IUCN welcomes first Patron of Nature from West Africa – EnviroNews

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The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has officially named Jean-Louis Billon as its newest Patron of Nature and the first from West Africa.

Mr Billon is an Ivorian businessman and statesman, recognised for his leadership in agribusiness, private sector development and public service.

“I am delighted to welcome Mr Jean-Louis Billon as the latest IUCN Patron of Nature, and especially pleased to see West Africa represented among our Patrons for the first time. Mr Billon brings a strong commitment to demonstrating that economic development and nature conservation can go hand in hand. His experience across business and public service, and his support for forest conservation and restoration in Côte d’Ivoire, will bring a valuable perspective. We look forward to working closely together on inclusive and locally led conservation across Africa and beyond,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General.
 
“I am deeply honoured to be named a Patron of Nature by IUCN,” said Mr Billon in his acceptance remarks. “I strongly believe that Africa’s long-term prosperity depends on making nature not only a resource to protect, but also a driver of sustainable economic development.” 
 
Mr Billon is Chairman of the leading agribusiness group Société immobilière et financière de la côte africaine (SIFCA). Thanks to his strong commitment to balance economic performance with environmental responsibility, SIFCA has contributed to the preservation of more than 4,650 hectares of forests, the protection of 8,400 hectares of classified forests, the annual reforestation of hundreds of hectares, and the conservation of nearly 60,000 sea turtles.

Alongside his business career, Mr Billon has served as Mayor of Dabakala, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d’Ivoire, Minister of Trade, and a Member of Parliament. Throughout his career, he has championed inclusive growth driven by entrepreneurship, local value addition in agricultural value chains, and sustainable partnerships between the private sector, public institutions and local communities.

Established in 2010, the IUCN Patrons of Nature recognise and bring together high-level leaders committed to advancing biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. The Patrons provide strategic guidance to IUCN, generate investment for flagship initiatives, and inspire global action towards a just world that values and conserves nature.

With his appointment, Mr Billon adds a strong and unique West African voice and perspective to this global platform, reaffirming the importance of locally driven conservation solutions for both biodiversity and community wellbeing.