The Nature Conservancy Appoints Dr. Rashid Sumaila to Global Board of Directors
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The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced the recent appointment of Dr. Rashid Sumaila to its Global Board of Directors.
Dr. Sumaila is a University Killam Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Interdisciplinary Ocean and Fisheries Economics at the Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, and the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia. His research focuses on bioeconomics, marine ecosystem valuation and the analysis of global issues such as fisheries subsidies, marine protected areas, illegal fishing, climate change, marine plastic pollution and oil spills. Dr. Sumaila has worked on fisheries and natural resource projects across Norway, Canada, Namibia, Ghana, Brazil, Hong Kong and more. He received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Bergen and his Bachelor of Science in quantity surveying from Ahmadu Bello University.
“Dr. Sumaila’s groundbreaking research and advocacy have been instrumental in shaping international ocean policy, including the historic High Seas Treaty,” said Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy. “His vision for sustainable management of our shared global ocean is exactly what the world needs at this pivotal moment. As TNC works with communities, governments, the private sector and other partners to achieve our ambitious 2030 ocean goals, Dr. Sumaila’s leadership and insight will be invaluable in guiding our efforts to secure a healthy ocean for people and nature.”
“Dr. Sumaila brings deep science expertise and a global perspective to our Board,” said Senator William Frist, Board Chair of The Nature Conservancy. “His work demonstrates the critical connections between healthy oceans, thriving communities and a sustainable future. We are fortunate to have his expertise guiding our efforts to protect and restore the world’s most vital natural resources.”
Dr. Sumaila is widely published and has been named a "highly cited researcher" by Clarivate every year since 2021. He was honored with the 2023 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement for his efforts to ban high seas fishing and advance global marine conservation, and he was named one of the 100 most influential Africans in 2023 by New African Magazine.
Dr. Sumaila’s passion for the environment began early, inspired by his grandfather’s wisdom to “walk as if the ground feels pain.” He is dedicated to mentoring future thinkers and is driven by the goal of bequeathing a healthy ocean to future generations.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. For more news, visit our newsroom or follow The Nature Conservancy on LinkedIn.