Thirza Loffeld (She/Her)
WildHub Co-founder, WildHub Conservation Community
- Member directory
- Netherlands
A Conservation Biologist who enjoys working with birds as focal species to better understand and contribute to the conservation of the natural world. My work often includes a combination of fieldwork, citizen science, capacity building and some scientific writing. A strong academic and research background has helped me to appreciate the need for a science-driven approach to biodiversity conservation, while several years of working with various professionals, citizen scientists and local communities to design and implement biodiversity conservation projects has given me first-hand insight into the crucial role and importance of empowering and working with people if we must achieve sustainable natural resource management. I also really enjoy the opportunities that studying birds affords me to travel and see the world, and the diverse people and cultures that I have been privileged to experience and work with because of my study of birds.
I am a Primatologist specialized in captive and wild nonhuman primate sociobiology, with a PhD in Evolutionary Biology. I have 17 years of experience in development project management including 5 in Biodiversity Conservation, with experience in East and Central Africa, and the Middle East. I currently live in Ouesso, a city in northern Congo where for the past 2 years I have been coordinating a program called Sustainable Wildlife Management - SWM. SWM is about creating the conditions for rural communities in northern Congo to manage wildlife resources themselves, taking ownership and exploiting them in a sustainable way. As part of the SWM Program, I am responsible for aspects related to the development of alternative activities to hunting (livestock farming), development of social marketing campaigns for more sustainable consumption of animal protein, and mitigation of risk of zoonoses. I therefore often find myself having to involve stakeholders...
Master in Animal Biology, with a deep interest in biodiversity conservation, restoration and climate change. Former collaborator of CoalitionWILD and the Global Rewilding Alliance. Former Coordinator of Actions and Partnerships at Plant-for-the-Planet Brazil and Co-Director at Youth Climate Leaders, currently working as a Climate Change Specialist at WWF-Brazil.
As Communications Manager for the World Cetacean Alliance, I develop communications materials and deliver campaigns to support the WCA in its valuable mission to protect whales, dolphins, porpoises and their habitats.
Previously, I was a Digital Communications volunteer with WildTeam UK, and worked as a designer in the digital learning industry for several years.
I'm based in Sheffield, UK, but work remotely.
Kerstin Opfer
Policy Advisor - Energy Policy and Civil Society - Africa and MENA, Germanwatch e.V.
I'm currently working as Policy Advisor for Energy Policy and Civil Society focussing on Africa and the MENA region for a German NGO called Germanwatch. My job is very diverse - from lobbying for ambitious climate policy on the national and international stage to building capacity with local actors and researching participatory, environmentally-friendly and people-centred energy pathways - I do it all though not alone. I always work in cooperation with others. I strongly believe that only together we can achieve the kind of transformation we need to conserve our natural world and protect the climate. I know, I am not the typical conervationist. I don't focus on species, I am not even working in the field of conservation anymore. But I believe that conservation and climate protection should go hand in hand - and maybe I can help to be the bridge.
Before working for Germanwatch I worked as operations and project manager for a Moroccan environment and development organisation in Marrakesh. Prior to this I completed a MSc in Conservation and Rural Development and a BSc in Biology.
I am looking to follow professionals in the field and understand more about the opportunities out there. I have a degree in Biological Sciences with a focus on biodiversity and conservation, but I have almost no relevant work experience.
I'm a Conservation biologist holding 6 years of both experience at site and regional level (Congo basin) working with Conservation NGO. With good knowledge in Law Enforcement, Ecological Monitoring and Community Based Natural Resources Management for protected area management.
My study is focused on primate conservation. During several years, I conducted research in the ecology of lemurs in their natural habitat.
Highly experienced in supporting policy and decision making through delivering data on marine species, coastal pollution, and water delivery on the local, state, and federal levels. Early in my career I took every opportunity I could to gain experience in marine mammal science from California to Quebec. These opportunities created strong connections eventually guiding me to researching plastic pollution while earning my masters degree. As I finished writing my thesis, I began working with NASA on projects using satellite imagery and big data to investigate drought, this experience immensely strengthened my project management, mapping, and analytical skills. Last year I ventured into conservation writing wanting to build on my science communication skills. I would be happy to feature your project or career journey as a blog post within WildHub, so feel free to reach out to set up a short chat/interview.
Muhammad Umar
Postgraduate Student , Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE), University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.
I am a postgraduate researcher, very recently completed my MSc in Conservation and Rural Development at the University of Kent, Canterbury.
Theodore NSHIMIYUMUREMYI
Cell Community Extension Officer, Albertine Rift Conservation Society ( ARCOS Network)
I am Theodore Nshimiyumuremyi, a graduate of Zoology and conservation from University of Rwanda. I am currently working as Community Extension Officer Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOSNetwork). I am highly interested in community outreach and development. I stand for fair and equitable interaction of nature and people.
Chrispen Chakanaka
Human and Wildlife Coexistence Supervisor and Coordinator , Zambezi Society
I am a Master's Environmental science student interested in studying biodiversity conservation, rehabilitation, along with the rural area development which is thriving on the sustainable form of living.