Dr Catherine Barnard has been CEO of World Land Trust (WLT) since 2019, guiding the organisation through some of its most impactful conservation years. During her time as CEO, WLT has protected as much land as it did in its first 30 years. She has also led a comprehensive programme of organisational transformation, helping to build a stronger foundation for long-term conservation success.
Prior to joining WLT, she spent more than 15 years in the BirdLife International network working for the BirdLife Secretariat and the RSPB, where she led the RSPB’s international conservation programmes department responsible for habitat and species conservation around the world. Before that she worked for several other environmental NGOs and spent five years in the private sector. Her background also includes management and business planning for an ecosystem restoration concession in Indonesia, REDD projects and protected areas in West Africa, as well as a range of multi-country and cross-regional conservation and community empowerment programmes.
Catherine has experience in sustainable agriculture and was involved in developing the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) Standard 2017, as well as being Chair of the SAN board. She has experience in responsible sourcing of agricultural commodities that are driving deforestation, and conceived and spearheaded a project to bring a forest-friendly community-led chocolate product to market in the UK.
Catherine is always happiest when amongst nature and used to enjoy mountaineering and sailing in wild and remote places, but is now happy just walking her dog in the UK countryside.
