4. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Key Objectives and Mandate

• The IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network, focused on the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources.

• Its key roles include:

• Assessing species extinction risk (via the Red List)

• Supporting creation and management of protected areas

• Promoting nature-based solutions to climate and development challenges

• Influencing environmental governance and policy through partnerships

Organizational Structure

• Membership-based body: Includes governments, NGOs, indigenous organizations, academic bodies

• World Conservation Congress: Held every 4 years, sets global conservation agenda

• Council and Commissions:

• Species Survival Commission (SSC)

• World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA)

• Commission on Environmental Law, etc.

• Secretariat coordinates global operations via regional offices (Asia office in Bangkok)

India’s Role and Relevance

• India is an active IUCN member, with representation from the MoEFCC, Wildlife Institute of India, and NGOs like BNHS and WWF-India

• IUCN provides technical support to India in:

• Red List assessment of Indian species

• Protected area management (e.g., Ramsar Sites, Biosphere Reserves)

• Community-based conservation programs in Himalayas and Western Ghats

• India contributes to global conservation efforts under IUCN’s Green List and World Heritage Site evaluations

Key Initiatives and Developments

• IUCN Red List: Over 150,000 species assessed; key tool in biodiversity tracking

• IUCN Green Status of Species (launched 2021): Assesses recovery of species

• Nature-based Solutions Global Standard (2020): For integrating nature in infrastructure and climate plans

• Played a key role in developing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) under the CBD

• Supports India’s conservation work on snow leopards, river dolphins, and Western Ghats endemic species

Additional Facts

• Founded in Fontainebleau, France

• IUCN was instrumental in the creation of WWF and TRAFFIC

• Its Red List categories include: Extinct, Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, etc.

• IUCN Red List Index is used in SDG monitoring and IPBES reports

• Observer status at the UN General Assembly

Relevance for UPSC Exam

• Prelims:

• Questions on Red List categories, species status, and conservation programs

• Location-based questions on World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, etc.

• Mains (GS3):

• Role in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, ecosystem restoration

• India’s collaboration with global biodiversity organizations

• Essay & Interview: Use IUCN data to support points on extinction crisis, eco-governance, and planetary health