IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Loss of biodiversity - the variety of animals, plants, their habitats and their genes - on which so much of human life depends, is one of the world’s most pressing crises. It is estimated that the current species extinction rate is between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than it would naturally be. The main drivers of this loss are converting natural areas to farming and urban development, introducing invasive alien species, polluting or over-exploiting resources including water and soils and harvesting wild plants and animals at unsustainable levels. Learn more

IUCN carries out comprehensive research on the status of biodiversity. It runs projects to protect specific species, manage and restore national parks and other protected areas; and promotes the sustainable use of natural resources. IUCN also provides the knowledge, standards and tools for biodiversity conservation for governments, community organizations, the United Nations and business. Learn more