IUCN currently brings together over 1,500 Member organisations — including states, government agencies, NGOs, and Indigenous Peoples’ Organisations — from more than 160 countries. There are 154 IUCN Member organizations and agencies based in the United States.
See the full IUCN Member Directory.
By joining IUCN, you will benefit from IUCN’s scientific credibility, its unsurpassed knowledge base and convening power, extensive networking opportunities and access to high-level political, economic and social decision making. Being a Member of IUCN enables you both to advance your own cause and to strengthen common action in overcoming barriers to a sustainable future.
Who can become an IUCN Member?
IUCN Members are institutions and organisations with a common interest in creating a just world that values and conserves nature. Member organisations can be:
- Government agencies
- Subnational governments
- National and international non-governmental organisations
- Indigenous Peoples’ Organisations
- States and Political and/or Economic Integration Organisations
Individuals with conservation expertise can join a one of IUCN’s seven expert Commissions.
Application Cycle
Prospectives Members may apply at any time throughout the year. Applications are reviewed following four annual deadlines, and Membership approvals are made by the IUCN Council at quarterly meetings. Annual deadlines for submission of the membership applications are 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December.
Fee Structure
IUCN Members pay annual Membership dues which are determined based on the organization’s budget or on a country’s national economic capacity. Dues fund the Union’s work and ensure fair, inclusive access to equal membership benefits regardless of financial means. A Membership Dues Guide is available at iucn.org.
Being a member of US National Committee of IUCN is free for IUCN Members registered in the United States. Further information about IUCN membership and fees are available at iucn.org/members.
For more information on becoming an IUCN Member and to apply, please contact:
Deborah Good
U.S. Membership Focal Point: [email protected]
1828 L Street NW, Suite 1050, Washington, DC 20036
US Member Testimonials
The Pew Charitable Trusts has been a member of the IUCN since 2008, which gives us access to a broad range of expertise and potential partners. Our staff engage with specialist groups under the World Commission on Protected Areas to share information and learn more about specific ocean conservation related topics. We have also sponsored and worked on resolutions agreed on at the IUCN World Conservation Congress. The US National Committee has helped us navigate what can sometimes be a complicated organization – we would definitely recommend new members check in with the national committee. – Pew Charitable Trusts
IUCN membership connects us to an incredible community of experts and a wealth of knowledge. Through IUCN’s publications and resources, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance gains insight into current and emerging biodiversity challenges around the world, helping us broaden our perspective and ensure our conservation efforts remain on the cutting edge. – The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
We have found that every investment we make in IUCN pays back 100x for us and 1000x for conservation. IUCN takes very seriously what a member driven organization should be, and the US National Committee in particular is extremely supportive of its members, and extremely experienced in navigating the global network. Conservation X Labs joined IUCN when we were only 5 years old as an organization, but were received with extraordinary welcome and extraordinary opportunity. This is one of the best investments you can make in conservation, and it is a possibility of scaling your impact. We need to be working together now more than ever in conservation. – Conservation X Labs