Christine Wolf

Christine Wolf

"As the Wildlife Protection Program Manager for Humane Society International, Christine Wolf promotes wildlife protection and habitat conservation through various international mechanisms, including global treaties and bilateral agreements. Prior to joining Humane Society International, Christine was the Director of Government and International Affairs with The Fund for Animals for over a decade. She has worked extensively on implementation issues regarding the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). She currently serves on the board of the Endangered Species Coalition, a network of over 350 environmental, animal protection, consumer, and religious groups. She speaks French and Swahili, and spends a significant amount of time in Africa coordinating projects and designing new partnerships in wildlife conservation.

"As a member of the BCTF Steering Committee since its inception, Christine has consulted on matters relating to both domestic and international key decision makers and assisted BCTF staff in drafting action plans to elevate the visibility of the bushmeat issue. During her tenure with the BCTF, she has spoken on the topic of bushmeat at several animal protection conferences, university guest lecturer series, and international symposia.

"Christine was instrumental in the drafting of, lobbying for, and final passage of the Great Ape Conservation Act in the U.S. Congress. The Act created the Great Ape Conservation Fund from which grants are being awarded to projects protecting the great apes in their natural habitat. Christine is also the co-owner of Classic Africa Safaris, a photographic safari company operating in East Africa that specializes in mountain gorilla tourism. Through that entity, she engages local communities bordering national parks in maximizing the benefits they receive by coexisting with wildlife, and the company is currently working with national wildlife authorities to implement environmental standards for tourism.

"As a representative from the nation’s largest animal protection organization, Christine taps into the influence of a grassroots constituency numbering nearly 9 million people, as well as a rapid response network that mobilizes key activists around the world on important issues affecting wildlife. She also brings with her extensive experience in working with both the federal government and the diplomatic corps, and with coalitions comprised of members representing diverse viewpoints."

• Advisor, 2005-2006 Co-Chair, Bushmeat Crisis Task Force