Conserving and valuing biodiversity

Biological diversity is essential for human well‐being. It provides food security, human health, clean air and water. It contributes directly to local livelihoods and economic development. But despite its fundamental importance for life on this planet, biodiversity continues to be lost.

Sharing nature’s benefits

Nature has always supported the growth and prosperity of human societies and the economic value of this support is enormous. Nature’s benefits, however, are not equally shared. Sharing benefits with respect to natural resource management, as well as making laws more transparent and equitable, are good for both people and biodiversity.

Food security

Humans consume more than 7,000 species of plants and animals, very few of which have been domesticated through agriculture. For many people, wild sources of food are essential for nutritional health. To achieve food security for a burgeoning global population, what grows in the wild is just as important as what grows on farms.

Nature-based solutions to climate change

The impacts of climate change are already being felt: sea levels are rising, storms are becoming more violent, and droughts are intensifying. While richer nations can try to ‘buy’ protection in the form of engineered solutions, people in developing countries need a proven, accessible and affordable option. One such option already exists—conserving and managing nature.

Green economy

These are turbulent times for the global economy. The financial and economic crises over the past five years have given new impetus to the transition towards more sustainable forms of economic development, as seen in the growing popularity of a ‘green economy’.

Facts and figures

The IUCN World Conservation Congress at a glance.
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Official Congress website

More details about this major conservation event. 
> Congress site

Test your knowledge

How much do you know about IUCN World Conservation Congresses? Find out by having a go at our quiz !
> Take the quiz now!

A visual journey through Jeju

The wonders of Jeju and a glance at previous IUCN Congresses
> Photo gallery

Regional fora

IUCN’s regional offices are preparing for the Congress by holding Regional Conservation Fora which debate the most critical issues facing each region.
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Publications

Check here for selected publications from previous Congresses, or search our catalogue.
> Selected Publications
> Search catalogue

Publications: Species on the Edge of Survival

This new book profiles 365 plants, animals and fungi listed on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™.
> Read more
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IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature © 2011

IUCN helps the world find pragmatic solutions to our most pressing environment and development challenges. It supports scientific research, manages field projects all over the world and brings governments, non-government organizations, United Nations agencies, companies and local communities together to develop and implement policy, laws and best practice.

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Photo credits: Header banner © IUCN; Enrique Lahmann © IUCN; sharing nature's benefits © Taco Anema; food security © Andrea Quesada; climate change © IUCN Pakistan; green economy © David Puter/iStockPhotos; Facts and figures © Group J.Muntaner; Congress logo © IUCN ; Quiz and photo gallery © Jeju special self governing province; regional fora © UICN Sur; Species on the Edge of Survival © IUCN.