The IUCN stands for the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In their own words,
IUCN is the world’s oldest and largest global environmental network - a democratic membership union with more than 1,000 government and NGO member organizations, and almost 11,000 volunteer scientists in more than 160 countries.
Wow. I am glad to learn of this organization because it reassures me that the world has leaders who care about balancing the needs of humans and all other flora and fauna as much as I do. The IUCN is meeting in Barcelona, Spain right now. They only meet every 4 years, and they call these meetings the IUCN World Conservation Congress.1 The 2008 Congress runs from October 5 - October 14. Their stated goal:
More than 8,000 of the world’s leading decision makers in sustainable development: from governments, NGOs, business, the UN and academia. Together in one place for 10 days: to debate, share, network, learn, commit, vote and decide. The objective: ideas, action and solutions for a diverse and sustainable world.
Double-wow. Again, I am comforted to know that such huge and global efforts are focused on preserving our planet, even amid the world’s wars, financial crises, and human suffering. In the tiny space of the world where I live, the quality of my life is enriched, no matter the circumstances, by the fact that I can see and hear beautiful birds singing in my own backyard. I can travel to a nearby pond or a distant shore and witness the marvels of aquatic life. I can visit any local, state, or national park to see an array of native plants and animals. Sometimes, it is these very experiences that rejuvenate me so that I can forge ahead with all of life’s challenges. I’ll wager that anyone reading these words has felt the same way a time or two.
So, what has come out of the 2008 IUCN so far? Ugh. Not exactly good news, but I have chosen to turn the news into a call to action. Here’s the deal:
The IUCN produces a Red List of Threatened Species™ . This is the product of their extensive research on the state of the planet’s plants and animals. It distills vast amounts of data into a list of species, rated by the level of danger to their very existence. The Red List tells us that about 20% of the world’s mammals are in danger of extinction.2 In America, we vaguely know what our own “endangered species list” is. Many of us will automatically think of the Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis). The US Fish and Wildlife Service is the federal agency responsible for the nation’s official list program, and they regularly publish an Endangered Species Bulletin. We have heard much debate over which species are on or off of our endangered list. This happens when the needs/wants of Americans conflict with the needs of our ecosystems.
While I do not believe there are any easy answers, I DO think that the message is simple: humans must find ways to live in harmony with the planet, or risk losing our planet, one species at a time. Just as we now live in a “global economy,” we also live in a global ecosystem. This is why I think we should all care about the IUCN Red List.
What do I do about all of this? I learn as much as I can, and share what I learn. I try to lead by example. Specifically, I:
- Choose moderation, in as many aspects of life as I can
- Recycle
- Conserve resources
- Volunteer my time to help wildlife
- Plan errands to minimize miles driven
- Create wildlife habitats at my home
- Do not use pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
- Plant native plants
- Bring the joy of nature to others via photographs
- Donate funds, however meager, to wildlife and conservation organizations
- BLOG ABOUT ALL OF THIS!
I don’t know about you, but I think now is a good time to step outside for a bit! Enjoy!
