Image: On October 9 in Abu Dhabi, IUCN Deputy Director General Stewart Maginnis presented the membership certificate to Suncheon Mayor Roh Kwan-kyu. /Courtesy of Suncheon City

The city of Suncheon has become the first basic-level local government in South Korea to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and has dispatched an official delegation to the 24th World Conservation Congress (WCC) in Abu Dhabi, marking a historic step onto the international environmental stage.

Founded in 1948, the IUCN is the world’s largest and most influential environmental network, bringing together over 1,400 member organizations from more than 160 countries, including national governments, local authorities, NGOs, and research institutions. Like the Red Cross, it holds official observer status at the United Nations and serves as an advisory body for UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites.

Suncheon officially gained full membership in August 2025, becoming the first Korean municipality at the basic administrative level to be admitted into the IUCN. The achievement reflects global recognition of the city’s long-term commitment to ecological preservation and sustainable urban development.

Three Decades of Ecological Leadership

Over the past 30 years, Suncheon has led pioneering environmental initiatives such as the Suncheon Bay Wetland Conservation Project, the establishment of Korea’s first National Garden, and the implementation of eco-civilization policies that balance urban growth with biodiversity protection.

The city’s consistent focus on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) — a core strategy championed by the IUCN — has made Suncheon a model of sustainable development. Through its membership, Suncheon now gains an official platform to share its eco-city model with local governments around the world.

“Suncheon’s inclusion in the IUCN community marks a new chapter in our journey toward global ecological leadership,” said Suncheon Mayor Roh Kwan-kyu. “We will continue to pioneer Nature-based Solutions and foster cooperation with international partners to protect biodiversity and build a greener, more resilient planet.”

Global Presence at the World Conservation Congress

On October 9, the Suncheon City delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 24th World Conservation Congress at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) as invited VIP guests.

The ceremony brought together more than 6,000 participants, including government officials, international organization representatives, and environmental leaders such as IUCN President Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak. During the event, IUCN Deputy Director General Stewart Maginnis presented the official membership certificate to Mayor Roh Kwan-kyu, symbolizing Suncheon’s formal inclusion in the global conservation community.

Suncheon’s participation at this high-level congress positions the city as a new representative of South Korea in the field of environmental diplomacy, strengthening its partnerships with other eco-cities and international organizations.

Toward a Global Eco-Civilization

Through its IUCN membership, Suncheon plans to expand global cooperation in biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable city planning. The city aims to share its practical experiences in wetland restoration, eco-tourism development, and community-based conservation with partners worldwide — promoting policies rooted in harmony between people and nature.

“This membership is not only an honor but a responsibility,” said a city spokesperson. “Suncheon will continue to serve as a living laboratory of sustainability — where environmental innovation meets community participation.”

About IUCN

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Established in 1948, the organization brings together governments, civil society, and scientific experts to drive conservation and sustainable development worldwide. The IUCN advises the United Nations and UNESCO on environmental and heritage protection.

About Suncheon City

Located in South Jeolla Province, Suncheon is widely recognized as Korea’s Ecological Capital. The city is home to the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, one of Asia’s most biodiverse coastal ecosystems and currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Suncheon Bay National Garden, Korea’s first national garden and a benchmark for sustainable urban design.

This article was written with the sponsorship of Suncheon City.

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