IUCN SOS and global goals

IUCN Save Our Species (SOS) focuses on measurable, field-level delivery, working with local partners to achieve tangible outcomes for threatened species and the communities who steward their habitats. These actions are also delivering valuable contributions for achieving global goals on sustainable development, poverty alleviation and climate change.

IUCN SOS and the UN SDGs

The SDGs provide a shared blueprint to 2030: to achieve peace and prosperity for people and planet. The 17 agreed goals (SDGs) call for countries to tackle inequality, poverty and promote sustainable development while tackling biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change. Biodiversity is vitally important to achieving the SDGs. From food and freshwater security to defence against natural disasters and climate change, species and the ecosystems they comprise provide vital services for human health and sustainable development. Aligned with IUCN’s commitment for people-centred biodiversity conservation that protects nature and communities, IUCN Save Our Species projects have contributed to several SDGs.

No poverty

IUCN SOS contributes to SDG 1 by supporting communities living closest to biodiversity hotspots to secure sustainable incomes and reduce vulnerability, while conserving the natural resources they depend on. Grants have funded alternative, nature-positive livelihoods such as beekeeping, community handicrafts, sustainable cocoa and coffee farming, and ecotourism ventures, helping diversify income sources, strengthen local resilience, and break the cycle of poverty linked to environmental degradation.

Zero hunger

Healthy ecosystems underpin food security through fisheries, pollination, and wild foods. IUCN SOS projects have restored habitats, promoted sustainable community fisheries, and reduced human–wildlife conflict to support more secure farming and fishing livelihoods.

Good health and well-being

Biodiversity and human health are deeply interconnected. Through a One Health approach, IUCN SOS supports projects that address disease risks and promote healthy ecosystems across the human–wildlife–environment interface, contributing to improved well-being for people and nature.

Quality education

Knowledge is the foundation of conservation. IUCN SOS projects build local capacity through ranger training, youth outreach, and community education, empowering individuals and institutions with the competencies needed to protect biodiversity and sustain livelihoods over the long term.

Gender equality

Empowering women strengthens conservation outcomes. By supporting women’s participation and leadership in conservation and management of natural resources, IUCN SOS helps reduce gender inequalities, strengthen inclusive decision-making and deliver more effective and equitable conservation outcomes.

Clean water and sanitation

Forests, wetlands and mountain ecosystems are nature’s water infrastructure. IUCN SOS supports habitat restoration and improved sanitation to protect freshwater quality.

Affordable and clean energy

Energy access and ecosystem protection go hand in hand. Our partners promote renewable or efficient energy solutions that reduce reliance on wood fuel, protecting forests and improving public health.

Decent work and economic growth

Conservation creates dignified and sustainable employment. Through our grants, local people become rangers, wildlife monitors, eco-guides, and artisans.

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Innovation drives smarter conservation. IUCN SOS grantees pilot cutting-edge tools such as SMART monitoring systems and environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to strengthen wildlife protection, improve species detection and design resilient conservation infrastructure that benefits both people and nature.

Reduced inequalities

Biodiversity conservation must be inclusive. IUCN SOS ensures that benefits from conservation reach Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs). By supporting rights-based, locally led initiatives, IUCN SOS helps ensure that the benefits of biodiversity conservation, such as access to resources, decision-making, and sustainable livelihoods, are shared more equitably.

Sustainable cities and communities

Biodiversity enhances urban resilience. IUCN SOS supports the protection of green and blue spaces that improve air and water quality, reduce pollution, strengthen natural flood and storm defences and help cities adapt to climate change while improving quality of life for urban communities.

Responsible consumption and production

Sustainable use of biodiversity ensures long-term prosperity. Through targeted investments, IUCN SOS supports practices that reduce pressure on wild species, strengthen traceability and sustainability in nature-based value chains, and combat illegal wildlife trade, helping ensure that economic use of biodiversity is both legal and ecologically sustainable.

Climate action

Biodiversity is our greatest ally in the fight against climate change. IUCN SOS projects advance climate action by protecting and restoring ecosystems that store carbon, regulate water, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts, while supporting nature-based solutions that help species and communities adapt to a changing climate.

