At the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille, France, IUCN Members passed a historic resolution (WCC 2020 Dec 138) to include subnational governments in the membership of IUCN.
The resolution broadly defines subnational governments as “governmental entities at the state, provincial, local, territories or regional level,” thus encompassing both cities and regions.
As a governance motion (i.e., one with substantive implications for the IUCN Statutes), it required a two-thirds majority to pass. This threshold was comfortably exceeded. That so many IUCN Members voted in favour reflects a growing awareness of the critical role that cities and regions play in the conservation agenda.
It is widely recognised that the attainment of goals and targets laid out in the Nature 2030 IUCN Programme, post-2020 global biodiversity framework, and broader 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, requires the full and active cooperation of subnational governments.
Across the world, cities and regions are already rallying to the cause of conservation. Now their voices can be heard in the heart of the conservation community. This will diversify and strengthen our Union to deliver conservation outcomes at scale.
By joining IUCN, subnational governments can reap the following benefits:
Influence: IUCN’s ever-growing influence is a result of working with its Members. The Union, driven by its mission, reflects the diverse needs of its vast membership and its commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of the Earth’s resources.
Collective voice: Through IUCN, Members become part of a collective global voice on important issues of our age. The Union convenes the IUCN World Conservation Congress and other platforms for discussing conservation issues.
Partnerships and networks: Members can develop partnerships by being part of an alliance of governments and NGOs. Members also have the possibility to expand their networks through international contacts with other Members and the Union’s experts and staff.
Knowledge and increased capacity: Members can strengthen their credibility and capacity through their association with a respected conservation alliance of scientists, decision-makers and managers.
For further information on joining IUCN, please visit: https://www.iucn.org/about/union/members/how-become-member-iucn