Who can be a member?
Membership to the World Conservation Union is open to organisations (not individuals) particularly States, Government agencies, Political / Economic integration organizations, National and international non-governmental organizations. An organisation applying for membership to the Union must have as one of its central purposes, the achievement of the World Conservation Union’s mission and must show a substantial record of activity in the conservation of nature and natural resources. Individuals can only become members of the six IUCN Commissions, namely:
Ecosystems Management;
Environment Education and Communication
Environmental Law;
Environment, Economics and Social Policy;
Protected Areas, and
species survival

Application and Admission Process
The IUCN Council decides upon the admission of members to the Union. The admission of a member is governed by IUCN Statutes and takes between six and twelve months to complete. Prospective members are considered after going through the APPLICATION PROCESS described under Regulations 7 to 11 of the Statutes and admitted upon fulfilment of the requirements of the ADMISSION PROCESS as described under Regulations 12 to 20 of the Statutes. Important documents to guide your membership application are the Membership Brochure, the IUCN Statutes and Regulations, Membership Dues Guide and the IUCN Membership Policy Guidelines.

Procedure for State Membership Application
States become members of The World Conservation Union by notifying the Director General of their adhesion to the IUCN Statutes. The notification of adhesion to the IUCN Statutes by a State shall be made by, or on behalf of, the Head of State, the Head of Government or the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Upon becoming a member, a State shall designate one Ministry as its liaison with the IUCN Secretariat.

Procedure for Government Agencies, NGOs and Affiliates Application
Government agencies and political / economic groups wishing to join the World Conservation Union are invited to submit an application for admission to the Director General supported by a statement by the duly authorized head of the agency or organization, endorsing the objectives of The World Conservation Union. Application forms and a membership pack describing the benefits of becoming an IUCN member and further information on the various IUCN membership categories and dues can be obtained from any of our Membership Focal Persons (to be linked to email addresses for Stella, Suzette, Maria, Margaret and Masego).

Non-governmental organisations seeking admission to the World Conservation Union must have been in existence for at least THREE years, and should be able to document their activities in the conservation of nature and natural resources over the same period.

What is expected of an IUCN member
IUCN invites its members to:
• participate in national and regional committees and attend the World Conservation Congress;
support the formulation of policy;
• help develop and implement the IUCN Programme;
elect the IUCN Council;
• interact with other members through National and Regional Committees;
• share knowledge, experience and expertise with other members, IUCN staff, Regional Councillors and partners.
• pay an annual membership contribution as prescribed in the Regulations of IUCN and outlined in the Membership dues Booklet

What are the benefits of joining IUCN?
Through IUCN, members become part of a collective and global voice for greater influence , partnerships and networks, knowledge and increased capacity and much more.