IUCN’s vision and mission

Our vision is a just world that values and conserves nature.

Our mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.

What does IUCN do?

Knowledge:
IUCN develops and supports cutting-edge conservation science, particularly on biodiversity and ecosystems and how they link to human wellbeing.

Action:
IUCN runs thousands of field projects around the world to better manage natural environments.

Influence:
IUCN supports governments, NGOs, international conventions, UN organizations, companies and communities to develop laws, policy and best-practice.

Empowerment:
IUCN helps implement laws, policy and best-practice by mobilizing organizations, providing resources and training, and monitoring results.

Why does the world need IUCN?

How do we balance the needs of people with the needs of the planet that supports us?

• Nature, directly or indirectly, provides our clean air, food, water, shelter, energy, soil, medicines and protection from natural disasters, as well as recreation, inspiration, diversity and beauty.
• But for social and economic development, we must continue to reduce poverty and improve people’s lives and this has a great bearing on nature.
• How do we make the best decisions, based on sound science rather than political dogma, and involve all the sectors of society who are affected by those decisions?
• For 60 years, IUCN has led the development of conservation science and knowledge, and brought together governments, NGOs, scientists, companies and community organizations to help the world make better conservation and development decisions.