Since 2003, Yasu Hibi has lead Conservation International (CI) Japan as its Managing Director, engaging with the Japanese government as well as the private sector on global conservation efforts with particular focus on climate change, biodiversity conservation and sustainable natural capital management.  In addition, Yasu has taken up responsibilities as Vice President for Asia Policy to consolidate CI’s regional policy engagements in the Asia-Pacific, developing partnerships with multilateral institutions and governments in the region.  With a Master’s degree from Duke University on resource economics, Yasu has professional experience in developing forest carbon projects and projects on nature-based solutions to climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction, advising muti-national corporations on sustainability strategies, and engaging with governments on global conservation agenda, in particular UNFCCC and CBD.  He has held positions in both private and public sector, as business/environmental consultant at Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. and as regional environment program officer for the Asia-Pacific at UNDP.  Serves on Japanese Government committees including Ministry of the Environment’s business biodiversity guidelines, carbon offset policies, REDD+ taskforce, CBD resource mobilization and JICA’s environmental safeguard policies, and teaches part-time at numerous Japanese universities including Sophia University and Gakushuin University. Served on the expert panel for the CBD GEF7 Needs Assessment. Serves as Vice Chair of IUCN Japan National Committee and member of Natural Capital Coalition.