A towering figure in China’s biodiversity conservation and a pivotal bridge between China and IUCN’s global conservation network, Professor Wang dedicated over four decades to advancing collaborative species protection, standard localization and global ecological governance. His pioneering, lifelong efforts established and solidified IUCN’s institutional presence in China, delivering landmark, transformative contributions to IUCN’s global and regional conservation mandates.

Figure 1: Professor Wang Sung

In 1979, when IUCN launched formal cooperation with China, Professor Wang served as the Union’s first official Chinese interlocutor. This historic engagement unlocked long-term, in-depth partnership between IUCN and the Chinese government in biodiversity governance, endangered species protection and ecological restoration, laying the groundwork for decades of fruitful bilateral cooperation.

Figure 2: A delegation from IUCN/WWF visited China in 1979. Professor Wang Sung is the sixth person from the left in the second row.

Beyond bilateral collaboration, Professor Wang held core leadership positions within IUCN’s global governance system. As a member of the IUCN Global Council and Vice-Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) for Asia, he anchored Asian perspectives in global conservation decision-making and led systematic, large-scale species assessment and conservation research across the Asia region, driving the improvement of regional biodiversity protection systems.

One of Professor Wang’s most enduring legacies is the localization and implementation of global conservation standards in China. He spearheaded the full adaptation and application of IUCN Red List criteria to China’s ecological context, leading the compilation of the China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals and the official national China Species Red List. Aligned strictly with global IUCN standards, these authoritative publications built a rigorous scientific foundation for China’s domestic species conservation work and enabled seamless alignment between China’s ecological protection practices and international conservation frameworks.

Under the umbrella of IUCN’s global programmes, Professor Wang also championed iconic flagship conservation projects that gained worldwide recognition. His dedicated leadership in giant panda conservation and Milu deer reintroduction initiatives set exemplary global case studies for endangered species population restoration and habitat rehabilitation, showcasing China’s effective conservation practices to the world and enriching IUCN’s global portfolio of successful species recovery projects.

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Wang effectively integrated China’s grassroots conservation practices with IUCN’s global conservation standards and philosophies. As a devoted mentor, he cultivated generations of professional conservation practitioners who have continued to engage with and contribute to IUCN’s global networks. His persistent efforts have built the complete foundational framework for today’s robust and diversified IUCN China Programme.

Professor Wang Sung’s profound contributions to global and Chinese biodiversity conservation are indelible. His pioneering spirit, rigorous scientific attitude and commitment to international ecological cooperation will continue to inspire IUCN’s ongoing conservation work in China and across the globe. IUCN remains committed to carrying forward his legacy, advancing China-IUCN collaborative conservation, and striving for the sustainable protection of global biodiversity.

IUCN extends its sincere condolences to Professor Wang Sung’s family, colleagues and students.