Efficient action for the conservation and wise use of biodiversity depends on accurate, up-to-date and accessible information. The WCMC Biodiversity Assessment programme exists to meet this need.

This programme provides and facilitates access to information on species of conservation concern. The goal is to support policy and action for the conservation and sustainable management of biological diversity by providing integrated information on status, trends, distribution and use.

Major achievements of the Biodiversity Assessment programme include the publication of Global Biodiversity: Status of the Earth's Living Resources, preparation of the 1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals, and the first ever global IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants.