Vivek Menon Elected as New Chair of IUCN Species Survival Commission

— by vishal Sambyal

Renowned Indian conservationist Vivek Menon has been elected Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) for 2025–2029, marking a major milestone in global wildlife protection.


A New Chapter in Global Conservation

In a historic move for global wildlife conservation, Vivek Menon, a celebrated Indian environmentalist and elephant conservationist, has been elected as the new Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC). The announcement came during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, where members from around the world gathered to elect leadership for the 2025–2029 term.

Menon’s election marks a significant milestone—not just for India but for the broader conservation community—as it places an Asian voice at the helm of one of the world’s largest and most influential environmental science networks.


Who Is Vivek Menon?

A name synonymous with wildlife conservation, Vivek Menon has spent over three decades shaping the global dialogue on species protection, environmental policy, and wildlife ethics. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), he has led pioneering initiatives that safeguard endangered species and their habitats.

Menon’s career spans more than 50 countries, where he has trained enforcement agencies, guided governments, and inspired communities to combat illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction. His expertise extends from establishing protected reserves in Myanmar to advising international treaties like CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and UNESCO.

He has received numerous accolades, including the Clark R. Bavin Award (2019), the Whitley Continuation Award (2018), and the Samskara RoundGlass Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)—honors recognizing his relentless work to protect the Asian elephant, a species he calls “the soul of Asia’s forests.”

Beyond activism, Menon is also a prolific author, having written or edited ten books—notably the bestselling Indian Mammals: A Field Guide, considered a cornerstone reference for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.


Inside the IUCN Species Survival Commission

Founded in 1949, the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) serves as the scientific backbone of the IUCN, which itself dates back to 1948 in Fontainebleau, France. The IUCN stands as the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, uniting governments, NGOs, scientists, and community organizations under a shared mission to protect biodiversity.

The SSC is a global network of more than 10,500 volunteer experts from nearly every country, all working together to assess species health, guide conservation actions, and inform global environmental policies. Its most recognized output—the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species—is considered the world’s most authoritative inventory of species conservation status.

The Commission collaborates closely with the IUCN Secretariat and its member organizations to deliver science-based strategies on species survival, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity protection.


Why Menon’s Election Matters

Menon’s leadership comes at a critical time. The world is facing a biodiversity crisis, with species extinction rates accelerating at an alarming pace due to habitat loss, climate change, and human exploitation. His extensive experience in both field conservation and international policy positions him to strengthen global cooperation and community-led conservation.

Experts view Menon’s appointment as a strategic step toward decolonizing global conservation narratives, amplifying voices from the Global South, and aligning science-based conservation with cultural and local realities.

“Vivek Menon brings not just expertise, but empathy—a rare balance between science and the soul of conservation,” said a senior member of the IUCN during the Congress. “His approach has always been about inclusion—of communities, of species, and of nations.”


A Vision Rooted in Collaboration

Under Menon’s leadership, the SSC is expected to enhance regional representation, particularly from Asia and Africa, where biodiversity is richest yet most threatened. His experience leading grassroots initiatives through the Wildlife Trust of India provides him with deep insights into the socio-economic dimensions of conservation—a perspective vital for implementing equitable and sustainable strategies.

Menon has also hinted at prioritizing data-driven species monitoring, combatting wildlife trafficking, and strengthening partnerships between governments, local communities, and conservation scientists.

His election is also expected to inspire the next generation of conservationists in India and beyond, proving that leadership in global environmental governance is no longer confined to the West.


The Road Ahead

The 2025–2029 term will test Menon’s ability to navigate complex global environmental challenges—ranging from climate-induced habitat shifts to the political economy of conservation funding. However, his record suggests a readiness to meet these challenges head-on.

With over 25 years of experience with the IUCN, having served on specialist groups for Asian rhinos, cats, threatened waterfowl, and medicinal plants, Menon’s deep institutional knowledge positions him as a unifying figure capable of steering the SSC through a transformative era.


Conclusion

Vivek Menon’s election as Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission is more than a professional achievement—it’s a symbol of global trust in India’s growing leadership in conservation. His appointment signals a shift toward more inclusive, science-grounded, and community-powered conservation efforts worldwide.

As the world races to reverse biodiversity loss, Menon’s blend of scientific rigor, cultural sensitivity, and strategic vision could redefine how humanity protects the species it shares the planet with.


Disclaimer: This article is based on officially available information and aims to inform readers about developments in international conservation leadership.