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Indian conservationist Vivek Menon becomes 1st Asian Chair of IUCN Species Survival Commission

A leading Indian wildlife conservationist, environmental commentator, author and photographer with a deep passion for elephants, Vivek Menon has dedicated his life to wildlife protection and habitat conservation.

Vivek Menon work has advanced critical global solutions on illegal wildlife trade, species protection, and community-driven advocacy. (Express photo)

Renowned wildlife conservationist Vivek Menon has been elected as the new Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) for the 2025–2029 quadrennium. The election was announced at the IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Menon’s appointment marks the first time in the Commission’s 75-year history that an Asian leader will head the global body — a significant recognition of the growing leadership of Asia and the Global South in shaping conservation action worldwide.

A leading Indian wildlife conservationist, environmental commentator, author and photographer with a deep passion for elephants, Vivek Menon has dedicated his life to wildlife protection and habitat conservation.

His work has advanced critical global solutions on illegal wildlife trade, species protection, and community-driven advocacy. From establishing reserves in Myanmar to shaping international conservation policies through CITES, UNESCO, and national advisory boards, Menon has consistently bridged science and action.

“My goal is to strengthen the SSC into a more resilient, inclusive, and globally impactful network that drives action and shapes policy. I believe in the power of this global network of over 11,000 experts, united by a shared passion for life on Earth, and as Chair, I will lead it with integrity, transparency, and dedication,” Menon said after his election.

3 decades of impact across 50+ countries

With a career spanning over three decades and travels to more than 100 countries, Menon’s conservation leadership has trained enforcement personnel in over 50 nations.

In India, he has founded five major environmental and conservation organisations, including the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). Over the past 26 years, WTI has led landmark initiatives — from identifying and protecting critical elephant corridors to large-scale anti-poaching training and species recovery and rehabilitation programmes.