IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

IUCN member organizations elect the Council every four years at the IUCN World Conservation Congress. Along with a President, Treasurer and three representatives from each of the Union’s eight regions, the Council also includes the Chairs of the six Commissions. The Council functions in a similar way to a Board of Directors, meeting once or twice a year to direct Union policy, approve finances and decide on strategy. The Council may appoint up to six additional Councillors.
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IUCN has more than 1,000 member organizations including more than 80 States, more than 110 government agencies, and more than 800 non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Members meet every four years at the IUCN World Conservation Congress to express their views, guide IUCN’s policy and approve its programme of work. 
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The six Commissions, networks of volunteer scientists and experts, are principal sources of guidance on conservation knowledge, policy and technical advice, and implement parts of IUCN’s work programme. The priorities and work of the Commissions are also set every four years at the IUCN World Conservation Congress.

The Commissions are:

• Ecosystem Management
  Guiding the management of natural and modified ecosystems
• Education and Communication
  Promoting sustainability through education and communication
• Environmental, Economic and Social Policy
  Advising on economic and social factors that affect natural resources
• Environmental Law
  Advancing environmental laws and its application
• Protected Areas
  Advising and promoting terrestrial and marine reserves, parks and protected areas
• Species Survival
  Supporting species conservation and protecting endangered species

Members within a country or region often organize themselves into National and Regional Committees to facilitate cooperation and help coordinate IUCN’s work.
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