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International Conference
Whale and Dolphin Watching:
An Opportunity for Sustainable Coastal Development and Conservation
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President Humane Society International Senior Vice President, External Affairs, |
Areas of Expertise
- International Trade and Capacity Building
- Marine mammal protection
- United Nations and international treaties
Background
Patricia Forkan is President of Humane Society International (HSI) and Senior Vice President for External Affairs, International for The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). In her role as President of HSI, Ms. Forkan focuses her efforts on international trade policy and trade capacity building through environmental cooperation. As a member of the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee, Ms. Forkan works closely with the U.S. Trade Representative and the Environmental Protection Agency advising them on the environmental provisions of free trade agreement and World Trade Organization negotiations. In December 2005, Ms. Forkan was named as an official member of the U.S. delegation at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong. Ms. Forkan also oversees the work conducted by the treaty law, oceans, and international wildlife protection sections of HSI and conducts international campaigns on behalf of the organization.
During her nearly thirty year tenure, Ms. Forkan has overseen almost every program area at The HSUS. She initiated the HSUS disaster services department, oversaw the nine HSUS regional offices nationwide, the Hollywood office, and the Rural Area Veterinary Services (RAVS) program. Ms. Forkan also has extensive experience directing public relations, publications, project management and governmental affairs.
One of Ms. Forkan’s specific areas of expertise is the protection of marine mammals, particularly whales and dolphins. Under her leadership, The HSUS and other organizations achieved a moratorium on commercial whaling and the creation of the dolphin-safe tuna label. She represents HSI and The HSUS at the annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meetings and has also served as a member of the U.S. delegation to the IWC.
Ms. Forkan received a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Pennsylvania State University in 1966. She has done graduate work at American University in political science and attended a special course for executives in non-profit management at Harvard University. She has been listed in Who's Who in American Women and Who’s Who in America.