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Rachel Lowry
Chief Conservation Officer WWF Australia
Rachel Lowry is the Chief Conservation Officer at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Australia, a role she has held since 2020. In this position, she leads a dedicated team of conservationists, scientists, and innovators focused on developing solutions to pressing environmental challenges that threaten wildlife and ecosystems in Australia and beyond.
Background and Career
Lowry has over 20 years of experience in conservation, having initially worked within the zoo-based conservation sector. Her early career involved roles such as Conservation Director and Chair of the International Zoo Educators Association. This background provided her with extensive exposure to global conservation efforts and the human dimensions of environmental issues, including education and social marketing.12
She is passionate about integrating innovative approaches into conservation efforts, such as using blockchain technology for seafood supply chain traceability and designing adaptive strategies for wildlife in response to climate change.12 Lowry emphasizes the importance of community engagement and believes that collective action is crucial for addressing environmental issues effectively.
Personal Insights
Rachel Lowry describes herself as empathetic and determined, with a strong connection to nature stemming from her childhood experiences. She currently resides near the Maribyrnong River in Australia with her family, where they enjoy nature play.12 Her commitment to conservation is deeply personal; she aims to create a better world not only for wildlife but also for future generations.
In her role at WWF Australia, she engages with various stakeholders, including government officials and Indigenous communities, to advocate for stronger environmental protections and support initiatives that benefit both people and nature.23
Recent Developments
As of December 2023, Rachel Lowry transitioned from her role at WWF Australia to become the CEO of Bush Heritage Australia, continuing her commitment to conservation in a new capacity.34
