Who is Kirsten Schuijt, new director of WWF International

Strong believer that “Nature is not separate from man and is the basis of our economy”, Kirsten Schuijt, 49 years old, Dutch is the new general director of WWF international. She joined the association at the age of just 11 as a young ranger, she came to hold the position of CEO of the Netherlands section, leading delegations to various international meetings on topics such as climate justice and digital reforms. She has a degree in economics from Maastricht University and has lived and worked in Kenya and Malawi, conducting scientific research with local communities, focused above all on the economic value of Nature.

It happens to Marco Lambertinilecturer and author of numerous texts dedicated to Nature who held the position for ten years bringing the theme of biodiversity to the top of the global agenda: “I am proud of WWF’s achievements and the relationships we have built with our partners and stakeholders interested in achieving common goals for the benefit of people and wildlife around the world. I am happy to hand over the torch to Kirsten. During my tenure we have worked closely together: she is an innovative and strategic thinker who acts inclusively and focused on results. Kirsten brings extensive experience to carry our mission forward into a critical new era.”

“I have never lost that childhood fascination for Nature” – Kirsten Schuijt told the Dutch media – “for me Nature is not separate from man and it is the basis of our economy, it is indispensable for our well-being. My wish is for everyone to see it. Because everyone can do something to protect biodiversity.”

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Neville Isdellinterim president of the International Board of Trustees, explained: “Kirsten was the outstanding candidate among many outstanding candidates, identified through an intense and competitive selection process. WWF’s mission is to halt the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and to build a future where people live in harmony with Nature is more urgent than ever. We were looking for a strong leader who can galvanize urgent change and environmental reform onto the world stage. In Kirsten I believe we have that dynamic leader, someone with a global mindset who has first-class scientific, economic and political acumen, who is a pioneering fundraiser, activist and natural communicator”.

Schuijt said: “I am deeply honored by the trust the International Council has placed in me and I am fully committed to working with others to take this fantastic organization into a future where Nature and people thrive. The climate and biodiversity crises they require urgent action to create the necessary change towards a nature-positive world. This takes courage to make a real impact in the land and seascapes we care about. I am very excited to take on this new role and further strengthen WWF’s leadership “.