Ali Kaka

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Biographical Information

"Based in Nairobi, Ali Kaka has been executive director of East African Wild Life Society (EAWLS) since 2001. EAWLS protects endangered and threatened species and habitats in East Africa and is at the forefront of community-based conservation initiatives.

"In the late 1990s, EAWLS, impeded by management problems, was in danger of collapse. Under Kaka's leadership, the Society has reestablished its credibility and is a lead player in advocating for crucial policy change to enhance conservation practice in the region.

"Previously, Kaka was services head of tourism, marketing and facilities development of the Kenya Wildlife Service. Kenya's wildlife tourist industry contributes more than U.S. $500 million to the Kenyan economy.

"Earlier in his career he established Kenya's Marine Park Unit and tackled issues such as community consultation, illegal harvesting, and enforcement. The unit now manages seven marine parks and reserves. He also worked in the field as a warden and tested the first Conflict Resolution System to avert acute human-wildlife conflict from livestock and crop losses caused by wildlife.

"Other achievements include helping found the first Rhino Capture and Translocation Unit in Kenya in 1987, which led to the establishment of Kenya's Rhino Sanctuary Programme, and helping create a comprehensive database on wildlife research in Kenya. "

"Ali was IUCN’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa from 2009 to 2014. In 2004 he received the National Geographic Society’s Howard Buffet Award for ˜Leadership in African Conservation” and received the Meritorious award from IUCN’s World Commission On Protected Areas in 2009. He is also the former Executive Director for the East African Wild Life Society."

• Trustee, Kenya Sea Turtle Conservation and Management Trust
• Trustee, Stop Ivory