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The significance of women in conservation cannot be overstated. Often viewed as guardians of nature, women are not only mothers, sisters, and daughters but also key decision-makers in areas such as food security, land use, and resource management. By embracing these roles, women not only enhance conservation efforts but also lay the foundation for a more sustainable future for everyone.

This International Women’s Day, we proudly celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in conservation, with our founding Managing Director, H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, at the forefront. For over 20 years, Razan has been instrumental in guiding the United Arab Emirates toward a sustainable future, spearheading progressive initiatives in environmental protection, species conservation, and climate action on a global scale.  Razan is passionate about nurturing the next generation of female conservationists, believing they play an essential role in enhancing our understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.

“Women in many parts of the world, especially in indigenous communities, are often the first to experience the devastating impacts of the extinction crisis. They are nature’s first responders, security detail, and scientists dedicated to finding solutions to the challenges facing their communities.”

“At the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, we recognize the critical role of women in conservation. While they often bear the brunt of environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat loss, they also possess immense potential to drive positive change. Over the past two years, we have prioritized empowering women as agents of change, supporting 121 female project leaders and investing over $1,100,000 in their impactful conservation efforts.”

Among the 121 women we have supported, 20 are leading conservation projects as part of our inaugural year of allocating Global Environment Facility (GEF) global field grants. These remarkable women were selected from more than 2,100 applications submitted by candidates from developing countries who met the minimum age criteria for a Fonseca grant.  The global field grants supported by GEF pay tribute to the late Gustavo Fonseca, former GEF Director of Programs, whose passionate advocacy for conservation continues to inspire us. Though more than two years have passed since his departure, his legacy lives on through the Fonseca Leadership Program, which continues his mission to support the next generation of conservationists.