1973 iucn yearbook

within the Union programme. A significantly large part of the work is
being carried out with the collaboration and support of UN bodies and
concerned foundations - and, of course, the World Wildlife Fund. The
scale and scope of the total programme is world-wide.
Conservation has come a long way in 25 years. The spread of its
ideas during this quarter century has been substantial and IUCN can
be proud of the influence it has had in promoting this. IUCN was established
by a handful of pioneers "preaching in the desert". By 1973, the
conservation movement had gained enough momentum for traditional
decision-makers of most countries to be forced to accept conservation
- although, of course, most action programmes to implement these
concepts still leave much to be desired. Despite the recent surge of interest
and concern, the concurrent increase in destruction is even greater and
goodwill alone is not sufficient to prevent the depletion of nature and its
resources.
The political importance, the sociological impacts and the economic
repercussions of the issues raised in conservation and development have
been such that they engage the attention of numerous disciplines. In the
intense activity and confusion we are experiencing today, there is surely
a vital role for a scientific and technical organization, free from nationalistic
allegiance or pressures, whose task is to advocate whatever is
essential for the well-being of man and the environment of which he is
part, and to secure the rejection of worthless and empty claptrap.
IUCN's mission, and its jealously guarded competence, continue to
give it the highest raison d'etre.
Officers, Executive Boards and Secretaries General
The following list is a major part of the historical record. Here are the
names of the Officers and Executive Board members of the Union from
the beginning through the first 25 years. Dates shown after each name
cover the periods of service in office.
First General Assembly – October 1948 – Fontainebleau :
President :
Vice-Presidents :
Charles J. Bernard (Switzerland) 1948-1954
Harold J. Coolidge (USA) 1948-1954
Roger Heim (France) 1948-1952
Henry G. Maurice (UK) 1948-1950
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