IUCN – The World Conservation Union Founded in 1948 The World Conservation Union brings together States, government agencies and a diverse' range of non-governmental organizations in a unique world partnership: over 800 members in all, spread across some 136 countries. As a Union, IUCN seeks to influence encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. The World Conservation Union builds on the strengths of its members, networks and partners to enhance their capacity and to support global alliances to safeguard natural resources at local, regional and global levels. The Strategies for Sustainability Programme The Strategies for Sustainability Programme of IUCN works to strengthen strategic planning, policy and implementation skills aimed at sustainable development at global, national and local levels. Working with Networks of strategy practitioners from member governments, partner institutions and NGOs, the Programme assists in the conceptual development and analysis of experience in strategies, the development of a range of strategic planning and action planning skills, and improved methods of assessing human and ecosystem well being. Originally published in 1996