Life below water

Marine and coastal ecosystems sustain life and livelihoods. IUCN SOS supports ocean conservation through marine protected areas, bycatch reduction, and sustainable fisheries management.

Life on land

Protecting species protects the planet. IUCN SOS funds conservation efforts across the world’s terrestrial ecosystems, from tropical forests and savannahs to deserts and mountains.

Peace, justice and strong institutions

Sustainable conservation depends on strong, fair governance. IUCN SOS strengthens institutional frameworks and community rights to manage natural resources responsibly.

Partnerships for the goals

Partnership is at the heart of IUCN SOS. We partner broadly with local communities, Indigenous leaders, NGOs, governments, scientists, donors, and responsible businesses to mobilise finance and pool expertise to save the world’s most threatened species and support local communities.

IUCN SOS and the GBF

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) agreed by Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity sets an ambitious framework to reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050. With four goals for countries to meet by 2050 and 23 targets by 2030, the Framework demands urgent actions on restoration, conservation, species recovery and sustainable use. It specifies the need for inclusive and participative decision-making, benefit sharing and rights-based action.

The Global Species Action Plan** (GSAP)**, developed by the IUCN Species Survival Commission with partners, supports the implementation of the GBF by setting out the key strategic interventions and actions required to achieve successful outcomes for the conservation and sustainable use of species in the GBF mission, goals, and targets.

GBF targets most directly advanced by IUCN SOS projects include:

Target 1: Plan and manage all areas to reduce biodiversity loss

IUCN SOS supports the development and implementation of Species Action Plans (SAPs) that ensure inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement and coordinated action across sites, sectors and governance levels. By setting clear priorities and pathways for implementation, SAPs help ensure that conservation investments are strategic, effective and aligned with national and global biodiversity objectives.

Target 2: Restore 30% of all degraded ecosystems

IUCN SOS funds restoration and connectivity actions that rebuild ecosystem functions and resilience.

Target 3: Conserve 30% of land, waters and seas

IUCN SOS supports area-based conservation delivery and effective management in priority landscapes and seascapes.

Target 4: Halt species extinction, protect genetic diversity, and manage human-wildlife conflicts

IUCN SOS grants target high-risk species and promote coexistence measures to support local communities living in proximity to wildlife. 

Target 5: Ensure sustainable, safe and legal harvesting and trade of wild species

Where relevant, IUCN SOS supports work that reduces overexploitation and strengthens legality and sustainability. 

Target 6: Reduce the introduction of invasive alien species by 50% and minimize their impact

IUCN SOS supports prevention, control and management actions targeting invasive species that threaten native biodiversity.

Target 8: Minimise the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and build resilience

IUCN SOS projects strengthen species and ecosystem resilience through nature-based solutions that support both climate adaptation and mitigation. 

Target 9: Manage wild species sustainably to benefit people

 IUCN SOS promotes livelihoods and governance models linked to the sustainable use of biodiversity.

Target 10: Enhance biodiversity and sustainability in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry

IUCN SOS projects support nature-positive and regenerative production systems that reduce pressures on wild species and habitats.

Target 20: Strengthen capacity-building, technology transfer, and scientific and technical cooperation for biodiversity

IUCN SOS strengthens local capacities, skills and provides knowledge and tools for effective species conservation.

Target 21: Ensure that knowledge is available and accessible to guide biodiversity action

IUCN SOS strengthens monitoring, learning and knowledge-sharing for conservation practitioners and communities. 

Target 22: Ensure participation in decision-making and access to justice and information related to biodiversity for all

IUCN SOS promotes equitable, rights-based conservation models which support and enable participation of Indigenous People and local communities.

Target 23: Ensure gender equality and a gender-responsive approach for biodiversity action

IUCN SOS integrates women’s leadership and equitable access to resources and decision-making across projects. 

Other international frameworks IUCN SOS supports

Global conservation action is guided by a range of international agreements and policy frameworks. Depending on the landscape and threats being addressed, IUCN Save Our Species projects contribute to these commitments by delivering practical, locally led conservation that benefits threatened species, ecosystems and communities.