Harmonizing gender in the three Rio conventions and the GEF

It is today widely recognized that gender is a key component of human rights and social justice. Moreover, gender equality is a real driver of development, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of programmes, projects and initiatives. For more than 40 years, IUCN has recognized the key role played by gender in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. Since 1998, the Union has had a formalized gender mandate with a dedicated Gender Office and programme. IUCN’s Gender Policy explicitly calls for the inclusion of gender equality in the ‘One Programme’ and in the annual workplans of all the programmes, projects and initiatives carried out by the organization, along with the participation and inclusion of women in all IUCN events, forums and delegations. Thanks to its expertise, IUCN has now become the Scientific & Technical Centre for Excellence for organizations, conventions, governments and others seeking advice on gender.