Great leaders are often the ones who transcend conventional boundaries, driving significant change across diverse fields. They have the rare ability to inspire and mobilize people towards a shared mission, blending innovation with compassion. Their impact is not just measured in success but in the profound influence they wield in shaping a better future for all. Such individuals understand that true greatness lies in their commitment to making the world better for all.
Among these trailblazers, Azzedine Downes, President and CEO of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), stands out as a figure of distinction. Recognized as a global leader in conservation, Downes is focused on driving transformative impact. The initiatives of his organization, of which he has been at the helm since 2012, underscore his ability to shift the mindset of conservation and effectuate real-world change.
Downes has a clear and evolved leadership philosophy. He believes in identifying talented, creative individuals who are capable of seeing unique connections, and one of his primary roles as a leader is to remove the bureaucratic barriers that may hinder their ability to thrive.
Downes emphasizes that no matter where someone sits in the organizational structure, if they have something valuable to contribute, they deserve a seat at the table. This inclusive approach ensures that talent is recognized and nurtured across all levels of the organization.
International Fund for Animal Welfare prioritizes its initiatives using two key pillars. The first is rescue, which focuses on saving individual animals, and the second is conservation, which preserves landscapes and biodiversity. Downes ensures these two pillars are reflected in all its work across the globe faithful to the foundation of IFAW’s core mission, ensuring consistency and maximizing the positive impact of IFAW’s work.
Room to Roam: A Groundbreaking Initiative
Downes highlights “Room to Roam” as one of the organization’s most innovative initiatives. This multi-country, transcontinental initiative is based on over 20 years of scientific research into the movement patterns of elephants. The core belief behind this initiative is that keystone species such as elephants cannot thrive when confined to parks or fenced areas; they need the freedom to move across vast landscapes which not only maintains their health but also ultimately positively impacts the biodiversity and health of the outlying environment.
By securing their corridors and supporting their freedom to roam, the Room to Roam initiative aims to protect not only the wellbeing of elephants but the health of vast, interdependent ecosystems that millions of species—including human communities—rely on.
Downes is committed to fostering both understanding and cooperation in the shared mission of preserving biodiversity and promoting coexistence between humans and wildlife. Taking particular pride in International Fund for Animal Welfare’s achievements in Southern Africa, Downes highlights critical successes including the establishment of a council of traditional tribal leaders who are committed to the stewardship of their surrounding lands and wildlife. This gives a voice to those local communities who live most closely among wildlife and who are an enormous source of knowledge critical to long-term conservation.
Working with people living alongside wildlife
Since becoming CEO of International Fund for Animal Welfare, Downes’ vision has continually evolved, expanding beyond traditional conservation efforts, recognizing that the organization’s work is deeply interconnected with broader global issues. This holistic approach has become central to his vision, integrating conservation with the larger environmental, social, and economic issues that affect ecosystems and wildlife.
Downes envisions a shift in the role of animal welfare organizations over the next decade, emphasizing the critical importance of integrating human and animal welfare. He notes that while many donors prefer to contribute directly to animal care, the success of animal welfare initiatives depends on human involvement. Organizations must adapt their strategies and fundraising approaches to acknowledge that people are essential in the effort to protect animals. This evolving perspective requires a shift in philosophy to ensure that both human and animal needs are addressed effectively.
Embracing Change and Adaptability
Downes identifies the most significant challenge in his leadership journey as helping people accept and embrace change. In the dynamic world of conservation, where external factors constantly shift, there is a tendency to believe that sticking to a well-laid plan will guarantee success.As such, Downes recognizes that adapting to change is essential for progress.
To overcome this challenge, Downes often shares examples where strategic adjustments resulted in positive outcomes. Take technology for example; Criminal networks increasingly exploit modern technology, using online platforms to sell wildlife products and live animals in what is an illegal multi-billion-dollar global industry. In response, IFAW uses technology not only to track animals and monitor criminal networks but also to disrupt these networks and prevent further poaching. The sharing of data has proven vital, as wildlife crime is often tied to broader illegal activities including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms smuggling. Criminal networks are profit-driven, regardless of the product, and International Fund for Animal Welfare leverages technology to disrupt their operations and safeguard wildlife.
Another challenge is bridging the gap between animal welfare and conservation. Historically, these fields were distinct, with animal welfare often viewed as emotionally driven and conservation as a purely scientific pursuit. Downes has worked to unite these worlds, arguing that rescuing individual animals is crucial for broader conservation efforts. He believes that the survival of species and the health of our planet necessitate this integration and hopes that his work will ultimately continue to strengthen the connection between animal welfare and conservation, leaving a lasting impact on both fields.
Conservation: one of the primary solutions to mitigate climate change
Downes underscores the critical need for wildlife conservation to be integrated into global climate change discussions. He notes that during recent climate change conferences, such as the one held in 2023 in Dubai, the role of wildlife in mitigating climate change has not been sufficiently addressed. Downes and International Fund for Animal Welfare have taken steps to increase awareness among policymakers about the importance of biodiversity in climate solutions.
Despite significant strides made by the Convention on Biological Diversity, many climate change negotiators remain unaware of the existing policies and agreements. Downes emphasizes the ongoing issue of poor communication between different environmental sectors, where actions and agreements are not always synchronized.
He argues that biodiversity is not just a victim of climate change but also an integral part of the solution. Engaging in real dialogue and recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental challenges is essential. Downes advocates for a holistic view, where efforts to save species like elephants contribute to broader environmental sustainability, ultimately benefiting human populations as well.
Message of Hope
Reflecting on his work with International Fund for Animal Welfare, Downes emphasizes a message of hope, especially for the younger generation grappling with environmental and climate challenges. As a member of the Jane Goodall Council for Hope, he encourages people not to lose hope despite the growing mental health concerns related to these issues.
Downes highlights that the pandemic has shown the resilience of nature when given a chance, and reassures that solutions exist to address environmental and biodiversity crises and to secure a sustainable future. His final message urges everyone to remain hopeful and steadfast in the pursuit of preserving our planet and its ecosystems.
When asked for advice for aspiring leaders, Downes offered a crucial piece of advice: remain true to your personal ethos and ethical commitment. He acknowledges that leadership often involves facing criticism and challenges that may seem disconnected from reality. Despite these obstacles, Downes emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong sense of one’s own values while being open to listening and learning. By balancing personal integrity with the ability to listen, leaders can navigate the difficulties of their role and inspire others to follow their example.
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“Downes describes “Room to Roam” as a transformative initiative rooted in 20 years of research, advocating for elephants’ need to roam freely across vast landscapes for their health and ecosystem balance.”
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