Khama joins Conservation International as a Distinguished Fellow

On Tuesday, Conservation International announced that former President of the Republic of Botswana Seretse Khama Ian Khama will join as an eminent member. Conservation International uses science, policy and partnerships to protect the nature people rely on for food, fresh water and livelihoods. Founded in 1987, Conservation International works in more than 30 countries on six continents to ensure a healthy and prosperous planet that supports us all.

Khama, the fourth president of Botswana, served on the board of directors of Conservation International for 19 years. In her role as Distinguished Fellow, Khama will represent Conservation International across Africa and will build on her decades-long legacy of forging a more sustainable development path for the region. Khama, a driving force behind the Gabora Declaration for Sustainability in Africa (GDSA), will continue to work with member countries and to engage new ones to align economic development with sustainability goals.

Khama will also work with the international community to combat the illegal wildlife trade through the protection initiative d & # 39; elephant; a multinational coalition where Conservation International serves as the secretariat. Building on its success in making Botswana a beacon of sustainable tourism, Khama will continue to play a leading role in ensuring that tourism supports the region's environmental and cultural heritage.

"What President Khama brings to Conservation International is immeasurable. For decades, he has provided us with a unique perspective as an exceptional leader who shares our commitment to protecting nature for the benefit of people. We are delighted to continue to benefit from his vision and institutional knowledge to preserve Africa's rich natural resources, "said Peter Seligmann, president of Conservation International, which was the approach that best benefited the people of Africa. People and ecosystems President Khama embodies this approach and has successfully led environmental initiatives in Botswana and across the African region to implement this idea.We are honored that President Khama continues to lend us his leadership and expertise as an eminent member, "said Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO of Conservation International