The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global organization devoted to environmental protection. Established in 1948, the Gland Switzerland-based IUCN claims to be "the world's largest and most diverse environmental network," comprised of more than 1,400 member organizations from more than 160 countries, including governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and indigenous peoples' organizations.
The IUCN's flagship project is the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This is a comprehensive inventory that assesses the conservation status of thousands of plant and animal species. It is widely recognized as the most authoritative source of its type and influences policy decisions and conservation strategies worldwide.
The IUCN also engages in numerous other initiatives that contribute to global conservation efforts, including collaborating with businesses to protect biodiversity while supporting economic development, participating in frontline conservation actions to save critically endangered species through funding and support for local organizations, and striving to improve the management effectiveness of marine protected areas.