Vantara appoints former CITES chief John Scanlon as independent chair of governing council

Vantara has appointed former CITES Secretary-General John E. Scanlon AO as the inaugural independent chair of its newly established five-member Governing Council, as the animal welfare and conservation organisation moves to strengthen its governance and oversight framework.

Scanlon's appointment was announced on Thursday. Vantara said the Governing Council will serve as its “peak governing body”, with overall responsibility for overseeing conservation, animal care and rehabilitation, and compliance activities.

Importantly, the council will have final authority over every decision to acquire an animal, according to Vantara.

Vantara seeks governance reset

Scanlon's appointment comes as Vantara undertakes what he described as a reset of its operations, including stronger internal due diligence and a shift in its conservation approach.

“Vantara has sought, obtained, and acted upon external advice as it takes bold steps to reset its operations,” Scanlon said.

“In making this reset, it has decided to voluntarily strengthen its internal due diligence governance, expertise and processes, and to pivot from ex situ rescue towards providing in situ support to countries, including in India,” he added.

Vantara said its in-situ conservation work includes native species restoration, habitat restoration and efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, undertaken with government authorities, conservation institutions and other partners in India and internationally. Its ex-situ programmes cover animal rescue, rehabilitation, treatment and long-term care, supported by veterinary medicine, specialised infrastructure and multidisciplinary teams.

Scanlon had earlier conducted independent review

Scanlon's association with Vantara began in April this year, when the organisation approached him to prepare an independent report and recommendations on its operations.

According to Vantara, he was engaged on terms designed to ensure his complete independence. Following several visits, Scanlon submitted his report and recommendations, which Vantara said it undertook to implement in full.

He was subsequently asked to take on additional roles in an independent capacity to assist with implementing the recommendations and provide broader guidance and support. He has now been engaged as an independent advisor to fulfil his responsibilities as chair of the Governing Council.

Scanlon brings global conservation experience

Scanlon has worked across the environment, conservation and sustainable development sectors, including senior roles with governments, the United Nations, international institutions and non-profit organisations.

His previous positions include Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), principal policy advisor at the UN Environment Programme, Director of the Environmental Law Centre at IUCN and Trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.

“As Vantara grows and embeds these changes into its daily operations, it will have an ever-increasing global influence on advancing animal welfare, wildlife conservation and harmonious co-existence,” Scanlon said.

“I look forward to helping Vantara deliver on its reset and to making a lasting, transformative impact,” he added.