IUCN SSC Conservation Genetics Specialist Group

More about the Specialist Group

CGSG also provides genetic advice on policy and management within IUCN’s Species Survival Commission (SSC) and expert knowledge and assistance to SSC Specialist Groups. CGSG will facilitate a fuller appreciation, evaluation and conservation of genetic diversity and resources at all levels, providing a forum for all stakeholders to value and conserve this crucial element of Planet Earth’s life systems.

Genetic diversity is one of the three major components of biodiversity, but still overlooked in most plans for conserving biodiversity. We foresee that raising the awareness of genetic diversity as one of the key requisites for species to adapt and survive will directly benefit species action plans. In addition, the implementation of genetic criteria into the Red List assessment process will help us to define the conservation status more precisely.