https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conservezim-conservezim-402997277_the-world-wildlife-fund-has-appointed-ms-activity-7295535222903726081-SeX0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios. The World Wildlife Fund has appointed Ms Lisa Karanja a renowned environmental advocate as the new Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. Lisa has more than 20 years of experience in governance, human rights, economic development Ms. Karanja’s career has spanned the public, private, and non-profit sectors, including roles such as Senior Advisor to President Mwai Kibaki in the Department of Governance & Ethics, Executive Director at Transparency International-Kenya, and Kenya Country Director for the Tony Blair Institute. Her leadership has consistently focused on fostering impactful change, advancing development goals, and driving initiatives that benefit people and the planet. Her deep connection to conservation is equally inspiring. Ms. Karanja has served as a Trustee of the Mara Elephant Project and as a member of the Advisory Group at the African Wildlife Foundation. Her passion for safeguarding natural heritage is rooted in childhood memories of encountering Kenya’s wildlife, an experience that continues to fuel her commitment to conservation. While reflecting on her appointment, Lisa Karanja said: "Conservation is everybody’s business. It’s about protecting our shared natural heritage while securing the livelihoods, cultures, and futures of communities across Africa. I am deeply honoured to join WWF Africa and look forward to working with partners, governments, and local communities to ensure that people and wildlife thrive together." In her new role, Lisa Karanja will collaborate closely with martin kabaluapa, WWF Africa’s Regional Director for the Congo Basin, to advance the organization’s conservation goals across the continent. Martin Kabaluapa said: "Lisa Karanja’s leadership and dedication brings renewed strength to WWF Africa’s mission. Her vast experience will be instrumental as we work together to inspire action and foster inclusive conservation that benefits both people and nature." Chris Kamau, the Regional Director since August 2024, reflected on his tenure and welcomed Lisa Karanja to the role: "Leading WWF Africa’s work and the exceptionally competent team in East and Southern Africa has been an incredible honor. I am confident that Lisa Karanja’s leadership, passion and commitment to inclusive conservation will drive sustainable impact for people and nature in the region. I wish her every success in this vital role." WWF Africa reaffirms its commitment to driving transformative conservation efforts that empower communities, address biodiversity loss, and respond to the urgent challenges posed by climate change. WWF Africa's mission, as outlined in its Strategic Plan for Africa 2021-2025, is to move beyond business as usual and make nature everyone's business. The strategy seeks to demonstrate that conservation and economic development can coexist in "shared spaces," and emphasises that protecting, sustainably managing, and restoring nature is the shared responsibility of everyone, everywhere.