IUCN - The World Conversation Union

IUCN is first and foremost a union of members that cares deeply about biodiversity and whose fundamental expertise is on species, habitats and ecosystems. We recognize the intrinsic value of nature, and we have learned that biodiversity underpins the well-being of human societies and their economies. We have also learnt that conservation can only succeed if attention is given to the underlying causes of biodiversity loss, while actions are taken at the same time to mitigate the direct drivers of change. We have demonstrated that effectively managed natural resources are key to sustainable development, support peaceful communities and can help reduce poverty.

Building on this approach, and in view of the ever-growing threat to environmental health and the lack of progress towards sustainability, the IUCN Programme recognizes the continuing need to support biodiversity conservation at all levels, with governments, civil society and the private sector. It strengthens the Union’s heartland work on conserving biodiversity as the basis for developing more effective and strategic interventions linked to the global sustainability agenda in the areas of climate change, energy, poverty and security, and economy and markets.

The IUCN Programme 2009–2012 provides the framework for planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating the conservation work undertaken by the Commissions and the Secretariat with and on behalf of members. It is a result-based, demand-driven plan of action that addresses global issues, incorporates national level priorities, and provides a structure for detailed work plans for the Commissions and the Regional and Global Thematic Programmes of IUCN. The IUCN Programme 2009–2012, through its 5 thematic areas and 10 global results, provides focus for the Union to take action and engage with members, partners and other stakeholders and deliver concrete results in our pursuit of a just world that values and conserves nature.