International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN)

1. About IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) was established in 1948 in Gland, Switzerland and brings together 81 States, 109 government agencies and more than 800 NGOs. The Mission of IUCN is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.

2. Japan's Contribution

(1) Membership

The Government of Japan became a member of IUCN in June 1995. In addition, the Ministry of Environment (as a government agencies member since September 1978) and 21 NGOs (as a non-governmental organizations member) joined the organization.

(2) Regional Councilor

The governor of Chiba Prefecture, Ms. Akiko Domoto (then a Member of the House of Councillors) served as a regional councilor of South and East Asia from 1994 to 2000. The position was taken up by Ambassador Nobutoshi Akao.

(3) Japan Committee for IUCN (IUCN-J)

The Japan Committee for IUCN (IUCN-J) was established in 1980 aiming to promote information exchange on IUCN and facilitate cooperation among IUCN members in Japan.

(4) Goodwill Ambassador for IUCN

For the purpose of raising public awareness and enhancing support of activities of IUCN in Japan and the entire Asian region, the Government of Japan appointed singer-songwriter Iruka as a Goodwill Ambassador for IUCN in July 2004.