Dr Chambers died on 23 January 2019 after a short illness.

“We are deeply saddened by the death of Dr Chambers, a dedicated expert in the field of environmental governance and leading influencer in a number of key environmental negotiations,” says IUCN Director General Inger Andersen. "On behalf of our staff and Members, we send our condolences to Bradnee’s family, colleagues and friends."

Bradnee became Executive Secretary of CMS in 2013 after dedicating his career to environmental issues, through addressing environmental law and governance.

Bradnee was instrumental in helping CMS become a stronger Convention, improving cooperation with a number of Parties to the Convention, as well as IUCN. His aim was to ensure that the work of CMS was included in the developing vision to save nature in the next decade. He was a true advocate for bringing together those that work to protect nature through increased engagement, coordination and synergies, realising that we can only secure a future for the life support systems of the planet if we work together.  

Prior to his leading role at CMS, Bradnee worked at the United Nations, including in instrumental positions with the Institute of Advanced Studies and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Bradnee worked on several scientific assessments, including as a Coordinating Lead Author of the prize-winning Millennium Ecosystem Assessment in 2005.

After IUCN signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CMS in 2003, IUCN Secretariat and many of its top species experts in the Species Survival Commission have been engaged with the Convention to protect animals that naturally migrate. Bradnee was always a strong friend to IUCN, through all of our joint work to ensure the best possible scientific and technical advice on the status and conservation needs of particular migratory species, provided to governments making decisions about the listing of species on CMS appendices.

Bradnee’s powerful work will live on through the efforts of the world's environmentalists, from now, through the next decade and beyond.  

Read the CMS statement on Bradnee here.