By engaging with a range of industry sectors, IUCN is helping to mainstream environmental considerations into economic and development policies. Across the world, IUCN advises national policy makers on the importance of environmental considerations in broader policy. At the international level, IUCN in an active member of the Green Economy Coalition, which unites leading organizations from a variety of fields in an effort to mobilize and guide the transition to more sustainability economies.

The development of robust sustainability standards for private companies is another important focus. IUCN works with leading companies to integrate ways of evaluating their commitment to sustainability.


The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

The Union is involved in influencing the policies of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) for example, by leading work on developing innovative financing mechanisms for biodiversity conservation. Initiatives such as developing International Payments for Ecosystem Services (IPES) and the Green Development Mechanism (GDM) are two prominent areas of work.

The CBD Conference of the Parties in Japan in 2010 will be critical in ensuring that economic decisions are better aligned with environmental concerns. IUCN and WBCSD will be hosting a Business Day during the Conference to share experiences and outline possible means of encouraging the private sector to lead the way towards a greener world economy.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

IUCN helps promote international cooperation to address the environmental impacts of wildlife trade. Particular focus is placed on providing objective advice to Government Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

Macroeconomic policies

In an effort to mainstream environmental considerations into a range of economic policies, IUCN extends its reach beyond the conservation community. IUCN representatives attend the World Economic Forum, providing environmental expertise to global decision-makers. Also, through its collaboration with the Green Economy Coalition, IUCN engages with a broad range of sectors to influence large international policy events such as meetings of the G20 countries.