United for Nature

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature is the world’s conservation network. We span the globe—and impact virtually every major environmental challenge facing humanity.

COMPREHENSIVE AND CONNECTED

We bring together a diverse community of civil society and government officials, conservation professionals, scientists, Indigenous groups, and youth from more than 160 countries. Driving impact across every corner of the world, IUCN embodies the sense of urgency, hope, and possibility that results when individuals of goodwill unite for nature.

IUCN World Conservation Congress

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | Oct. 9-15, 2025

This quadrennial event is the world’s largest gathering of nature conservation experts, leaders, and decision-makers. Our 2025 Congress will help shape national and global priorities around vital issues related to conservation and climate change for years to come.

Off Site Link

Conservation Around the Globe

WHAT WE DO

Convening

Stronger Together

IUCN convenes leaders who set the agenda for global conservation. No other organization possesses such an extensive network spanning the conservation field, or uses them as effectively to catalyze tangible, durable impact.

Science

Influential Information

IUCN originates and activates some of the most influential conservation science in the field. Our Commissions include more than 17,000 scientists, analysts, researchers, experts, advocates, policymakers, and project leaders whose combined expertise constitutes the world’s largest conservation knowledge base.

Policy

Strategic Policymaking

IUCN has led the charge for transformative environmental policymaking since 1972, when we became the official advisor on nature under the World Heritage Convention. IUCN motions have resulted in more than 1,450 Resolutions and Recommendations, which serve as the basis for influencing conservation policy at the species, site, national, and global levels.

Reach

Deep Understanding, Robust Solutions

IUCN’s reach and influence extend to every corner of the world. Participation in IUCN gives diverse stakeholders the opportunity to see themselves as integral members of a worldwide movement, and to bring their experiences and perspectives to bear on our efforts to achieve shared goals.

Global Themes & Projects

Critical Impact in Pivotal Moments

Progress & Outcomes

A True Union
1,400+
Our more than 1,400 Members are the heart of the organization: they include NGOs, state and government agencies, Indigenous organizations, scientific and academic institutions, and business associations.
Brain Power
17,000
Our network includes more than 17,000 Commission members – volunteer scientists, analysis, researchers, experts, advocates, and policymakers who constitute the world’s leading conservation brain trust.
Scientific Impact
169,000
The IUCN Red List is the world’s comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of 169,000 animal, fungus, and plant species.
On The Ground Engagement
11.4 Million
IUCN’s global portfolio of conservation projects engaged 11.4 million people across 141 countries since 2021.
Knowledge Sharing
3,500+
IUCN’s over 3,500 resources share the knowledge gathered by IUCN’s unique global community of 17,000+ experts. They include databases, tools, standards, guidelines and policy recommendations. We author hundreds of books, assessments, reports, briefs and research papers every year.
Nature Restored
210+ Million
Description: Spearheaded by IUCN’s global network, the Bonn Challenge has brought over 210 million hectares of degraded and deforested landscapes intro restoration since 2011.

PARTNERS & DONORS

Philanthropic Support

We cannot do the work that we do without the engagement of our US-based donors. Their continuous support paves the way for critical conservation projects.