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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.