We’re incredibly honored to announce that Wise Ancestors is a member of the IUCN and the IUCN US National Committee as of August 2026. This means Wise Ancestors will now have a formal voice in IUCN’s democratic processes and the ability to contribute to the global conservation agenda.

We plan to use our membership status to advocate for Indigenous rights including but not limited to Indigenous data governance and free, prior, and informed consent as it pertains to generating genomic data of plants, animals, and fungi. We also plan to champion the need for utilizing both genomic and Indigenous knowledge systems (Traditional Ecological Knowledge) for effective species and habitat conservation. Whenever possible, we are committed to supporting motions led by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

We are eager to be a part of one of the leading global networks working to protect biodiversity. As an official member, we now have the opportunity to create new opportunities for collaboration with Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous led organizations, governments, NGOs, researchers, and the like.

“For Wise Ancestors, membership represents an opportunity not only to learn from this global community, but also to contribute our experience developing conservation initiatives that braid genomic science with Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge systems. As we continue working with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities to advance species conservation utilizing genomics and locally led stewardship, we look forward to exchanging knowledge, building new partnerships and contributing to IUCN’s shared mission of creating a just world that values and conserves nature,” Ann Pace, Executive Director of Wise Ancestors stated.

About IUCN

Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of our more than 1,600 Member organisations and 19,000 experts. This diversity and expertise makes IUCN the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.

The IUCN’s mission is to influence, engage and assist societies to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.

The IUCN’s broad membership also means they can incubate ideas and are a trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards. The IUCN provides a neutral space in which governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples’ organisations and others can work together to solve environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. These projects combine the latest science with traditional knowledge of local communities to work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.

Source: IUCN.org