Since 2003, Yasu Hibi has been the Managing Director of Conservation International (CI) – Japan.  He leads CI’s efforts in Japan to engage the Japanese government as well as the private sector in global conservation efforts with particular focus on climate change, biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural capital management.  In addition, Yasu has taken up responsibilities as Vice President for Asia Policy to consolidate CI’s regional policy engagements in the Asia-Pacific, developing partnerships with multilateral institutions and governments in the region.  Resource economist by training with a Master’s degree from Duke University, Yasu has professional experience in developing forest carbon projects, engaging corporations on environmental strategies, and engaging Government of Japan in global conservation.  He has held positions in both private and public sector, as business consultant at Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. and as environment program officer at UNDP.  Serves on Japanese Government committees including Ministry of the Environment’s business biodiversity guidelines, carbon offset policies, REDD taskforce and JICA’s environmental safeguard policies, and teaches part-time at Japanese universities including Sophia University.

CI’s Vision and Mission: With the vision of a healthy prosperous world in which societies are forever committed to caring for and valuing nature, our global biodiversity, for the long-term benefit of people and all life on Earth, building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, Conservation International (CI) empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the well-being of humanity.