The International Union for the Conservation of Nature to provide “Red List” update on wildlife protection
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) began its World Conservation Congress on Thursday and will update its Red List of Threatened Species today to assess the impact of recent environmental destruction and climate change.
The IUCN is the only forum in which governments, indigenous groups, and environmental organizations vote on conservation proposals, making their recommendations uniquely informed. IUCN recommendations are often influenced by the Red List — a critical tool as the world enters its sixth mass extinction. This year, expect to see over 37,400 species listed as “threatened,” with coral species and amphibians most at risk. Recommendations could include protecting wetlands — the home of most amphibians.
The IUCN is also expected to address the business sector by framing conservation as an economic imperative and a wise investment. Companies that rely on farming will confront soil degradation, making sustainable agricultural practices a smart investment. The tourism industry, which derives approximately $36 billion per year from coral reefs, should invest in preserving the coral species.
Going forward, expect the Red List update to influence revisions to existing Multilateral Environmental Agreements. Also, expect the United Nations to replicate the IUCN’s focus on economics in their upcoming Climate Change Conference.
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