First IUCN SSC Centre for Species Survival in partnership with the Wilder Institute opens in Canada

The IUCN SSC Centre for Species Survival Human Dimensions (CSS Human Dimensions) in Alberta will address some of the critical—but often overlooked—social and cultural aspects of conservation. The Centre will serve as a global hub for sharing resources in inclusive and multisectorial conservation approaches, linking the health and livelihoods of local communities with the conservation and sustainable use of wild spaces.

“Effective species conservation doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when people are part of the solution. This centre reflects a long-overdue shift—one that recognizes just how deeply people and the future of wildlife are intertwined. As the first of its kind in Canada, it affirms that long-term conservation depends on people, partnerships, and shared purpose. We’re honoured to help lead this global movement,” said Dr Gráinne McCabe, Chief Conservation Officer, Wilder Institute.

Developed in close collaboration with two IUCN Commissions groups - the CEESP SSC Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group (SuLi) and the CEESP SSC Biodiversity and Family Planning Task Force—the initial focus of the CSS Human Dimensions will explore the sustainable use of wild species and how this supports both conservation and local livelihoods, particularly for Indigenous peoples and local communities.

This theme is central to human health, gender equality, and effective rights-based conservation. Meaningfully integrating actions across sectors paves the way for more effective and sustainable outcomes for people and nature. Yet they remain underrepresented in conservation planning frameworks, largely due to a lack of awareness, resources, or sector-wide support.

"This new Centre for Species Survival brings attention to positive and negative interactions and dependencies between humans, other species and the environment more broadly. They remind us that the well-being of all living forms are deeply connected, so that we are all part of One Health: animals, fungi, plants and the ecosystems that we share. We look forward to the development of guidelines and principles that may be scalable across the SSC network," said Jon Paul Rodríguez, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission.

With a global focus, this centre will connect conservation practitioners and leaders with knowledge, tools, and training developed by experts in conservation solutions to maximise local conservation impact.

While there is still important work ahead, the announcement of this centre marks the beginning of a journey—one that will be shaped by collaboration, community and a shared commitment to conservation.