Born free foundation joins iucn

The Born Free Foundation has been welcomed as a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organisation. The IUCN includes 1,351 government and NGO members, and more than 15,000 volunteer experts working in 185 countries.

Adam M. Roberts, Born Free Foundation Chief Executive said: “It is a proud honour to have our long history of field conservation activities recognised by the IUCN – from lions and elephants in Kenya, to tigers in India, and gorillas in central Africa – Born Free has a rich portfolio of wildlife protection on the ground where it is needed most. We look forward to working closely with our fellow IUCN members to ensure a lasting legacy of compassionate conservation.”

The IUCN is a broad church encompassing a diversity of views and approaches, and Born Free recognises the IUCN’s potential as a critical ally. While Born Free may at times disagree with an official IUCN position on a particular issue, being a member will enable it to influence processes and decisions towards a more precautionary and compassionate approach. 

IUCN membership acknowledges Born Free’s long track record in wildlife conservation efforts, through both its own projects as well as its support of many worthwhile wildlife conservation causes across the globe. Among the most critical is long-term, ongoing financial support for the IUCN Canid Specialist Group. 

Born Free Foundation’s Head of Conservation, Professor Claudio Sillero, noted: “Born Free’s support has enabled this internationally renowned group of scientists to improve conservation outcomes for the world’s wolves, wild dogs and foxes, perhaps most notably the highly endangered Ethiopian wolf, whose recovery Born Free has been supporting for over 20 years.”

As a member, Born Free will enhance its reputation as a global wildlife conservation organisation and allow it to partner with like-minded organisations and individuals on many relevant issues, increasing its participation in multiple forums across six IUCN commissions and over 130 specialist groups.

Born Free welcomes other organisations joining as new IUCN members, including Malawi’s Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, a long-standing Born Free partner.