Rainforest Trust has conserved nearly 8 million acres  © Luis Marigo

Hundreds of tropical species have benefited from Rainforest Trust’s protection  © Pond5

August 8, 2014

On July 18, Rainforest Trust joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), becoming a member of the world’s largest and oldest environmental network.

Founded in 1948, IUCN works with states, government agencies and a diverse range of non-governmental organizations in a world partnership focused on conserving the integrity and diversity of nature on earth.

Joining IUCN will provide Rainforest Trust with improved networking opportunities as well as access to new potential partners and funding sources.

“Rainforest Trust’s long-standing commitment to tropical conservation aligns well with IUCN values and we are pleased to be joining its community,” said Christine Hodgdon, International Conservation Manager for Rainforest Trust. “Being a member will not only help to advance our own work, but it will also provide us with an opportunity to contribute actively to IUCN’s world mission.”

Every four years Rainforest Trust will be eligible to attend the IUCN World Conservation Congress, where the organization will have an opportunity to vote on recommendations and resolutions that shape IUCN’s future strategies and work programs.

Members of Rainforest Trust’s conservation staff will be attending this year’s IUCN World Parks Congress, which will be held in Sydney, Australia, November 12-19.

The Congress, held every ten years, is one of the most important protected area forums in the environmental field. Attending the Congress will allow Rainforest Trust to participate in developing IUCN’s protected area agenda.

Informational resources provided by IUCN play a critical role in guiding conservation action and policy decisions around the world. The IUCN Red List, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. The list now contains more than 73,600 entries.

“IUCN has led the way in endangered species conservation and has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s most important conservation organizations,” said Hodgdon.