Today, I’m excited to celebrate a new milestone in our WildHub community and highlight Flavia Manieri as our latest Conservation Catalyst!

Conservation Catalysts are members of our Core Community who amplify learning by teaming up with other conservation professionals to share stories, insights, and lessons from the field. Through thoughtful interviews and storytelling, they help surface practical knowledge and diverse perspectives from across the conservation sector.

Over the past year, Flavia has brought a distinctive voice to the WildHub platform through thoughtful interviews that highlight emerging conservation perspectives across our sector. Through these conversations, she has challenged traditional assumptions about the field and created space for both early-career professionals and experienced practitioners to share their journeys. Many members will also recognise Flavia through her active engagement across the WildHub community, including her contributions to highlighting member content and strengthening connections across our community.

After publishing her fourth lessons learned post, Flavia has now reached Bronze Conservation Catalyst status — congratulations, Flavia!

Her interviews span themes from marine conservation to youth leadership, interdisciplinary science, and sustainable food systems. These are a few highlights from the interviews Flavia has shared with the WildHub community so far:

1. Saving Whales with Dr Tom Grove

A conversation exploring the challenges of whale conservation in Iceland, including vessel traffic, fishing gear entanglement, and the importance of responsible whale-watching practices.
🗣 With: Dr Tom Grove, @Thomas Grove Founder and Co-Director of Whale Wise
🔗 Read the full interview

2. The Value of Youth Voices in Conservation with Vimbainashe Eunick Chitauro

An inspiring discussion on the transformative power of conservation education and why empowering young people and local communities is key to lasting conservation impact.
🗣 With: Vimbainashe Eunick Chitauro, @Vimbainashe Eunick  Conservation Education Specialist
🔗 Read the full interview

3. Let the Seaweed Grow: From graphic designer to seaweed farmer in Iceland

A fascinating conversation on sustainable seaweed farming, community-based aquaculture, and how innovative food systems can support healthier marine ecosystems.
🗣 With: Jamie Lee, @Jamie Lee Co-founder of Fine Foods Íslandica
🔗 Read the full interview

4. Bridging the Gap between Disciplines for Better Conservation with Tyler Pounds

A conversation on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in conservation, combining anthropology, ecology, and traditional ecological knowledge to better understand human-nature relationships.
🗣 With: Tyler Pounds, @Tyler Pounds Ecological Anthropologist and Ethnobiologist
🔗 Read the full interview

Flavia has since continued her Catalyst journey with another interview, which will be highlighted in a future post when she reaches Silver Catalyst status after six lessons learned posts.

Together, these conversations demonstrate Flavia’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and expanding how we think about conservation.

I caught up with Flavia to ask her about her Conservation Catalyst journey.

Thirza: What benefits have you experienced from being on a journey to becoming a Conservation Catalyst with WildHub?

Flavia: Becoming a Conservation Catalyst with WildHub has been a deeply meaningful journey. It has helped me grow in confidence, not only in finding and sharing my own voice but also in creating space for others to be heard. Connecting with such a diverse and passionate community has expanded my understanding of what conservation truly means. It's a powerful reminder that it’s not only about protecting nature, but also about nurturing connections between people.

Being a Catalyst is not just about sharing content, it’s about sparking conversations that lead to real, lasting change. Storytelling holds the power to ignite empathy, and sometimes the smallest voices can create the biggest ripples.

Thirza: What helped you to contribute content on a regular basis and therefore helped you become a WildHub Conservation Catalyst?

Flavia: What keeps me motivated to contribute content is the opportunity to amplify the voices of up-and-coming conservationists. There is so much talent in our sector, and I’m especially passionate about spotlighting those who are just starting out and eager to make their mark in the world of conservation. Giving them a platform to share their stories and ideas feels incredibly meaningful.

I also find purpose in challenging traditional ideas about what conservation means. By encouraging people to think outside the box, we can broaden the conversation and make space for more diverse, creative, and inclusive approaches to protecting our planet.

For example, earlier this summer I interviewed Jamie Lee, a graphic designer turned seaweed farmer based in Iceland. She doesn’t consider herself a conservationist, but I have to disagree.

Over the past few years, Jamie has become a pioneer in sustainable seaweed farming, building a company from the ground up. She’s been instrumental in promoting this emerging industry as a complementary source of income for small-scale fishermen, helping to mitigate overfishing while supporting local communities. If Jamie isn’t a conservationist, then who is?

Her journey perfectly illustrates what conservation truly is and how diverse it can be. It challenges traditional views and reminds us that conservation isn’t limited to a specific job title. It’s a mindset, a mission, and a shared commitment to a healthier planet.

Thirza: Which barriers have you experienced to contributing content to WildHub on a regular basis?

Flavia:
Finding time to create and share content regularly is certainly a challenge, but I believe it's possible to publish a high-quality, impactful interview every other month. Consistency is important, but so is ensuring that each piece offers real value.

Another key challenge is identifying the right people to interview. While I truly believe everyone has a story worth telling, it’s important that the content aligns with the interests and needs of our community.

I always ask myself: Will this content be meaningful and relevant to WildHub members?

This question helps guide my choices and ensures that what I share contributes positively to the conversations we’re having and the connections we’re building.

Thirza: What advice would you give to other members who would like to become a WildHub Conservation Catalyst?

Flavia: Define your purpose. Ask yourself why you want to be a Conservation Catalyst. Is it to share knowledge or experiences that could help others? To support early-career professionals by offering guidance and encouragement? Are you looking to develop your own leadership and facilitation skills? Or all of the above? What unique perspective or expertise can you bring to the community?

Having a clear purpose will help guide your contributions, keep you motivated, and make your impact more meaningful.

When you know why you want to be a Catalyst, it becomes easier to focus your efforts and connect with others who share your vision.

Congratulations, Flavia! Your journey shows how powerful storytelling can be in connecting people, ideas, and solutions across the conservation community.

Please join me in celebrating Flavia by adding your message in the comments below.

Would you like to become a Conservation Catalyst with WildHub? Complete the form here and we’ll be in touch when another cohort opens. 

Curious who will be joining our Core Community next? Click the “Watch” button in the Our Community channel to stay updated.

🌿 Thank you, Flavia, for helping us grow a more connected and inspiring conservation community.