Whitley Fund for Nature's People for Planet Summit

People for Planet

Nature needs advocates. Hear live from the visionary leaders who are uniting people to save biodiversity around the world.

Join us on 8 October at London's Royal Institution - the famous auditorium where Thomas Henry Huxley defended Charles Darwin's The Origin of the Species - for our second People for Planet Summit. This one-day event gathers Whitley Award-winning conservationists and other leaders in science, technology, finance, and the arts.

From the Amazon rainforest to shark superhighways

Meet six Whitley Award-winning conservationists working together with communities in some of the world’s most biodiverse countries.

Scientists estimate that between 25 and 85 percent of all species are now in the process of relocating. Warming temperatures are driving species towards the poles and species are moving towards higher elevations. A flagship talk with conservationists will focus on how species are adapting to our changing planet, from leopards and raptors to river dolphins and sharks.

Darwin to Google DeepMind

Dr Drew Purves, Nature Lead at Google DeepMind, will explain how AI is helping to map the biosphere to better identify which areas of the world need the most protection and Professor Alexandre Antonelli, Executive Director of Science at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, will join a panel on the future of forests and make the connection between nature and climate.

Professor Martin Wikelski of ICARUS, will discuss how tracking thousands of species from space using tiny AI sensors will help conservation. The “Internet of Animals” will deepen our understanding of species’ behaviour and their response to challenges, including climate change. Oliver Withers, Standard Chartered’s Head of Nature, will discuss how to balance the interests of the planet with the interests of investors.

We’ll also be joined by moderators Tom Heap, broadcaster, author and WFN Trustee; Luxmy Gopal, BBC News presenter and reporter; Dr Anjana Ahuja, science writer; Maeve Campbell, climate journalist; and Lara Williams, climate change columnist.

Evening of Storytelling

End the day with an evening of storytelling that will take you from the Amazon rainforest to Indonesia’s Leuser Ecosystem, the last place on earth where elephants, rhinos, tigers and orangutans co-exist.

Join our award-winning conservationists and members of THE HERDS for an evening of storytelling with a theme of ‘Turning the Tide: the stories that inspire change’.

The theatrical production of animal puppets recently walked through London, on a 20,000 km journey from central Africa to the Arctic to engage climate change engagement. Amir Nizar Zuabi, Artistic Director will explain how thinking differently can help us to imagine a new relationship with nature.

"Animals and plants everywhere are under increasing threat of extinction. Fortunately, there are people who are doing their best to try and prevent that disaster, and who can articulate real solutions. The Whitley Fund for Nature is there to help them." - Sir David Attenborough, WFN Ambassador and former Trustee

Watch highlights from our first summit:

Whitley Fund for Nature

Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) is a fundraising and grant-giving nature conservation charity, generously supported for more than 20 years by our Patron HRH The Princess Royal and WFN Ambassador and former Trustee Sir David Attenborough.

Established in 1993, it has channelled £24 million to 220 conservation leaders in 80 countries across the Global South, benefitting wildlife, landscapes, and people.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and empowering environment for all. We celebrate diversity in nature and among the people and partners with whom we work.

To ensure the People for Planet Summit is a safe and inspiring space for all, please access the People for Planet Summit Code of Coduct here.