Please join me in congratulating our valued member, Loretta Andrade, on becoming a Conservation Connector with WildHub! Conservation Connectors are our Core Community members who connect the community to opportunities, such as training and events. Loretta is an animal & wildlife ambassador based in India; she joined WildHub two years ago, in January 2022, and has been a regular WildHub contributor ever since! This year (2024) Loretta shared even more opportunities with our community, including professional development opportunities and international events, which led to her achieving the status of Conservation Connector within our community.

Loretta made a significant contribution to our community’s overall goal of exchanging information to enable better and faster conservation that helps save more wildlife and we would like to express our gratitude to her through this post. 

Over the last year, Loretta shared with us webinars including those on wildlife protection in India and their recordings (e.g. on illegal wildlife trade), training courses such as free workshops in ornithology, and events like the conference on  honeybee products for medicinal purposes and the Indian Wildlife Ecology conference. She also highlighted within our community several international celebrations including World Wildlife Day, Shark Awareness Day and World Snake Day (with a link to a free digital Field Guide on Snakes of India), as well as film screenings, e.g. by the Wildlife Trust of India. 

Recently, Loretta also wrote an insight piece on the impact of art on conservation efforts. 

Image: Loretta Andrade.

Art has a huge impact on conservation by creating connections, raising awareness, inspiring action, and bringing communities together. As a conservationist, I believe that supporting art related to the environment can boost our efforts and lead to real change. When art and conservation work together, the possibilities for a better, more sustainable world are endless. (Loretta Andrade, WildHub Conservation Connector, India)

Have you benefited from the many opportunities that Loretta has shared with us? Add how her posts have benefitted you in the comment section and join me in congratulating Loretta by adding your message below! 

To celebrate, I took the opportunity to ask Loretta some questions about her journey to becoming a Conservation Connector.  

Thirza: “What benefits have you found from being a WildHub member?”

Loretta: “Being a member of WildHub brings several benefits, especially for someone passionate about wildlife conservation and animal rights like me. I listed some of the benefits below:

• Networking Opportunities: You get to meet and connect with others who share your interests. This will allow you to collaborate on projects and initiatives, expanding your network and impact.
• Access to Resources: On WildHub you’ll find valuable resources like research papers and best practices. This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and tools in wildlife conservation.
• Professional Development: Joining the workshops, webinars, and training sessions that are promoted on WildHub will help you to improve your skills. You can learn from experts and experienced practitioners, gaining useful insights.
• Community Support: By participating in discussions on WildHub you can share experiences, seek advice and benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of the community.
• Visibility and Recognition: WildHub has helped me showcase my volunteering work and contributions to a wider audience. By publishing articles and sharing success stories, it helped me highlight my efforts.
• Collaboration and Innovation: WildHub can help you work on innovative projects and initiatives that can make a big impact. Contribute to group problem-solving and brainstorming sessions in the WildHub Discussion sections (e.g. on WildHub's homepage and the Discussion page here).
• Emotional and Moral Support: By connect with others on WildHub who share your passion, you can feel emotionally supported. WildHub can help you build a sense of belonging and purpose through shared goals.

Being part of such a community as WildHub can enhance your efforts in wildlife conservation and animal rights, giving you the tools, connections, and support needed to make a bigger impact.” (Loretta Andrade, WildHub Conservation Connector, India)

Thirza: “What helped you to contribute content on a regular basis and therefore helped you become a WildHub Core Community Member?”

Loretta: “Contributing content regularly became easier because of my passion for wildlife conservation. In WildHub, I found a supportive community that encouraged sharing and collaboration. Access to valuable resources and insights inspired me to share my own knowledge. The recognition and feedback from the community boosted my confidence and commitment.” 

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

Loretta: “I faced time constraints due to balancing professional commitments and personal interests. Sometimes, I struggle with finding fresh and engaging content ideas.”

Thirza: “What advice would you give to other members who would like to become a WildHub Core Community Member?”

Loretta: “Stay passionate and let your love for wildlife guide your contributions. Engage with the community, participate in discussions, and share your experiences openly. Consistency is key, so try to contribute regularly, even if it's small updates. Remember, your unique perspective and efforts make a big difference, and the community values your input.”

Let's continue to build a vibrant and supportive WildHub community where every voice matters. Together, we can make a significant impact on wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Stay curious, keep learning, and don't hesitate to share your ideas and experiences. Remember, our collective efforts can create a better world for all living creatures. Keep up the great work, and let's inspire each other to achieve even more! (Loretta Andrade, WildHub Conservation Connector, India)

Congratulations, Loretta! Thank you for all that you do for our community and wildlife conservation worldwide! 

Curious who will be joining our WildHub Core Community next? Click on the “Watch” button in Our Community channel and be notified by email when we will celebrate our next member.