UICN - Union internationale pour la conservation de la nature

Andrew Bignell, New Zealand

18 April 2012 | Article

My passion is to have a world in which people can live with dignity and in harmony with nature. I seek to achieve this through influencing the policy settings of Governments at national, regional and global levels. In doing this I also work with NGOs and civil society as they have a vital role to play.

My experience in protected area establishment and management, and land and marine management bring together the elements needed to achieve the IUCN Vision. I have worked at national, regional and global scales.

The challenge for IUCN is to retain relevance in a changing world. Over its 60 year history the Union has changed while retaining its core focus of seeking to conserve nature in a changing world. I will continue to guide that change within the mandate set by Congress.

I especially want the Union to be the world’s respected, independent authority on matters of nature conservation and people’s engagement with nature. I will seek to focus the collective effort of the Union on achieving the Programme agreed at Congress. I will seek to have the Union influence sectors of society which undertake activities contrary to its Vision and Mission.

Please post any comments or questions on this page.
Note that Andrew Bignell will communicate in English.