Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 14, 2025 — The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) congratulates Dr. John G. Robinson on being named an Honorary Member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) — one of the Union’s highest distinctions — in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to global conservation science, policy, and leadership.

The Honorary Membership of IUCN is presented by the World Conservation Congress, on the recommendation of the IUCN Council, to individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the conservation of nature and natural resources. The distinction places Dr. Robinson among a select group of global conservation leaders — including former IUCN Presidents, Directors General, and eminent scientists — who have devoted their lives to advancing the mission of IUCN.

Dr. Robinson’s career spans more than four decades of conservation impact. At WCS, he directed global conservation programs from 1990 to 2020, overseeing initiatives across Africa, Asia, and the Americas that integrated science, community engagement, and policy to protect wildlife and ecosystems. His pioneering research on the sustainable use of wildlife and tropical forest dynamics has informed international conservation strategies and influenced protected area management around the world.

Within IUCN, Dr. Robinson’s service has been both deep and sustained. He has served as Vice President of the IUCN Council and Councilor for North America (2012–2021), Chair of the Sustainable Use and Livelihoods Specialist Group (2003–2010), and IUCN representative on the TRAFFIC Board (1998–2009). Over more than 40 years of active engagement, he has helped shape IUCN’s scientific foundations and its global dialogue on conservation and sustainable use.

“John Robinson’s career has embodied the values that drive WCS — science, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to conserving the natural world,” said Adam Falk, President and CEO of the Wildlife Conservation Society. “Through his leadership at WCS and his lifelong engagement with IUCN, John has helped define the modern conservation movement. We are deeply proud to see him recognized with this well-deserved honor and grateful for his enduring legacy of mentorship, innovation, and global impact.”

Dr. Robinson’s leadership and scholarship have been recognized globally. He was awarded the Royal Order of the Golden Ark by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands (2003), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Zoological Society of London (2016). He continues to mentor and inspire emerging conservationists as an advisor to the Global Environment Facility’s Gustavo Fonseca Conservation Leadership Program.

The entire WCS community joins in celebrating Dr. Robinson’s exceptional achievements and his recognition by IUCN for a lifetime dedicated to protecting the planet’s biodiversity.