Somaliland Conservation Leaders Convene in Washington to Advance a National Protected Area System

On September 16, senior conservation leaders, congressional staff, and international partners gathered in Washington, D.C. for a high‑level luncheon with His Excellency Adirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, President of the Republic of Somaliland, to advance a shared vision for establishing and financing Somaliland’s first national system of protected areas. Hosted by the ICCF Group, the event brought together approximately twenty key stakeholders for a focused discussion on how strategic investment, public‑private partnerships, and coordinated NGO support can help safeguard Somaliland’s extraordinary natural heritage while strengthening long‑term stability in the region.

Somaliland is home to globally unique mountain ecosystems and a globally significant population of cheetahs. With efforts underway to formalize and finance a protected area system capable of conserving these landscapes for generations, the luncheon offered a timely forum for leaders to align on priorities that support both biodiversity and durable governance.

Setting the Stage for Collaboration

ICCF Group Executive Vice President Susan Lylis gives welcome remarks in honor of His Excellency Adirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, President of the Republic of Somaliland

The program opened with welcome remarks from Susan Lylis, Executive Vice President of the ICCF Group, who emphasized the role of strategic investment and strong public‑private partnerships in advancing conservation across Africa. Ambassador Bashir Goth, Head of the Somaliland Mission USA, then introduced President Abdullahi.

In his address, President Abdullahi outlined Somaliland’s conservation priorities, highlighting how well‑managed protected areas can reinforce environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and long‑term security for communities and wildlife.

Major Commitments and Updates from Key Partners

Edwin Brown, Sr. Adviser, Cheetah Conservation Fund (left), and James Lewis, Chief Conservation Officer, Rainforest Trust (right)

The luncheon featured updates from leading organizations supporting conservation efforts in Somaliland:

• Laurie Marker, Executive Director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, provided an overview of ongoing work to conserve Somaliland’s cheetah population and advance the establishment of a national park system.
• James Lewis, Chief Conservation Officer at Rainforest Trust, announced a USD $5 million pledge to support the creation of national parks in Somaliland—an important milestone in mobilizing the resources needed for long‑term protection and effective management.
• Liam Dall, Executive Director of African Parks Foundation of America, highlighted African Parks’ experience in strengthening protected area management across Africa and its potential role in Somaliland.
• Chris Whatley, Executive Director of Halo Trust USA, discussed the intersection of conservation, security, and weapons and ammunition management—underscoring how environmental protection and stability often reinforce one another.

Congressional Engagement

Senior congressional staff attended the luncheon, reflecting growing bipartisan interest on Capitol Hill in conservation‑driven stability and natural security. Their presence underscored a shared recognition that well‑managed natural resources can strengthen U.S. strategic interests abroad, counter malign influence, and support partners committed to responsible governance.

A Roadmap for Action

From left to right: Deena Tauster, Chief of Staff, Office of Congressman Andrew Garbarino; David Barron, Chairman, the ICCF Group; and Laurie Marker, Executive Director, the Cheetah Conservation Fund

The discussion period focused on defining a clear pathway for how NGOs and partners can support the Government of Somaliland in establishing, financing, and effectively managing a national protected area system. Participants explored opportunities for coordination, long‑term financing, and the potential development of a joint statement of intent to formalize collaboration.

A Successful and Forward‑Looking Gathering

With strong participation from conservation leaders, congressional offices, and international partners—and with a major financial commitment announced—the event marked an important step toward securing Somaliland’s natural heritage while advancing stability and shared interests in the Horn of Africa.

The ICCF Group looks forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Somaliland and its partners as work advances toward a durable, well‑managed, and fully financed national system of protected areas.