Cemex launches new IUCN book in conservation series

Cemex yesterday announced the launch of a new book 'The IUCN Red List: 50 Years of Conservation' in the UK. This book is the latest in Cemex’s conservation book series, an initiative which dates back to 1993 and was launched following the United Nations Rio Earth Summit to help conserve the world’s natural resources.

'The IUCN Red List: 50 Years of Conservation' has been developed in partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which is the world's oldest and largest global conservation organisation, and a long-standing Cemex partner.

This publication seeks to raise awareness of the most threatened species around the world, and to guide conservation action and policy decisions now and in the future, Cemex said in a statement. This is a book which uses the power of photography and words by environmentalists to promote preservation and conservation, it added.

President of Cemex UK, Jesus Gonzalez, said: “The Cemex conservation book initiative has become an integral part of our strategy to help conserve natural resources in today’s world, where there are shortages of raw materials and global pressure on energy supply. With the help of IUCN, and other conservation partners, such as the RSPB, we work together to provide ever more sustainable solutions.”

The IUCN Red List: 50 Years of Conservation was launched at the Barbican in London to representatives from politics, business and the conservation sectors, where co-author and Global Director of IUCN’s Biodiversity Conservation Group, Dr Jane Smart, presented the book: “The IUCN Red List is a health check for our planet and a Barometer of Life. It is the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species and their links to livelihoods. We have worked with Cemex for many years, and are pleased they have enabled us to bring out this stunning book to increase awareness about the Red List as a powerful tool that helps inform and catalyse action for biodiversity conservation and policy change,” she said.

At the event, TV nature and wildlife presenter, Michaela Strachan, also spoke. She said: “I’m passionate about saving the world’s threatened animal and plant species, of which there are sadly still so many! But it’s important that we recognise progress where it’s due, and it is inspiring to see how Cemex and IUCN are working in partnership and in very practical way to put the spotlight on conservation to improve biodiversity and reverse trends of decline.”