About
The IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) is a vital component of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), being one of the seven Commissions of voluntary individual specialists appointed for their expertise and their willingness to contribute that expertise to global conservation goals.
WCPA Mission
To develop and provide scientific and technical advice and policy that promotes a representative, effectively managed and equitably governed global system of marine and terrestrial protected areas, including especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Governance
The IUCN Statutes make provision for the election and appointment of a Commission Chair at each IUCN
World Conservation Congress. The Commission Chair is a member of the IUCN Council. The Chair is
responsible for selecting a Deputy Chair, and for establishing a Steering Committee of members who are
approved by the IUCN Council. Worldwide, WCPA is organized by regions with each region represented
by a Regional Vice Chair. WCPA also has nine Thematic Vice Chairs leading on topics of particular
concern for the commission. See our Steering Committee here.
Regions
WCPA regional membership is based on the member’s country of residence. This is the case even when
a member’s expertise may be principally directed to a specific area of expertise. You can find a list of
regions and their component countries, as well as Regional Vice Chair contact details here.