Members resources
Governance & guidelines documents
IUCN SSC By-laws
These By-laws shall guide the Commission’s operations in the furtherance of the mission of IUCN, to provide effective legal foundations for conserving the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that the use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.
IUCN SSC Mandate
Adopted by IUCN Members by electronic vote on 10 February 2021.
Guide to IUCN SSC Membership
The purpose of this document is to provide an introduction to IUCN and SSC, their structure and primary activities. It also outlines what is expected from SSC Members, and how to engage with others within an outside IUCN.
Guidelines for IUCN SSC Leaders
In this document we expand on the topics covered in the Terms of Reference for Specialist Group, National Species Specialist Group, Task Force and Conservation Committee Chairs 2021-2025.
Best Practices Guidelines. Marine Specialist Groups: experience and examples
This compilation of current SG Experience and Examples is intended to serve as a resource to acting or potential leaders of IUCN SSC Specialist Groups or Task Forces.
Terms of Reference for Members of the IUCN Species Survival Commission
The appointment of SSC Members is approved by the corresponding group leader, and the members must clearly understand and agree to such a governance structure at the time they are appointed.
Terms of Reference for IUCN SSC Specialist Groups and Task Forces
The Specialist Groups (SG) and Task Forces (TF) Chairs have a relevant role and responsibility within the Commission.
Terms of Reference for IUCN SSC Steering Committee members
The Steering Committee assists the Chair and Deputy Chair in overseeing and coordinating the activities of the Commission.
Terms of Reference for IUCN SSC Regional Vice-Chairs
The role of IUCN SSC Regional Vice-Chairs is to support the Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission to facilitate efficient engagement and communication between relevant SSC Group Chairs and members, IUCN members, and national and regional SSC initiatives.
Terms of Reference for IUCN SSC Conservation Committees
Conservation Committees act to mobilise and assist the IUCN SSC and its constituent parts.
These Terms of Reference do not apply to the SSC Red List Committee nor the SSC Standard and Petitions Committee, which have their own terms of reference.
Terms of Reference for IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Focal Point
Species Conservation Planning Focal Point help to raise awareness of species conservation planning within Specialist Groups and improve planning-related communication and collaboration across the SSC network.
Terms of Reference for IUCN SSC Ex-situ Conservation Focal Point
Enhancing meaningful conservation action is a goal shared by the SSC specialist groups and the regional, national and world ex-situ conservation communities.
Terms of Reference for IUCN SSC Sustainable Use Focal Point
It is important that sustainable use is treated as a cross-cutting issue within SSC and that there is coordination between SULi and the other SGs that have an interest in sustainable use.
Terms of Reference for IUCN SSC Red List Authority Coordinators
RLACs are responsible for managing Red List activities within the Specialist Groups of their remit, serving as a contact person between the various IUCN structures and SSC Chair’s Office.
Terms of Reference for IUCN SSC Red List Committee Chair
The Chair of the IUCN Red List Committee ensures coordination and smooth working of the Red List process, and in particular close and effective cooperation among the SSC, Secretariat and the Red List Partners.
Term of Reference for IUCN SSC National Species Specialist Groups
The purpose of National Species Specialist Groups will be to coordinate expertise across taxonomic groups in the country, to support governments and facilitate science-based decision making and the development of policies that will contribute towards halting the loss of species.
Terms of Reference for IUCN SSC Focal Persons to IUCN National and Regional Committees
Decision 143: “each Commission may nominate an official representative of the Commission, resident in such a State or Region who may attend, and speak at, meetings of the governing bodies of the National and Regional Committees, without a right to vote.”
Safeguard Policies
SSC Guidance on the Code of Conduct and practices for its implementation
To report a violation of the Code of Conduct, please reach the Complaints and Appeals Panel through the following email address: [email protected]