Cape Town Set to Join International Union for Conservation of Nature

In an exciting leap towards global ecological collaboration, the Cape Town City Council has authorized the city's pursuit to gain membership in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This approval marks the onset of the formal application process to join this prestigious global environmental network, signalling Cape Town's commitment to nature conservation and biodiversity.

Upon attaining membership, Cape Town envisages to amplify its conservation initiatives by tapping into the IUCN's vast worldwide network of environmental expertise and resources. The membership would also open the doors for opportunities in co-development between cities, access to invaluable advice on environmental management, and potential financial backing for specific conservation undertakings.

In the words of Alderman Eddie Andrews, Cape Town’s deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for spatial planning and the environment, “Once we are a member, we will have access to a well-established global network which provides access to internationally recognised tools for implementing environmental, nature conservation and biodiversity initiatives.”

For Cape Town, known for its rich biodiversity, leveraging insights from IUCN in addressing complex urban environmental matters, including conservation and biodiversity, could prove transformative. Moreover, members also gain access to research, practical protocols and technical guidance from the IUCN and its partner organizations.

Established in 1948 and based in Gland, Switzerland, the IUCN is a unique coalition of government and civil society entities. The union's strength lies in its extensive network that amalgamates the knowledge, assets and outreach of its over 1,400 members across approximately 170 countries and a cadre of 18,000 experts. The IUCN's mandate spans several critical areas, including biodiversity, water security, climate change, governance, and nature-based solutions.