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The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), one of the largest and most influential conservation organizations in the world, boasts a network of 15,000 scientific experts, some of whom have interests that run counter to wildlife conservation and may in fact promote the trade of endangered animals, according to an investigation by Buzzfeed.
For instance, the news report describes an IUCN expert on sustainability who is simultaneously the director of a trophy hunting lobby group, which some see as a conflict of interest that pits conservation efforts against potential commercial gains. The IUCN claims that members are required to disclose any such conflicts, according to the report, but conflicts are still common within the organization.
“IUCN is considered the world’s leading authority on science and species conservation, but when you look at the members who influence the organization, you have to question whether this status ...
