The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has been granted observer status to the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), marking a significant milestone in enhancing collaboration for marine conservation in the Baltic Sea region.
This development fulfills a commitment made by IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak during HELCOM’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2024, where she announced IUCN’s intention to apply for observer status.
IUCN’s application was approved by the 3rd Informal Consultation Session of the Helsinki Commission in March.
HELCOM currenty has 67 observers actively engaged in protecting the Baltic Sea, including:
- 2 governments
- 20 intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)
- 45 international non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
As observers, these entities are invited to participate in the meetings of various HELCOM bodies and are permitted to make statements. Additionally, HELCOM may extend invitations to non-member states of the Helsinki Convention to attend its meetings.
Read the announcement on the IUCN website
Contact
Eeva Nyyssönen
Communication Secretary
eeva.nyyssonen@helcom.fi