International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Its goal is to create a forum for governments, NGOs, and scientists to find pragmatic solutions to environmental and nature conservation issues. The IUCN has more than 1,000 member organizations in 160 countries (including 200 government organizations and 800 NGOs), with 6 commissions involving 11,000 scientists and experts who produce the Red List of Threatened Species and classify protected areas worldwide:

• Category I, a and b: Strict Nature Reserve/Wilderness Area – protected areas managed mainly for research or the protection of large, undisturbed wilderness areas.

• Category II: National Park – protected areas managed mainly for ecosystem protection and recreation.

• Category III: Natural Monument – protected areas managed primarily to safeguard a specific natural feature.

• Category IV: Habitat/Species Management Area – protected areas where targeted interventions are carried out for management purposes.

• Category V: Protected Landscape/Seascape – areas managed mainly for landscape or marine conservation and recreational purposes.

• Category VI: Protected Area with Sustainable Use of Natural Resources – areas managed for the sustainable use of natural ecosystems.

The IUCN oversees thousands of conservation projects and activities worldwide and is funded through contributions from governments, agencies, foundations, partnerships, and donations.

The IUCN World Conservation Congress is held every four years and elects the Council as the governing body. The IUCN holds observer status at the UN General Assembly, and its headquarters are located in Gland, near Geneva, Switzerland.

IUCN international (iucn.org)