What Does IUCN Do?

Total employees2188
HeadquartersGland
Founded1948

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Its experts are organised into six Commissions dedicated to species survival, environmental law, protected areas, social and economic policy, ecosystem management, and education and communication.

Where Is IUCN's Headquarters?

HQ Function

The headquarters serves as the central hub for IUCN's global operations, coordinating its vast network of members, commissions, and secretariat staff. It facilitates global policy development, programme management, international advocacy, and knowledge dissemination.

Notable Features:

The IUCN Conservation Centre in Gland is a modern, eco-friendly building designed to minimize its environmental footprint. It features extensive natural light, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable materials, and was one of the first buildings in Europe to achieve LEED Platinum certification.

Work Culture:

The work culture at IUCN HQ is highly international, collaborative, and mission-driven, bringing together diverse experts and professionals passionate about conservation and sustainable development. It fosters a multicultural environment focused on scientific rigor, policy impact, and partnerships.

HQ Significance:

The Gland headquarters is significant as the nerve center of the world's largest and most diverse environmental network. It plays a crucial role in convening stakeholders, shaping global conservation policy, and mobilizing action to address pressing environmental challenges.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters' sustainable design and operational practices reflect IUCN's core values of environmental stewardship, sustainability, innovation in conservation, and leading by example.

Location:

IUCN has a truly global presence, operating through its headquarters in Switzerland, approximately 50 regional, country, and project offices, and its extensive network of over 1,400 member organizations (including states, government agencies, NGOs, and indigenous peoples' organisations) across more than 160 countries. Additionally, some 15,000 volunteer experts contribute through its six Commissions. Functions supported globally include biodiversity assessment (e.g., the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™), developing conservation policy and standards, implementing on-the-ground conservation projects, capacity building, and fostering multi-stakeholder dialogue for nature conservation and sustainable development worldwide.

Street Address:

Rue Mauverney 28

City:

Gland

State/Province:

Vaud

Country:

Switzerland

Where Else Does IUCN Operate Around the World?

Washington D.C., USA

Address: 1000 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Suite 505, Washington, DC 20007, USA

Serves as a key liaison and programmatic hub for North America, facilitating U.S. engagement in global conservation efforts and connecting with international organizations based in D.C.

Bangkok, Thailand

Address: IUCN Asia Regional Office, 63 Soi Prompong, Sukhumvit 39, Klongton-nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Implements IUCN's global programme in the Asian region, addressing specific environmental challenges such as deforestation, marine plastic pollution, and water scarcity, while capitalizing on opportunities for green growth and nature-based solutions.

Nairobi, Kenya

Address: IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO), Wasaa Conservation Centre, Mukoma Road, off Magadi Road, P.O. Box 68200-00200, Nairobi, Kenya

Drives conservation efforts and sustainable development in a region facing significant pressures from climate change, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict, by working with governments, CSOs, and local communities.

Buying Intent Signals for IUCN

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading IUCN? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, IUCN' leadership includes:

Dr. Grethel Aguilar - Director General
Stewart Maginnis - Deputy Director General - Programme
Michael Davis - Chief Financial Officer

Who's Investing in IUCN?

IUCN has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad)
French Development Agency (AFD)
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland
Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
European Commission

What Leadership Changes Has IUCN Seen Recently?

Hire1
Exits1

In the past 12 months, IUCN experienced a key leadership transition. Dr. Grethel Aguilar was appointed as the new Director General, effective October 2023, succeeding Dr. Bruno Oberle who stepped down from the role. This marks a significant change in IUCN's executive leadership.

Departures

Dr. Bruno Oberle, Dr. Bruno Oberle stepped down as IUCN Director General.

New Appointments:

Dr. Grethel Aguilar, Dr. Grethel Aguilar appointed as new IUCN Director General, succeeding Dr. Bruno Oberle.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byIUCN?

Discover the tools IUCN uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

IUCN Email Formats and Examples

IUCN typically uses a standard email format for its staff based on their first and last names. The most common format observed is [first].[last]@iucn.org. Variations might exist for individuals with common names or those using middle initials.

firstname.lastname@iucn.org

Format

jane.doe@iucn.org

Example

85%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About IUCN?

IUCN Press ReleaseFebruary 28, 2024

IUCN News: New Global Standard for Key Biodiversity Areas launched to guide conservation action

IUCN and partners have launched an updated Global Standard for the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs). This revised standard aims to provide a clear, consistent framework for identifying sites contributing significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity, guiding conservation efforts, spatial planning, and investment decisions worldwide....more

IUCN Press ReleaseDecember 11, 2023

IUCN News: Freshwater fish assessment completes IUCN Red List, mobilises conservation action for newly recognised threatened species

The first comprehensive assessment of the world’s freshwater fish species reveals that 25% are at risk of extinction. This IUCN Red List update, which also includes an update for Atlantic salmon, underscores the mounting pressures on freshwater ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation measures to protect these vital species and their habitats....more

IUCN Press ReleaseAugust 30, 2023

IUCN News: IUCN Council appoints Dr Grethel Aguilar as new Director General

The IUCN Council announced the appointment of Dr Grethel Aguilar as the new Director General of IUCN, effective October 2023. Dr Aguilar, a Costa Rican national with extensive experience in conservation and sustainable development, previously served as IUCN Acting Director General and Deputy Director General....more

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