Environment

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) was established in 1948. Its secretariat is located in Gland, Switzerland and brings together 90 States, 130 government agencies and more than 1,131 NGOs (as of December 2019). 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.

(1) Membership

The Government of Japan became a member of IUCN in June 1995. In addition, the Ministry of the Environment (as a government agencies member since September 1978) and 15 NGOs (as non-governmental organizations members) joined the organization.

(2) Regional Councilor

Since 1994, Japanese nationals have played a significant role as Regional Councilors in the principal governing body of IUCN. Currently, Mr. Masahiko Horie (former Ambassador to Malaysia) serves as a Regional Councilor, and provides oversight and guidance to support the management of IUCN.

(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 for activities of IUCN, the Government of Japan appointed singer-songwriter Iruka as a Goodwill Ambassador for IUCN in July 2004. In August 2014, Foreign Minister Commendation was awarded to her for her continuous efforts to promote public understanding of international cooperation on environment conservation as the Goodwill Ambassador.