range of approach and activities. We have national NGOs such as Fundación Cabo San Francisco (Ecuador), Southern Africa Wildlife College (South Africa), Nature Seychelles. We also have international NGOs such as National Geographic Society (USA), TerraLingua (Canada), Western Indian Ocean Marine Sciences Association (Tanzania). Most of our members come from non governmental organizations: we have more than 700 NGOs and a wide range of expertise and experience on the field.
One of IUCN’s strengths is that States are part of the network. This gives IUCN a neutral and convening power when gathering governments and civil society. State members join IUCN through either the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Environment or a specific government agency. We also count with government agencies such as South African National Parks (South Africa), Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Mexico), Secretaría de Estado de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Dominican Republic).
