Within that broad purpose we have defined a more specific role. Urban dimensions of conservation are numerous and complex. We focus on things that have been overlooked or neglected, and this has meant going in some new and unexpected directions. 

Our Mantra

The wildest and remotest places on Earth, the most imperiled species on Earth, the chain of life sustaining human life on Earth will be protected only if urban people care about nature. 

These are our priorities:

1. Defining, promoting, and providing advice on urban protected and conserved areas as a distinctive type of protected or conserved area
2. Monitoring implementation of IUCN Resolution WCC-2016-Res-029, "Incorporating Urban Dimensions of Conservation into the Work of IUCN," which was drafted by the Specialist Group and adopted by the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawai’i
3. The Natural Neighbors initiative: Promoting cooperation within specific metropolitan areas and other regions among conservation and historic preservation agencies and urban institutions such as museums, zoos, and botanic gardens
4. Points of Inspiration: Places associated with extraordinary people, events, and ideas can serve as tangible symbols of the kind of imagination and moral courage that is needed to move the world toward greater justice and sustainability. We believe putting a spotlight on them will help change minds and inspire action. A project in development.
5. Dark Skies Advisory Group (DSAG). Advancing understanding of the importance of natural darkness and means of addressing impacts of artificial light. Reasons for controlling light pollution relate to protecting biodiversity as well as astronomy and enjoyment of the night sky.
6. Trails and Conservation Working Group. (In cooperation with the WCPA Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist Group.) Promoting long-distance trails as conservation tools. We believe such trails have much potential for linking urban, rural, and wild, and shaping new conservationists, young and old. We also see these trails as connectors to places representing cultural, spiritual, aesthetic, and moral values.
7. Responding to new challenges and opportunities