In a landmark moment for Asian conservation, Vivek Menon, Founder and Executive Director of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), has been elected as the first Asian Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) — one of the world’s largest networks dedicated to preventing species extinction.
Expressing his gratitude, Menon said to PG Ginger Reporter, Rhea Dadinath- “I am deeply honoured to have been elected as the Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission. People say that I am the first Asian to hold this position at this venerable 1949-founded institution, and I am proud to bring this Chairship to India and Asia.”
The IUCN SSC, established in 1949, brings together over 11,000 experts and more than 220 Specialist Groups from around the world. The commission provides scientific guidance, coordinates conservation strategies, and influences policy decisions to safeguard biodiversity. As Chair, Menon will be responsible for leading this vast network and strengthening the bridge between science and conservation policy.
Highlighting the significance of his appointment, Menon said, “His appointment as chair holds great significance for India and the wider Asian conservation community. I hope to bring about more representation and recognition of traditional ecological knowledge in conservation efforts, bringing Eastern perspectives into global discussions.”
A lifelong advocate for wildlife protection, Menon founded the Wildlife Trust of India in 1998. Under his leadership, the organisation has been instrumental in protecting elephant corridors, rescuing displaced wildlife, and shaping conservation policy in India. He has served as an advisor to the Government of India on wildlife matters and is the author of several books on Indian mammals and conservation.
Speaking on his priorities as Chair, Menon said, “My focus will be on scaling up recovery for threatened species, leveraging technology and data-driven tools to make science speak to policy, and ensuring every effort we undertake has measurable, lasting conservation impact. It will also be my focus to ensure leadership from the Global South is included in the SSC and that it drives policy in our region.”
Menon emphasized India’s long-standing relationship with nature, adding, “India’s conservation model can serve as a valuable contributor to global efforts. Combining technological innovation with community-driven initiatives is vital for enhancing wildlife conservation, protecting threatened species, and combating poaching and the illegal wildlife trade worldwide.”
Beyond his leadership and policy work, Menon’s message remains rooted in compassion and hope. “Without compassion, our efforts lose their purpose — it is empathy for other species and for the ecosystems we share that drives meaningful action,” he said. “Each of us can make a difference, no matter how small, and together we can help safeguard our natural heritage for the future.”
