Membership

Membership Process and Criteria

Specialist Groups of the Species Survival Commission are established for 4-year terms, which begin immediately following the quadrennial IUCN World Conservation Congress. The current term began in 2026 and will continue until 2029.  Members of the Cetacean Specialist Group (CSG) are appointed for 4-year terms, or whatever portion of a given 4-year term remains at the time of appointment.

New members are typically nominated by existing CSG members, but may also be nominated from outside the Group or apply through the IUCN online membership portal. Applications and nominations are logged as they are received throughout the year, and reviewed at the end of each calendar year by the CSG Co-Chairs, in consultation with the Deputy Chair, CSG Regional Coordinators, other CSG members from the region, or CSG members with relevant expertise.  

CSG members are expected to meet all, or most  of the following criteria:

• • Expertise in cetacean research, conservation management, or education.
  • Expertise in a related field that is  contributing significantly to advancing the conservation of cetaceans.
  • High standards of scientific achievement and ethics .
  • Ability and commitment to actively contribute to the CSG’s work.
  • A demonstrated commitment to conservation.
  • Recognized leadership within their field.

Peale’s dolphin (Lagenorhynchus australis), photographed in the Chiloé Archipelago, Chile, by Sonja Heinrich

The CSG is a voluntary network. Members are selected so that the membership in totality encompasses a broad range and balance of expertise and experience in terms of geography, taxonomy, and technical know-how. Also, a serious effort is made to maintain both a significant element of ‘institutional memory’ (longstanding members) and a steady infusion of emerging scientists and conservation leaders who bring fresh ideas and new perspectives.

Membership is reviewed annually and new nominations are collectively considered at the end of each calendar year, with invitations being extended to nominated candidates who help to address particular technical-, species- or geographical gaps in current membership.  Members can be reappointed for a second and subsequent 4-year terms but only if they have demonstrated significant activity on behalf of the CSG.

“Chilean dolphins, Cephalorhynchus eutropia, photographed in the Chiloé Archipelago, Chile. Photo: Sonja Heinrich.