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The Union continued to shape global policy along so many essential dimensions – illustrating the centrality of IUCN’s work to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Much needed attention was, for instance, given to the plight of our oceans and IUCN was very active in the Ocean Conference for implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (June) as well as the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (July) which focused, in particular, on SDG 14. Not to mention negotiations on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction which made significant and welcome progress this year. Drawing on IUCN’s unique Commission structure, the Union is able to bring excellence, relevance and science to international fora for enhanced sustainability outcomes.

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

Oceania is geographically one of IUCN’s largest regional programmes, covering much of the central and south west Pacific Ocean as well as Australia and New Zealand. The Pacific Islands cover almost 15% of the world’s ocean surface. The area is characterized by a high degree of ecosystem and species diversity, as well as a high level of endemicity (often over 90% for particular groups) on many of the Pacific Islands. Increasing awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the threats to these species is critically important to the survival of all species on Earth. Thus, IUCN is working with like-minded organizations to contribute to biodiversity conservation in the Pacific context. The concept of “Investing in Nature” is central to this approach, given that often the day-to-day goods and services provided by nature are taken for granted. For Oceania, it is vital that additional efforts and investments in natural resources promote sustainable long-term use, management and conservation of our biodiversity resources.