The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially appointed Humphrey Kariuki, a Kenyan entrepreneur, philanthropist, and conservationist, as its newest Patron of Nature, making him the first African ever to receive the honour.
The announcement was made during the IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi, where global conservation leaders convened to shape international biodiversity and climate action agendas.
A Historic Milestone for African-Led Conservation
Kariuki’s appointment represents a landmark moment in global environmental leadership — spotlighting Africa’s rising influence in conservation policy and sustainable development.
In her remarks, Dr. Grethel Aguilar, the IUCN Director General, welcomed the Kenyan businessman and philanthropist to the exclusive global network of Patrons of Nature, describing his appointment as “a powerful symbol of Africa’s growing role in biodiversity stewardship.”
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Humphrey Kariuki, who has had a lifelong passion for wildlife and a long history of supporting conservation efforts in Kenya, to the IUCN’s Patrons of Nature,” said Dr. Aguilar.
“His leadership and long-standing commitment to advancing sustainable, homegrown conservation solutions in Africa is inspiring, and his experience will be invaluable as we work together to protect biodiversity, empower local communities, and accelerate climate action.”
Kariuki: ‘Investing in Nature Is Investing in Our Future’
In his acceptance address, Humphrey Kariuki described the recognition as both an honour and a call to action for Africa’s conservation movement.
“This recognition serves as a tribute to Africa’s role in global conservation. Our biodiversity is a gift, and its protection is crucial,” he said.
“I look forward to working with IUCN and fellow Patrons to demonstrate that investing in nature is essential for our planet’s future and a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.”
Transforming Conservation Through the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
Kariuki is best known as the Patron of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) — one of Africa’s most innovative conservation institutions — where his leadership has helped merge ecological restoration, wildlife protection, and community empowerment into a single transformative model.
Under his stewardship, MKWC has achieved global recognition for its Mountain Bongo rewilding programme, which focuses on restoring Kenya’s critically endangered mountain bongo antelope, a species once on the brink of extinction.
So far, over 90 Mountain Bongos have been successfully bred and reintroduced into their natural habitats within the Mount Kenya ecosystem. The initiative has become a blueprint for species recovery and rewilding efforts across Africa.
Restoring Ecosystems and Building Climate Resilience
Beyond species conservation, Kariuki has been at the forefront of ecosystem restoration. The Conservancy has planted over 40,000 indigenous trees, restoring degraded landscapes, enhancing water catchments, and strengthening climate resilience in the region.
The Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy also runs wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programs, caring for injured or orphaned animals and reintroducing them to the wild — reflecting Kariuki’s holistic approach to conservation.
The facility doubles as an open classroom for environmental education, hosting students, researchers, and conservation trainees from across Kenya and abroad.
Championing People-Centred Conservation
Kariuki has long emphasized that sustainable conservation must empower communities. Through MKWC and partner organizations, he has launched capacity-building programs for youth, wildlife rangers, and conservation professionals — equipping the next generation of African environmental leaders.
He has also championed eco-livelihood initiatives that balance economic opportunity with environmental protection, including:
- Eco-tourism ventures that support local economies
- Sustainable farming and forestry enterprises
- Conservation-linked entrepreneurship programs for communities around protected areas
These initiatives reflect his philosophy that people and nature thrive together, not in isolation.
Global Recognition for a Visionary Leader
Humphrey Kariuki’s appointment places him among a distinguished group of global environmental leaders — including former heads of state, philanthropists, and conservation icons — who have served as IUCN Patrons of Nature since the program’s inception in 2010.
The Patrons provide strategic guidance, mobilize global partnerships, and inspire public and private investment in biodiversity conservation and climate action.
Through his inclusion, Africa gains a stronger voice in shaping global conservation priorities, ensuring that solutions reflect the continent’s unique biodiversity, social realities, and community-driven innovation.
About IUCN and the Patrons of Nature
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world’s largest and most influential environmental network, bringing together governments, NGOs, scientists, and indigenous organizations to shape environmental policy and implement conservation programs.
The Patrons of Nature initiative unites high-level champions committed to advancing biodiversity, sustainable resource management, and climate resilience. The group serves as a bridge between global policy and grassroots conservation.
