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Reimagining leadership in nature conservation demands not only structural change but also a deeper understanding of justice, grounded in respect, care and love for both people and the planet. It will require action and the creation of structures at multiple scales that support equity, diversity, and inclusion. This transformation must embrace the leadership and agency of IP&LCs (Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities), women, gender diverse people, and youth, as they have long been at the forefront of conservation, possessing invaluable knowledge and experience that must be centered in decision-making spaces. They should not only be invited into decision-making forums for nature conservation, but should be recognised as essential leaders whose voices and actions are already shaping the present and future of conservation thus should be given meaningful seats at the table where decisions are being made.Ìý

Their leadership is not new - it is simply undervalued.

Ken Kahiri

Reimagining leadership requires acknowledging the power within these groups, moving beyond token inclusion to create genuine opportunities for them to influence policy and practice at the highest levels. Leadership, in this context, is not about dominance or control, but nurturing relationships, fostering collaboration, and embodying shared stewardship.

Reimagining leadership also requires (re)conceiving and expanding our understanding of the qualities that make a leader. It calls for a model rooted in love, care, and justice—where leadership means nurturing both people and the planet, and where power is shared, not hoarded. Human diversity and biodiversity are deeply connected and the types of leaders that will be required to meet the challenges of nature conservation into the future will need to have different backgrounds and skill sets.Ìý

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Leaders of the future will be justice advocates, good listeners, boundary spanners and relationship builders. They will need to act beyond self-interest and focus on communication, empowerment, and two-directional mentorship with those that are just entering spaces where decisions are being made. They will also need to embrace the complexity of the task and understand that their leadership qualities will help them navigate challenges, rather than seeking simple or politically driven solutions that may only bring short-term gains.

Spaces for deliberation, debate and decision-making will also need to be reimagined. Access to such spaces is often limited and leaders from equity-deserving communities/groups often face barriers such as cost, language, and the limitations that are placed on processes for communicating in such spaces (e.g., short presentation formats). We must create spaces where dialogue is open, deep, and collaborative. Such spaces will also need to support the coming together of disparate sectors and/or groups to create a new culture of collaboration, a leadership rooted in collectiveness.

This newsletter introduces initiatives where reimagining leadership is taking place.