International Union for Conservation of Nature

IUCN approves major new North Atlantic marine sanctuary

By Peter Schulte / November 11, 2025 / Good News For Humankind

The IUCN World Conservation Congress has voted to establish the Macaronesia Sanctuary. This massive transnational protected area spans the waters of Spain, Portugal, and Cape Verde, creating one of the world’s most ambitious marine sanctuaries. By safeguarding a vast migration corridor across four archipelagos, the initiative protects essential habitats from industrial fishing and maritime traffic. This historic agreement unites nations in a shared mission to secure the long-term resilience of this vital Atlantic ecosystem.

Green sea turtle saved from extinction in major conservation victory

By Peter Schulte / October 17, 2025 / Good News For Humankind

The green sea turtle population has rebounded so successfully that several populations have been removed from the Endangered Species List maintained by the International Union for Conservation of Nature ($\text{IUCN}$). This success specifically applies to populations in places like Florida and the Pacific coast of Mexico. Nesting numbers have surged by several hundred percent in key areas. By securing Marine Protected Areas and guarding vulnerable beaches, conservationists have proven that dedicated human action can reverse the decline of threatened species.

Asiatic lions in India upgraded from endangered to vulnerable status in conversation win

By Peter Schulte / March 11, 2024 / Good news links

In its recent report, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reclassified the Asiatic lion from “endangered” to “vulnerable,” signifying a significant improvement in their conservation status. This is a major win for Gujarat, India, the world’s sole home of these big cats.

Four tuna species recovering after decade of fishing quotas

By Peter Schulte / September 6, 2021 / Good news links

In IUCN’s Red List update, the seven most commercially fished tuna species were reassessed. Four moved in a positive direction thanks to countries enforcing more sustainable fishing quotas and successfully combatting illegal fishing.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora enters into force

By Peter Schulte / July 1, 1975 / Archive of Human Genius

CITES is a multilateral treaty to protect endangered plants and animals from the threats of international trade. It is now one of the largest and oldest conservation and sustainable use agreements in existence.