Switzerland renews long-standing IUCN partnership with reaffirmed commitment to investing in nature

As an IUCN State Member since 1949, and host since 1961, Switzerland has played a significant role in supporting IUCN’s mission. This renewed agreement underscores Switzerland’s continued leadership and commitment to safeguarding nature as a foundation for sustainable, resilient societies.

SDC’s continued commitment as a Framework Partner will support the delivery of the IUCN Programme 2026-2029, providing the resources needed to respond to emerging environmental challenges, design and scale solutions, and support IUCN’s 1,600 Members and partners worldwide in the lead up to the 2030 deadline for global sustainability and climate goals. At a time of economic uncertainty, Switzerland’s sustained investment sends a strong signal about the importance of long-term investment in nature and climate.

“International cooperation is Switzerland’s largest contribution to global climate finance—an investment not only in nature and the people most affected by climate change in developing countries, but also in Switzerland’s long-term security and prosperity. By focusing on innovation and collaboration, Switzerland relies on transformative organisations like IUCN, which bring together and structure knowledge to drive meaningful climate solutions,” said Christian Frutiger, Assistant Director General, Head of the Thematic Cooperation Division, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

In parallel to its institutional partnership with IUCN, Switzerland also supports on-the-ground initiatives that strengthen diverse natural ecosystems while directly improving the livelihoods and resilience of the men and women depend on them. These include the long-standing Building River Dialogue and Governance (BRIDGE) initiative and the recently launched contribution to the Forest Landscape Restoration Hub (FLR-Hub). 

“Switzerland’s renewed commitment comes at a critical moment for our planet. Investing in nature is essential for resilient economies, a stable climate, and thriving communities. For decades, Switzerland has been a steadfast partner and host to IUCN’s Headquarters, providing unwavering support that has enabled our Union to grow, innovate, and deliver impact where it is needed most. This partnership reflects a shared vision: that protecting nature is the key to a prosperous and healthy future,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General.

Since 2011, BRIDGE has been active in more than 20 transboundary river basins, from the Andes and Central America, across Africa, and to the Mekong and Salween River basins. The initiative fosters collaboration between neighboring countries, local authorities, and communities to protect and sustainably manage rivers, directly benefiting local populations by improving livelihoods, ecological conditions, and resilience to environmental and climate risks. 

The FLR Hub supports countries in Africa and Latin America in restoring forests and landscapes, generating social, ecological and economic benefits for local people. Switzerland’s support focuses on the restoration of diverse ecosystems, including savannah forests, mangroves and tropical dry forests in Mozambique and Madagascar. Additionally, Swiss funding has enabled the establishment of a regional knowledge and learning platform in Latin America that will facilitate exchange and mutual learning on land and forest restoration.

This renewed agreement reflects a shared recognition that investing in nature is essential to addressing the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable development. By continuing to invest in IUCN’s work, Switzerland reinforces the value of nature as a global public good and a critical foundation for human well-being.

IUCN looks forward to further strengthening its collaboration with Switzerland to deliver lasting impact for people and the planet.