The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. It is involved in data gathering and analysis, research, field projects, advocacy, and education.
Since its establishment in 1948, IUCN has become the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. The knowledge and the tools IUCN provide are critical for ensuring that human progress, economic development and nature conservation take place together.
IUCN also compiles and publishes the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the conservation status of species worldwide.
Jane Smart is the Global Director of the Biodiversity Conservation Group and the Director of the Global Species Programme at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
João Sousa is the Senior Programme Officer of Marine Plastics, Global Marine and Polar Programme at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).