Beijing philanthropist’s billion-dollar pledge could prove to be a game-changer in the battle to save endangered wildlife
He Qiaonu’s promise to donate US$1.5 billion is the largest sum ever given to conservation groups and may help transform China’s environmental role
This Saturday in Monaco, He Qiaonu will announce the first step in a US$1.5 billion plan that may represent the largest-ever personal philanthropic commitment to wildlife conservation.
He, a Beijing-based former landscape planner, represents a new wave of self-made Chinese philanthropists: her seven-year pledge stands at more than a third of her current US$3.6 billion net worth, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
“[China is] pivoting to a new narrative in record speed,” said Tom Kaplan, founder and chairman of Panthera, the leading wild cat conservation organisation and He’s first international partner.
“Their [global] reputation has suffered by being viewed as the scourge of the elephant and tiger – and they want to reverse this.”
As part of their partnership, He’s namesake Beijing Qiaonu Foundation (BQF) is pledging US$20 million towards the Chinese snow leopard and other projects at Panthera.
The donation is a significant sum for an organisation with an annual operating budget of about US$14 million.