Strategic Partnership

IUCN Asia Partnership

In April 2024, Ascent Partners Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IUCN Asia to facilitate engagement between conservation initiatives and Hong Kong's philanthropic community. IUCN — the International Union for Conservation of Nature — is a membership union of government and civil society organisations that serves as the global authority on the status of the natural world.

Membership Expansion

Facilitate engagement between IUCN Asia and philanthropic partners, foundations, and individuals in Hong Kong.

Forum Participation

Enable participation in IUCN forums and events, creating opportunities for dialogue and partnership formation.

Project Connections

Connect conservation initiatives with philanthropic networks for sustained support and collaboration.

Professional Education

IUCN Academy Partnership

In June 2026, the Foundation signed a Territory Partnership Agreement with the IUCN Academy — the professional education programme of IUCN — to bring conservation education to Hong Kong. As the dedicated Territory Partner, APF connects Hong Kong professionals with the full IUCN Academy portfolio, from free introductory courses to Professional Certificate programmes in Nature-based Solutions, Finance for Nature, Nature for Cities, and the IUCN Nature Positive Approach.

All net proceeds from the partnership are directed to conservation projects led by IUCN's local NGO members in Hong Kong, ensuring that the benefits extend beyond the classroom to the ecosystems and communities this partnership aims to protect.

Read the Press Release

IUCN Red List — Species Assessed

Over 166,000 species have been assessed on the IUCN Red List, with more than 46,300 threatened with extinction — including 41% of amphibians, 37% of sharks and rays, and 34% of conifers.

Source: IUCN Red List (2026)