IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

As of August 2012, the WCPA membership comprises some 1700individuals from over 140 countries. WCPA membership is by invitation, on the basis of individual experience in relation to protected areas as well as a willingness to assist in a voluntary capacity with the work of WCPA. In general, five types of people are members of the Commission: 

• managers of protected areas, typically senior officials of protected areas agencies, but also field practitioners; 
• experts in relation to the fields of WCPA's interests;
• academic specialists in areas relating to protected areas, resource economics, biogeography wildlife management, marine conservation and other related fields;
• officials from relevant non-government organisations involved with protected areas; and
• ex-officio members from key partner organisations.

All WCPA members are approved by the WCPA Chair on the recommendation of Steering Committee members. Vice-Chairs are asked to identify appropriate members from within their region and theme area and recommend them to the Chair. Membership applications are sent out by the IUCN Programme on Protected Areas (PPA). Details from completed membership forms are incorporated in a WCPA members database, which is maintained by the PPA.

To be inscribed as members of WCPA, individuals

• must first send their CV to Delwyn Dupuis delwyn.dupuis@iucn.org
• Delwyn then sends CV to Regional Chair for recommendation to the WCPA Chair for final approval.
• On approval a membership form is sent off to future member who must return the filled in form
• On receiving the completed form member is added to the WCPA database and a confirmation email is sent.

Each member is responsible to advise Delwyn Dupuis of any changes in contact details, future membership depends on this.

• serve as the two way communication link between in country professionals and the Programme on Protected Areas at IUCN headquarters to provide information and ideas relevant to protected areas;
• serve as a link between their organisation/constituency and WCPA, to foster a two way flow of information and ideas;
• serve as a focal point for collaboration with the UNEP/ WCMC to assist updating of the World Protected Areas Database and the preparation of the UN List of Protected Areas;
• provide support for international initiatives relevant to protected areas in their country, region, or theme area;
• foster professionalism in all aspects relating to the establishment and management of protected areas;
• respond to requests for information or advice from WCPA Steering Committee members and PPA on issues such as World Heritage Evaluations;
• participate fully, where possible, in relevant WCPA working sessions or other activities organised by WCPA;
• work cooperatively with IUCN regional and country offices (RCO's) to support their work in protected areas;
• provide advice on requests from people competent to serve in protected area position where IUCN advice is sought.