In a remarkable moment that will be remembered in history for global conservation leadership, Indian wildlife conservationist Vivek Menon has been voted as the Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC), thus, a landmark he is the first ever to an Asian to hold such a high-ranking position in the IUCN SSC 75 years history. The event took place, and the statement was made, during the IUCN World Conservation Congress In Abu Dhabi where representatives from all over the world met to plan the following stage of worldwide biodiversity-related activities.
The SSC, which is among the IUCN’s major and most powerful scientific components, unites more than 11,000 expert volunteers from over 160 countries. Basically,the SSC does the global biodiversity mapping,to give policy makers evidence-based guidance and, in general, to direct the global response to the problem of species extinction. During the 2025–2029 term, the SSC will operate under Menon’s leadership to advance programmes that connect science, policy, and on-ground conservation. This mandate is becoming increasingly urgent as ecosystems continue to degrade at an accelerating pace.
At 57, Menon is able to infuse this worldwide position with his vast experience that spans both the local and the international levels, over many years. A wildlife conservationist, environmental columnist, author, and photographer, he earns great respect for his unwavering dedication to the rescue of nature and the fight against the extinction of species, especially the Asian elephant.
In a one-on-one interview after his election, Menon thought about his fresh work and worldwide difficulties coming. “For me, it is a priority to rehabilitate the SSC into a network that has more resilience, is inclusive at a deeper level, and has a greater global impact in that it not only drives action but also shapes policy,” he proclaimed, highlighting the Commission’s leverage to be a significant factor in the international conservation outcomes. “One of the main sources of this influence is the global network of specialists who are henceforth united by their zeal for life on Earth. This enormous power I will direct it with honor, openness, and commitment.”
A Journey Rooted in Wildlife Protection#
Menon’s conservation journey is a massive saga of close to thirty years and various continents. Among the five major conservation organisations he co-founded is the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), of which he is the Founder, Executive Director, and CEO. WTI has addressed a variety of crucial issues under his guidance, e.g., elephant migration corridors, the training of anti-poaching squads, and has facilitated the making of protected areas not only in India but also in foreign countries.
His impact scope is not limited to India only. In fact, Menon has been a pivotal personality in various significant global platforms like CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), UNESCO as well as a number of national and international advisory committees. He has conducted the training of enforcement officers in upwards of 50 countries in the area of wildlife crime prevention and has been a major player in drafting conservation policy at different levels worldwide.
Before being elected SSC Chairman, Mr. Menon was also deeply involved in the leadership of the IUCN in various capacities such as being a Councillor of the IUCN, Chair of the SSC Asian Elephant Specialist Group, and Chair of the IUCN Governance and Constituency Committee. These opportunities have given him a close insight into the Commission’s interface between science and policy as well as the communication network structure of the Commission worldwide – knowledge which he intends to use at the highest level of his work.
Shifting the Centre of Conservation Leadership#
Menon’s election is generally regarded as a significant point of time for conservation leadership change – not only in India but also the rest of the Global South. The environmental conservation conversation at the global level has, for a long time, been largely influenced by the European and North American voices. The news of his job taking over is a sign of the world acknowledging more and more that Asia is the major player in the fight against wildlife crime and that there are many different views when it comes to taking the next step to global environmental action.
Asia contains some of the most diverse life forms on earth and this includes the tiger forests of India and the rainforests of Southeast Asia as well as the very unique species of the Himalayas. Asia houses close to 7–8% of the total species known to the world, conservation in the area is thus important to the entire planet’s biodiversity targets – which is what Mr. Menon has been emphasizing in his various public talks and writings.
During the interview, Menon emphasized the connection between biodiversity and human welfare and called for more vigorous measures to protect wildlife corridors, conserve endemic species, and improve nature. “By saving habitats and ensuring their continuity, we are saving the future not only of the numerous species that live there, but also of us,” he said, encouraging the use of scientific research as a basis for conservation that involves the community.
Looking Ahead: An Inclusive Vision for Conservation#
Menon as Chair of the SSC, has elaborated essential issues which not only maintain scientific accuracy but also focus on the involvement of the different stakeholders. His main program will revolve around the partnerships that will be built between governments, communities, and researchers. In addition, he is going to firm up the Commission’s role in the international policy system, mainly in the light of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, and be the first to ensure that the species assessments lead to the conservation of the endangered ones.
These are the times when climate change, loss of habitats and conflict between humans and wild animals keep threatening biodiversity more and more and Menon’s guidance is very much needed. His focus on inclusiveness, being purposeful in doing things and cooperating with other sectors aimed at a daring idea that conservation all over the world should not only be based on science but also be a partnership of trust and engagement to be able to successfully face the challenges of the 21st century.
The IUCN Species Survival Commission Chair election of Vivek Menon is not only a singular personal milestone for him, but also a powerful signal of the evolving voice of the global conservation movement in terms of diversity and representation. As the leader, he is bound to attract the eyeballs of the entire world, which will be hopeful of the SSC pioneering fresh ways to protect cohabitating species of the planet that cannot be replaced.
Clear Cut Awards & Events Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Dec 21, 2025 09:00 IST
Written By: Ayushman Meena
