Introduction
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network that aims to help the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges by supporting scientific research. The IUCN manages field projects all over the world, and brings governments, non-government organizations, United Nations agencies, international conventions, companies and local communities together to develop policy, laws and best practice. IUCN is a democratic union with more than 1,400 government and NGO member organizations, and over 17,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries. IUCN’s work is supported by over 1,000 professional staff in 60 offices and hundreds of partners in public, NGO and private sectors around the world. The Union’s headquarters are located in Gland, near Geneva, Switzerland.
The IUCN Species Survival Commission is a science-based network of over 10,500 volunteer experts from almost every country of the world, all working together towards achieving the vision of “A world that values and conserves nature through positive action to reduce the loss of diversity of life on earth." Members include researchers, government officials, wildlife veterinarians, zoo and botanical institute employees, marine biologists, protected area managers, and experts on plants, birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Most members are deployed in more than 180 Specialist Groups and Task Forces. Some groups address conservation issues related to particular groups of plants or animals while others focus on topical issues such as reintroduction of species into former habitats, or wildlife health. Working in close association with IUCN’s Species Programme, SSC’s major role is to provide information to IUCN on biodiversity conservation, the inherent value of species, their role in ecosystem health and functioning, the provision of ecosystem services, and their support to human livelihoods. SSC members also provide scientific advice to conservation organizations, government agencies and other IUCN members, and support the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements.
The IUCN Species Survival Commission is a science-based network of over 10,500 volunteer experts from almost every country of the world, all working together towards achieving the vision of “A world that values and conserves nature through positive action to reduce the loss of diversity of life on earth." Members include researchers, government officials, wildlife veterinarians, zoo and botanical institute employees, marine biologists, protected area managers, and experts on plants, birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Most members are deployed in more than 180 Specialist Groups and Task Forces. Some groups address conservation issues related to particular groups of plants or animals while others focus on topical issues such as reintroduction of species into former habitats, or wildlife health. Working in close association with IUCN’s Species Programme, SSC’s major role is to provide information to IUCN on biodiversity conservation, the inherent value of species, their role in ecosystem health and functioning, the provision of ecosystem services, and their support to human livelihoods. SSC members also provide scientific advice to conservation organizations, government agencies and other IUCN members, and support the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements.
