IUCN Asia welcomes nine new Members from the Asia region

At the 117th meeting of the IUCN Council, held on 21–22 April in Gland, Switzerland, 48 new Members were admitted, bringing the Union’s total membership to 1,600 organisations worldwide. Among these, nine new Members join from the Asia Region—further enriching the region’s dynamic and diverse network of institutions committed to conservation and sustainable development.

The addition of these nine Members underscores IUCN Asia’s continued growth as a vibrant platform for collaboration. With their inclusion, the total number of IUCN Members in Asia now stands at 294, reflecting the region’s strong and expanding commitment to nature conservation and sustainable development.

By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the Union enhances its ability to deliver impactful solutions for biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

The new Members represent a broad spectrum of expertise, including research institutions, government agencies, subnational authorities, and civil society organisations.

Welcoming Our New Members:

1. Civil Engineering and Development Department (Hong Kong SAR, China)
This government agency plays a key role in infrastructure development while integrating environmental considerations, contributing to sustainable urbanization and ecological protection.

2. Civic Exchange (Hong Kong SAR, China)
Civic Exchange is a prominent public policy think tank that advances environmental sustainability and livability through research, dialogue, and policy advocacy, particularly in urban environments.

3. Qinghaisheng Lanse Disanji Kechixu Fazhan Shijian Zhongxin (China)
This organisation is engaged in advancing sustainable development practices in Qinghai Province, with particular attention to ecological conservation, climate adaptation, and community resilience in high-altitude ecosystems.

4. Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (India)
A leading research institution in India, ATREE focuses on interdisciplinary environmental research, conservation policy, and capacity building. It is widely respected for its work on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and sustainable development.

5. Jeollanamdo (Republic of Korea)
As a subnational government, Jeollanamdo is actively involved in environmental governance, coastal and marine conservation, and sustainable regional development, contributing innovative approaches to green growth.

6. Nepal Panchhivid Sangh (Nepal)
A national non-governmental organisation dedicated to biodiversity conservation and community engagement, Nepal Panchhivid Sangh works closely with local communities to promote sustainable natural resource management and environmental awareness across Nepal.

7. Birds Nepal (Nepal)
Birds Nepal is a well-established NGO dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats, known for its strong scientific research, advocacy, and community outreach programs supporting avian biodiversity.

8. Punjab Forest Department (Pakistan)
As a government agency, the Punjab Forest Department plays a critical role in forest conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable land management in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

9. Trung Tâm Xây Dựng và Thúc Đẩy Phát Triển Bền Vững (Viet Nam)
This NGO focuses on promoting sustainable development through community-based initiatives, environmental education, and policy engagement, with an emphasis on balancing economic growth and environmental protection.

This marks a further increase in IUCN Asia’s membership following the admission of 20 Members across the region in 2025. These included three Government Agency Members in India, one in the Republic of Korea, and one in Pakistan; 13 NGO Members from Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand; one Subnational Government Member in the Republic of Korea; and one Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation from the Philippines. In addition, the Philippines National Committee was recognised by the IUCN Council in August 2025.

IUCN Asia warmly welcomes these organisations and looks forward to fostering meaningful partnerships and collective action across the region.

For further details on IUCN membership, please contact:

Raj Kumar
Regional Manager, Membership and RDO Liaison
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
N 63 Sukhumvit 39 Soi Phrompong
Sukhumvit Road, Wattana, Klongtan
Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Email: [email protected]