June 26, 2025
ARLINGTON, Va. (June 26, 2025) – Peter Seligmann, founder and longtime Chair of Conservation International’s Board of Directors, has decided to step down from the Board effective June 22, 2025. While he will no longer play a day-to-day role in the governance of the organization, Peter will continue to support Conservation International and its mission in the role of Chairman Emeritus, offering his continued wisdom and mentorship.
Peter co-founded Conservation International in 1987 with a bold vision: to protect nature for the benefit of people. His approach was unique in that he created a family and community of people, bound by this shared belief. Over nearly four decades, his leadership—first as Chair and CEO and later as Chair—has shaped every aspect of our work and the broader global conservation movement. Without him, we would not be the organization we are today, having supported the protection of more than 13 million square kilometers of land and sea across over 70 countries, and helped establish and manage more than 1,200 protected areas. Peter pushed us to innovate, scale, and seek partnerships among businesses, governments, and Indigenous communities as allies in our mission.
Conservation International CEO, Dr. M. Sanjayan, said:
“As Peter transitions into this new role, we celebrate his extraordinary legacy and the enduring impact of his leadership. While he is stepping back from our Board, we will always be guided by his passion, wisdom, and vision as we build on the foundation he helped create.
“Peter has given us the best possible chance to succeed and thrive—and as our founder, our future successes will always also be his. I look forward to his continued mentorship and friendship in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Peter Seligmann, founder and Chairman Emeritus of Conservation International, said:
“All of humanity depends upon what happens to our Earth. Our work must inspire, uplift, and embrace all political parties as well as the full diversity of cultures.
“I step down from the board with enormous confidence in the integrity, innovativeness and grit of the CI Board and Team.”
Harrison Ford, Vice Chair of Conservation International, said:
"Peter Seligmann is a visionary force in conservation—a leader who understood long before many that protecting nature is not charity, it's survival. His work at Conservation International has inspired action, saved ecosystems, and reminded us all that nature doesn’t need people—people need nature. I’m proud to have stood beside him in this fight for our planet."
The Conservation International Board of Directors has appointed Robert J. Fisher as interim Chair, and its Governance Subcommittee will now lead the search for a permanent Chair.
In line with established processes, the appointment of a new permanent Chair will be confirmed by the Conservation International Board of Directors at their October annual meeting.
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ABOUT CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL: Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, for biodiversity and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local communities to help people and nature thrive together. Visit Conservation.org for more, and follow us on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.