As Canada faces intensifying environmental threats – from wildfires and heatwaves to biodiversity loss – there is a growing need for bold, strategic leadership in land conservation. A new program launched by Ivey Executive Education in partnership with the Centre for Land Conservation (CLC), a Canadian charity focused on advancing land conservation, aims to meet that need head-on.
The Ivey Conservation Leadership Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative launching its first cohort in October, is designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of senior conservation professionals across Canada. Over five days, 25 participants will explore complex challenges through live case discussions, simulations, and team-based problem-solving. The program combines Ivey’s strengths in executive education and experiential learning with CLC’s deep sector expertise.
“Ivey’s top-ranked executive education brings proven leadership development to the conservation sector, equipping experienced professionals with the tools to lead change and drive results,” said Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director of Ivey Executive Education. “The risks facing Canada’s natural landscapes require strong leadership. We’re proud to support those leading environmental stewardship.”
Scaling environmental impact
The inaugural group of participants is drawn entirely from non-profit and charitable organizations focused on environmental and land conservation. With 96 per cent holding executive roles and more than half serving as Executive Directors or CEOs, the program reflects a high level of sector experience and commitment. Land trusts form the largest representation within the cohort.
While these leaders are already making a difference, Lara Ellis, Executive Director at the Centre for Land Conservation, said the program will give them the strategic perspective, confidence, and peer community to scale their impact at a time when conservation leadership has never been more essential.
“At Centre for Land Conservation, we see this as a critical investment in the future of land conservation in Canada,” she said. “The future of Canada’s lands depends on the people leading their protection.”
Leadership for societal change
The program is supported by the Metcalf Foundation and the Chisholm Thomson Family Foundation, organizations known for their commitment to climate and biodiversity.
For Ivey, the initiative marks an extension of its commitment to preparing leaders to navigate complex societal challenges. The program shows how leadership education can be applied beyond traditional business contexts to address the world’s critical issues.
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