Nature Conservation leaders join forces to Co-Chair
- Director ACIUCN
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Two of the most dedicated, skilled, and effective leaders in nature conservation in Australia are partnering to Co-Chair the IUCN Australian Committee.
Thank you to our new Chairs Barry Hunter and Dr Jody Gunn for creating an innovative new governance model for ACIUCN, in alignment with the collaborative ethos of IUCN.
About our new Co-Chairs
Barry Hunter, a Djabugay and Djirrabal descendant, is the CEO of the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance, leading Indigenous-led programs in ranger development, biodiversity conservation, and systems change.
Chair of Terrain NRM in North Queensland, Barry has worked across natural resource management, carbon, and cultural heritage management - but working with Indigenous rangers has been his focus and passion.
“I’m excited to step into the role of Co-Chair of ACIUCN with Jody, recognising the organisation’s rich history and the important work it has carried forward. I look forward to building on this legacy and contributing to its continued impact. In this role, I am committed to pushing for stronger government outcomes on biodiversity and environmental laws, ensuring that policy reflects the urgency of our times. I am equally dedicated to furthering the engagement and leadership of Indigenous peoples within IUCN, so that our collective knowledge and authority continue to shape conservation and governance at every level.” - Barry Hunter
Dr Jody Gunn is the CEO of the Australian Land Conservation Alliance, Australia’s national peak body for nature conservation, scaling the protection, management and restoration of nature. Having held senior roles in international, national and regional environmental organisations, Dr. Gunn is known for fostering partnerships that unite across sectors and cultures in shared stewardship of Australia’s unique landscapes. Her leadership is underpinned by a strong science background, values-driven decision-making, and a collaborative ethos.
The IUCN mission, “to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable” is a mission I have demonstrated experience in aligning with and delivering to across my entire career, globally and nationally. I am thrilled to be working in partnership with Barry Hunter to Co-Chair the IUCN Australian Committee. This presents an exciting opportunity for environmental management in Australia. - Dr Jody Gunn