SEO Riders:
– Former Nigerian Minister of Environment to lead elephant conservation efforts
– EPI Foundation strengthens leadership with key African appointments
– Focus on human-elephant coexistence and habitat preservation
The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Foundation has appointed Sharon Ikeazor, Nigeria’s former Minister of State for Environment, as the Chair of its Board of Trustees. This appointment coincides with the inclusion of Professor Lee White, Gabon’s former Minister of Water, Forests, the Sea, and the Environment, as a board member.
EPI, an alliance of 26 African countries, focuses on elephant conservation and promoting coexistence between humans and elephants. The Foundation serves as the secretariat for EPI, coordinating efforts to protect elephant habitats and combat poaching.
Ikeazor, known for her environmental advocacy, expressed her commitment to advancing EPI’s objectives:
“I am determined that Africa should save its elephants, but we must also ensure a better future for the people who live near them, and I will use my position as Chair to advance those objectives.”
Professor White highlighted the importance of addressing human-elephant conflicts:
“Over the past decade, the EPI has succeeded in preserving the international moratorium on ivory trade and worked to close many ivory markets. I want to help the EPI Foundation consolidate those achievements, but also to expand its good work in addressing the growing challenge of conflict between people and elephants as they compete for land and diminishing natural resources.”
The EPI Foundation’s CEO, John Scanlon AO, welcomed the appointments, stating:
“Sharon Ikeazor is a dedicated and effective advocate for the environment, both in Nigeria and at the international level, and Lee White has been a renowned conservationist in Gabon and is a tireless spokesman for nature conservation in Africa. We are thrilled that the EPI Foundation will benefit from their deep expertise and vision and consolidate its position as Africa’s voice in elephant conservation.”
