The problems of the barbaric use of forests, land irrigation, and the extinction of animal species and populations to one degree or another today confront each country. That is why, back in the middle of the last century, a global environmental structure was created, operating on a non-profit basis.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources carries out special work on the planning and implementation of environmental protection measures, has a multi-stage system and brings together more than one thousand experts working around the world. Let's get to know this organization better.
Scale of IUCN
As the oldest and independent body, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has been operating for 77 years, operating since 1948. The Union's program of activities is governed by the World Environmental Strategy adopted in 1979. Having consultant status with UNESCO, ECOSOC and FAO, IUCN includes 78 countries, almost 900 governmental and public organizations, more than 12,000 scientists and experts from 181 states. The Union publishes the Red Book, non-fiction, serial and special issues. Based in Swiss Gland, the union’s headquarters has never changed its location.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): mission
The unequivocal name defines the basic idea of IUCN:
• implementation of effective assistance to the environmental movement in maintaining the uniqueness, integrity and characteristics of various natural complexes;
• ensuring legitimate and reasonable consumption of natural resources that does not violate the environmental sustainability of the planet as a whole.
Having observer status at the UN General Assembly, IUCN cooperates not only with intergovernmental agencies, but is ready for dialogue with any association striving to conserve resources.
Organization goals
The main objectives of IUCN are:
• combating the extinction of species and the reduction of biological (species) diversity;
• maintaining existing ecosystems in integrity;
• monitoring the wise use of resources.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources seeks to unite joint efforts and apply advanced scientific knowledge in environmental protection activities.
By implementing the adopted international conventions, IUCN assists various countries in the development and application of national strategies, environmental measures and plans.
Structure
IUCN is the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and it includes:
• state;
• government agencies;
• public organizations;
• non-profit associations.
The Governing Council, elected by organizations included in IUCN, coordinates the activities of the union. The work of the union is carried out within six commissions and is carried out mainly by volunteers at no cost. The strategy and activity program of the association is adjusted every four years by member organizations. IUCN projects are financed from the funds of governments, international foundations, various associations and corporations, as well as union members.
IUCN activities
The multifaceted work of the union has several directions. Here are the main ones:
• coverage of the problems of the biological diversity of planet Earth and the search for their solutions;
• monitoring and scientific research;
• publication of news and articles by experienced experts of world significance;
• organization of various environmental events of world significance, for example, World Park Congresses, etc.
Scientific research and their focus
The International Union for Conservation of Nature is trying to use the existing scientific and practical potential in order to maintain species diversity and support the sustainable consumption of forest resources.
The priority is the development of a coherent forest conservation policy in the implementation of political decisions. IUCN advises various companies whose activities are related to forest land. The adopted program of the Union for the Conservation of Forests on the Planet coordinates the work on the protection, restoration and sustainable, but their wise use. As time shows, the lessons learned from the results of active field research are used in political decision-making at various levels of government.
The paper on aspects of the strategy for sustainable living on Earth, published jointly with the WWF and UNEP in 1991, outlines the main criteria applicable to specific projects that combine issues such as environmental needs along with the needs of the population.
How does IUCN work
The activities of the association are carried out in six directions, within the framework determined by the commissions:
• For species survival. This Commission maintains Red Lists, develops recommendations for the conservation of endangered species and applies them in practice.
• Under environmental law. Promotes the promotion and adoption of environmental laws, the development of modern legal mechanisms necessary for environmental purposes.
• On environmental, economic and social policies. It provides qualified expert assistance in resolving political issues adopted in accordance with regional socio-economic factors.
• By education and communications. Develops strategies for using communications to conserve and sustainably consume resources.
• On ecosystem management. Assesses the management of natural (natural) and artificially created ecosystems.
• World Commission on Protected Areas.
International Union for Conservation of Nature in Russia
Our country did not stand aside. In the framework of the adopted European program, since 1991, an operating office has been opened in the capital for the Commonwealth countries, which subsequently grew into a representative office.
The creation of this structure in Russia will allow achieving high-quality security projects in the vast territory of Russia and the CIS.
The main activities of the representative office are as follows:
• comprehensive conservation of forests, their rational consumption;
• maintaining biodiversity of flora and fauna;
• creation and subsequent maintenance of an ecological regional network in the Eurasian territory;
• protection of endangered, unique and rare species of representatives of the natural community;
• development of rational and sustainable agricultural production;
• development of the Arctic program.
Institutions representing Russia in IUCN
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) is represented by many countries. Our country in the union today is represented by:
• Ministry of the Russian Federation for Natural Resources and Ecology.
• Ecocenter “Reserves”.
• World Wildlife Fund.
• Wildlife Conservation Center.
• Society of Naturalists in St. Petersburg.
• Wildlife Fund in Khabarovsk.
How to become a member of IUCN
Membership in the ranks of IUCN is honorable and should be justified and confirmed by relevant activities. In order to achieve it, you must:
• Have the status of a state, public, or research and development organization whose activities pursue environmental goals: prudent use of resources and maintaining a sustainable natural balance.
• Compose and send an application for membership in IUCN.
• Wait for an answer. The International Union for Conservation of Nature evaluates the contribution made to the conservation of nature and the relevance of the organization's work to the goals of the union.
• If approval is received, the organization gains access to the Internet portal, publications and takes part in consulting or expert work.
Note that membership in IUCN can be claimed exclusively by organizations. But individual experts can also act as members of the commissions.
Red Book Edition - One of IUCN's Achievements
The best-known aspect of IUCN that is overseen by the Species Survival Commission is the publication of the Red Book. Since 1966, she periodically goes to print. Over time and changes in the situation, its releases are updated, which is an extensive catalog of animal populations and species, classified according to the degree of threat of extinction. It also assesses the state of the species for the current period and predicts subsequent dynamics - negative or positive. The publication of each issue is preceded by a deep analysis of the state of nature. For example, the analytical work carried out by IUCN in 2000 noted the negative dynamics of the depletion of world fauna. It is noted that over the past four hundred years the planet has lost almost 700 species, and 33 disappeared in the wild, preserved only in culture. The peak of this disastrous process occurred at the end of the 20th century and continues to this day.
Unfortunately, forecasts for the future are even more scary. According to in-depth studies by IUCN specialists, almost 5.5 thousand different species are on the verge of extinction. The Red Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature is a document that served as a significant impetus for the emergence of national and regional Red Lists that raise environmental problems in limited territories. The work done to preserve the habitat is priceless. That is why the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources is a vital association that restrains the destructive work of man against himself.