Munir Virani

About Munir Virani

I was born and raised in Nairobi Kenya and consider myself a global leader in raptor research and conservation with over 25 years of experience in developing innovative and effective solutions to protect birds of prey and their habitats. I am currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, launched in 2018 by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The goal of the Fund is to conserve raptors around the world as critical elements of ecosystems, by ensuring that these magnificent birds continue to thrive for future generations to cherish. Our signature project in the Mongolian Steppes to mitigate power poles over 3,500 km has saved nearly raptors annually from being electrocuted. This is the largest at-scale conservation project globally on mitigation of electrical infrastructure. Basically, we are \"Powering Progress and Protecting Wildlife: A Win-Win for Utilities and Biodiversity. We have spread our raptor conservation portfolio across four continents.Prior to this, I was the Executive Vice President for The Peregrine Fund - World Center for Birds of Prey based in the United States. With a focus on birds of prey as apex predators and indicators of ecosystem health, combined with an ability for creative and collaborative conservation ventures, I have conducted extensive and impactful conservation work across four continents, from East Africa to Central America, South Asia, the Caribbean Islands, Madagascar and Mongolia. I am a strategic thinker and skilled fundraiser, having raised significant financial gifts for bird of prey conservation, including my work on critically endangered vultures in Kenya which earned me the prestigious “Green Oscar” Award from the Whitley Fund for Nature. I am widely published with over 150 scientific publications.As a wildlife photographer, award-winning filmmaker, and accomplished speaker, my passion for nature and conservation helps to inspire young people across the world. I am deeply invested in developing collaborative partnerships and conservation leadership around the world, and am committed to ensuring nature-positive solutions for the energy sector and promoting climate and nature-based solutions. My TED talk on “Why I Love Vultures” has generated over one million views. I speak seven languages including Kiswahili, Gujarati, Hindi and am passionate about Birds of prey, Cricket, Golf, Wildlife Photography and (to some extent) Singing.

Experience

1. Chief Operating Officer

   Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund

   Sep 2021 — Present

Education

• University of Leicester

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Biomedical Sciences and Medicine