International organizations play an important role in protecting threatened species in Pakistan. Some of the key organizations mentioned are the IUCN, CITES, WWF, and IWC. The IUCN is a global environmental organization founded in 1948 under the United Nations that brings together governments and organizations through conservation programs. CITES regulates international trade of endangered plants and animals through a treaty signed in 1975. The WWF was founded in 1961 and supports over 2,000 conservation projects through local organizations in over 100 countries. The IWC was established in 1946 and works with 40 member countries to set sustainable whaling quotas and prevent extinction.