THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR BEAR RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT

The IBA's goal is to promote the conservation and restoration of the world's 8 bear species through science-based management, research, education, and distribution of information.

1. Provide grants to bear researchers studying all aspects of bear biology, ecology, and management;
2. Disseminate current information by publishing the scientific journal "Urus", hosting international conferences and regional workshops and training sessions, printing a member newsletter, posting past publications online, and online discussions for members and students, and;
3. Increasing our Bear Conservation Fund so that we can increase the number of grants and their dollar amount.

As a professional organization, including chairs of IUCN Bear Specialist Groups, university professors and graduate students, government biologists, and educators, we are in the unique position to select study proposals that answer current issues, using the most current and appropriate methods, for species with the most critical data gaps. We have a long-standing grants committee who themselves have years of bear research experience. We have the capacity to fund some research grants from a small internal endowment fund but require support from outside donors to reach our full potential.

Bear conservation is a long-term goal, and each year the IBA makes progress by publishing our journal, hosting well-attended international conferences, and providing funding for research and experience training through our grants program. Our strategies are working, but we always seek to improve our efficiency and expand these programs.