Marco Lambertini is one of the world’s most influential conservation leaders, recognized for championing a systemic transition from nature loss to a Nature Positive global goal. As Convener of the Nature Positive Initiative, he brings together environmental NGOs, businesses, academic institutions, Indigenous networks, and governments to ensure credible, coordinated action to halt and reverse biodiversity decline.

His passion for nature began early in Italy, where he led grassroots environmental campaigns, including a nationwide bird conservation effort that helped shift public attitudes toward wildlife. He later became CEO of LIPU, strengthening national conservation strategies. On the global stage, he served as CEO of BirdLife International and then Director General of WWF International (2014–2022), where he drove major organizational transformation, integrating climate and biodiversity, expanding corporate engagement, and elevating nature within global policy and economic systems.

Lambertini has contributed to landmark initiatives such as the creation of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, the Harapan Rainforest restoration project in Sumatra, and the development of local conservation organizations worldwide. An author of scientific and popular works, including Becoming Nature Positive, he advocates embedding nature into economic and governance systems to achieve a sustainable and resilient future.