Renowned Kenyan wildlife conservationist Paula Kahumbu was on Wednesday, January 12 appointed to a lucrative position at National Geographic.
Popularly known as NatGeo, the organization named Kahumbu and four others as appointees to the National Geographic Society Board of trustees.
The announcement was made by the board's chair Jean Case. Kahumbu was the only African appointed in the Wednesday announcement but she will be joining Zimbabwean tycoon Strive Masiyiwa who is already a member of the board.
She will also be the first Kenyan to serve on the board of the globally reputed non-profit.
“On behalf of the entire board, I am delighted to welcome these five distinguished leaders to the National Geographic Society’s board of trustees,” said board chair Jean Case
Kahumbu, who has previously worked with the organization as an explorer, will be the first to serve in the capacity of Explorer Trustee, a position created this year.
"Paula Kahumbu, who has dedicated her career to protecting threatened wildlife and habitats in Kenya, will become the first Explorer to hold the role. Kahumbu has been part of the National Geographic community for 12 years, " the statement rea in part.
Other appointees to the board include Ash Carter, Claudia Madrazo, Deborah Lehr, Dina Powell McCormick.
"I am thrilled to welcome Ash, Claudia, Deborah, Dina, and Paula, whose range of perspectives, deep expertise, and wisdom will strengthen our mission and vision,” wrote Jill Tiefenthaler, Chief Executive Officer, National Geographic Society.
Kahumbu has been actively involved in the conservation of wildlife in Kenya through her organization-WildlifeDirect.
She spearheaded the Hands Off Our Elephants campaign, which is widely recognized for its singular successes in advocacy and the engagement of the people of Kenya to support the protection of elephants.
In June 2021, Paula was named the Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year. She was also named the 2021 Whitley Gold Award.
The conservationist is a trustee of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Maun Science Park Botswana.
