About HWCCSG Membership

 

The IUCN SSC Human-Wildlife Conflict & Coexistence Specialist Group is a global expert body within the IUCN Species Survival Commission. Initially established as a Task Force in 2016, it brings together specialists from a wide range of regions, disciplines, sectors and knowledge systems to advance understanding and good practice in human–wildlife conflict and coexistence. Our members contribute expertise across ecology, animal behaviour, social science, psychology, conflict resolution, stakeholder dialogue, governance, policy, law, economics, communications, community engagement and conservation practice. The wider group also includes staff, sub-group leaders, government focal points and associates who contribute to specific working groups and initiatives.

 

Membership is voluntary and requires a substantial commitment of time and active engagement. Members are expected to contribute meaningfully to the group’s work through working groups, technical outputs, consultations, policy processes and other activities. Every two years, we review the composition of the group and identify areas requiring further expertise, experience or representation to strengthen our work. Periodic intakes provide opportunities for members to connect with one another, become familiar with the group’s objectives and ways of working, and identify how their expertise can best contribute to our activities.

 

Prospective members are expected to demonstrate substantial expertise through a strong record in areas such as research, policy development, programme design and delivery, field implementation, technical advisory work, training or facilitation. Selection is based on the Specialist Group’s mandate and identified needs, taking account of the relevance and depth of expertise, capacity for active contribution, and balance across regions, disciplines, sectors, professional backgrounds and knowledge systems.

 

There are also many ways to engage with the HWCCSG beyond formal membership. We collaborate with specialists and practitioners through working groups, joint publications, events, training, regional dialogues, policy processes and other initiatives. Those wishing to be considered during a future membership review may submit an expression of interest through the form below at any time. Submissions will be kept on file for consideration by the membership review committee during the next review round. As we receive many enquiries, we may be unable to provide individual feedback or respond personally to every submission. We will contact those whose expertise aligns closely with an identified gap or priority.

 

For the next membership review, we are particularly interested in HWC specialists with strong experience in West Africa, North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, South-East Asia, and in marine and freshwater contexts. Our next expected intake of new members will be in 2028.

 

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