The significance of women in conservation cannot be overstated. Often viewed as guardians of nature, women are not only mothers, sisters, and daughters but also key decision-makers in areas such as food security, land use, and resource management. By embracing these roles, women not only enhance conservation efforts but also lay the foundation for a more sustainable future for everyone.
This International Women’s Day, we proudly celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in conservation, with our founding Managing Director, H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, at the forefront. For over 20 years, Razan has been instrumental in guiding the United Arab Emirates toward a sustainable future, spearheading progressive initiatives in environmental protection, species conservation, and climate action on a global scale. Razan is passionate about nurturing the next generation of female conservationists, believing they play an essential role in enhancing our understanding of ecosystems and biodiversity.
“Women in many parts of the world, especially in indigenous communities, are often the first to experience the devastating impacts of the extinction crisis. They are nature’s first responders, security detail, and scientists dedicated to finding solutions to the challenges facing their communities.”
“At the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, we recognize the critical role of women in conservation. While they often bear the brunt of environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat loss, they also possess immense potential to drive positive change. Over the past two years, we have prioritized empowering women as agents of change, supporting 121 female project leaders and investing over $1,100,000 in their impactful conservation efforts.”
Among the 121 women we have supported, 20 are leading conservation projects as part of our inaugural year of allocating Global Environment Facility (GEF) global field grants. These remarkable women were selected from more than 2,100 applications submitted by candidates from developing countries who met the minimum age criteria for a Fonseca grant. The global field grants supported by GEF pay tribute to the late Gustavo Fonseca, former GEF Director of Programs, whose passionate advocacy for conservation continues to inspire us. Though more than two years have passed since his departure, his legacy lives on through the Fonseca Leadership Program, which continues his mission to support the next generation of conservationists.
Over the years, the MBZ Fund has actively supported species that are often overlooked, including the less charismatic ones. Rebeca Carballo, a young global field grants recipient, is working on a project to conserve freshwater mussels. These small organisms, often unseen, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems by filtering water and providing shelter for other species. Rebeca’s project is one of the few studies on mollusks conducted in Paraguay, making it even more vital.
Upon receiving the grant, Rebeca expressed her pride as a female recipient: “Being a woman in science is an act of resistance and commitment. This grant has allowed me to explore rivers, uncover the hidden story of a key species, and contribute to the knowledge and conservation of our aquatic ecosystems. Leading one of the few studies on mollusks in Paraguay as a woman researcher makes this opportunity even more special. On this International Women’s Day, I celebrate not just this chance but all the women who, like me, strive to carve out a space in science and contribute to the future of our planet.”
Another emerging conservationist making waves is Mailuet López. She is leading a project focusing on migratory fish in the Arauca binational river, a basin shared between Colombia and Venezuela, crucial for maintaining ecological balance and resilience in aquatic ecosystems. She acknowledges the significance of the support, stating, “Thanks to this funding, I developed this project to conserve migratory fish in the Arauca River, emphasising threatened species. This work has significantly advanced our knowledge about biodiversity and the sustainability of fisheries in the region. It has allowed me to grow personally and professionally while advocating for those without a voice, like our fish, inspiring other young people to become leaders in research, conservation, and the protection of aquatic fauna.”
Recognising that people drive these conservation efforts, the MBZ Fund’s commitment goes beyond funding. We focus on supporting early-career conservationists, with 63% of our grantees being first-time recipients, representing the next generation of conservation leaders.
Nhung Pham, who is verifying the presence of the François’ Langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) in Huu Lien Nature Reserve, Vietnam, exemplifies this commitment. The global field grant she received from the MBZ Fund was instrumental in launching her conservation career. She states, “I realised that to increase the probability of success, the project stages need to be conducted simultaneously on a comprehensive scale throughout Huu Lien Nature Reserve over an extended period. Preliminary interviews indicated that the number of langur herds encountered was very small, and the investigation faced many challenges requiring extensive observation. Funding from the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation and GEF has been a decisive factor in the success of this project, paving the way for our team to get closer to our goal of expanding conservation initiatives.”
Successful conservation begins with individuals—like strong women leading the charge—but achieving lasting impact requires active community involvement, particularly from youth. Engaging communities and educating young people instills a profound sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment.
Gitana Nunes Cavalcanti embodies this approach. “Our project focuses on conserving the endangered savanna tiger-cat (Leopardus tigrinus) in the dry thorny woodlands of Brazil’s Caatinga, an area facing severe deforestation due to agribusiness, wind farms, and solar power plants, with less than 50% of the original forest remaining. Our goal is to address the threats to endangered felids, monitor their populations, and enhance connectivity between key areas in the Capivara-Confusões parks. Additionally, our conservation efforts include environmental education and community engagement, fostering awareness. It is essential to cultivate the next generation of conservation-conscious individuals for a sustainable future. Today’s children will be tomorrow’s leaders and involving them early in initiatives that ignite their passion for protecting the environment is vital.”
These stories resonate with many female grant recipients supported by the global field grants from GEF. The Fund share a common belief that empowering women in conservation not only promotes social equity but also ensures their active participation in decision-making processes that shape their environments. This collective effort benefits their communities, the species that inhabit these areas, and the future we strive to create.