Source: IE
Context:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has elected Vivek Menon, founder and executive director of the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), as the new Chair of the Species Survival Commission (SSC). This marks the first time an Asian has been appointed to this prestigious global conservation position.
Event Details:
- Announcement: Made during the World Congress of IUCN held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Position: Chair, Species Survival Commission (SSC) — one of six expert commissions under the IUCN.
- Significance: The SSC advises the IUCN Secretariat on issues related to biodiversity conservation and species protection.
About the Species Survival Commission (SSC):
- Plays a pivotal role in preparing the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a critical global index for assessing extinction risks.
- Coordinates thousands of global experts through its specialist groups to drive science-based conservation policies.
About Vivek Menon:
- Founder and CEO of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
- An elephant conservationist, author, and environmental policy expert with decades of experience in wildlife protection.
- Has contributed to several global initiatives on species recovery and wildlife crime prevention.
