INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE (IUCN)
Environment
IUCN is a global membership-based union of governments and civil society organisations. It brings together more than 1,400 member organisations, making it one of the world’s most influential bodies working for nature conservation. It provides expertise, resources, and global reach to conserve nature and promote sustainable development.
IUCN has played an important role in shaping major global environmental agreements such as:
- Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
- World Heritage Convention
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
IUCN WORLD CONSERVATION CONGRESS
Held once every four years, it brings together leaders from governments, civil society, academia, indigenous groups, and business sectors. Its goal is to:
- Discuss global environmental challenges
- Strengthen conservation actions
- Promote nature-based solutions
THE RED DATA BOOK (IUCN RED LIST)
The IUCN Red Data Book is the world’s most authoritative source on the conservation status of plant and animal species. It categorises species based on their risk of extinction.
Key Points:
- First issued in 1966 by the IUCN Species Survival Commission.
- Continuously updated.
- Covers mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, plants, fungi, and others.
- ‘Red’ symbolises danger.
- Pink pages: Critically endangered species.
- Green pages: Species that have recovered.
IUCN RED LIST CATEGORIES
1. Extinct (EX)
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
Exhaustive surveys fail to record even one individual.
2. Extinct in the Wild (EW)
Species survive only in cultivation, captivity, or as naturalised populations outside their past range.
3. Critically Endangered (CR)
Species facing an extremely high risk of extinction. Criteria include:
- Population reduction ≥ 80–90%
- Extent of occurrence < 100 sq km
- Population < 250 mature individuals
- Extreme fluctuations
- Probability of extinction ≥ 50% in 10 years/3 generations
4. Endangered (EN)
Very high risk of extinction due to:
- Population reduction ≥ 50–70%
- Population < 250 individuals
- Restricted range or rapid decline
5. Vulnerable (VU)
High risk of extinction:
- Population reduction ≥ 30–50%
- Population < 1,000 individuals
- Habitat decline or fragmentation
6. Near Threatened (NT)
Close to qualifying for a threatened category in the near future.
7. Least Concern (LC)
Species widespread and abundant. Do not meet any risk criteria.
8. Data Deficient (DD)
Not enough information to assess extinction risk. Indicates need for more research.
9. Not Evaluated (NE)
Species not yet evaluated.
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Subject: Environment
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