In Memoriam: Dr Kathy MacKinnon

Posted on 20 March 2023

WWF is immensely saddened to learn of the sudden death on Saturday 18 March of Dr Kathy MacKinnon, a stalwart of protected areas and of conservation globally.

Kathy was, until late 2022, President of IUCN's World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).  

Deeply committed to nature conservation, Kathy has left a profound mark and will remain an authoritative reference for the global conservation community, having authored many scientific books and publications, and worked tirelessly to promote critically important conservation issues.

Kathy worked with many international and national conservation NGOs - including, very early in her career, WWF-Indonesia. She also played a vital role in WWF’s Independent Review as one of three Independent Panel members, chaired by Judge Navi Pillay.

“Please join me and the entire conservation community in mourning a great conservation leader, whose imprint on landscapes and seascapes will last forever. Our heartfelt thoughts are with Kathy’s family and loved ones.” 

Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF International

For more information on the incredible life and career of Dr Kathy MacKinnon please visit the IUCN website.