Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Mauritian scientist who pioneered biodiversity conservation and became Africa's first female science president

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim transformed Mauritius' environmental policies through her groundbreaking research on endemic plant species. As a zoologist, she discovered 15 new species and developed methods to propagate the nearly extinct Saint Bénôt day gecko. Her 2006 book 《Mauritius, Land of Extremes》 (published by Brill Academic Publishers) became a textbook in conservation programs globally.

In 2015 she became Mauritius' first female president, using her scientific expertise to implement zero-waste initiatives and renewable energy targets. During her presidency, she established the National Biodiversity Fund, which has protected 5% of the island's land area as new nature reserves.

Her development of 《Biodiversity Monitoring System》 (2018) uses AI to track endangered species, now adopted by 12 African countries. In 2021 she launched the African Women in Science Foundation, supporting 200+ female researchers annually. Her TED Talk "How I Helped Protect Mauritius' Wildlife" has reached 1.8 million viewers, inspiring conservation efforts across the Indian Ocean region.