Thirza Loffeld (She/Her)

I graduated from the African Leadership University with a degree in Global Challenges, where I gained a deep understanding of tackling complex issues through innovative and sustainable solutions. Currently, I work as a Community Mobilizer at Practical Action, where I focus on promoting environmental conservation through clean cooking initiatives. My role involves engaging with communities, fostering awareness, and driving behavior change to create a healthier and more sustainable environment. I am passionate about addressing environmental challenges and empowering communities to adopt practical, impactful solutions. My expertise lies in community engagement, environmental sustainability, and fostering collaborative partnerships. I am especially interested in creating pathways for sustainable development that align with global and local needs

As a dedicated Research Assistant at the Nature Conservation and Study Centre, I've had the privilege of engaging with diverse communities through various outreach events and projects. One of my most memorable experiences was working closely with Indigenous communities in the Kankai floodplain, Nepal, where I conducted a project on the Nilssonia hurum species. This experience not only deepened my understanding of the species but also allowed me to forge strong connections with the local communities. My work has also taken me to the mid-hill’s region of Nepal, specifically to the Lamjung District, where I explored the rich Herpetofaunal species diversity and distribution in non-protected areas. These experiences have not only broadened my knowledge but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of conservation efforts. I've also had the opportunity to conduct awareness campaigns and outreach events, focusing on the crucial role of pollinators during Pollinators Week programs. Additionally, I've worked with local schools in Khotang district to educate students about the importance of conserving pangolins and biodiversity. Currently, my passion lies in leading community-based conservation programs that harmoniously blend culture with the conservation of turtles and wetlands in the lowland Terai region of Nepal. I believe that by connecting with local communities and respecting their cultural heritage, we can create a more effective and sustainable conservation approach.  

Conservation Storyteller | Documentary & Wildlife Filmmaker | Experienced Bushman | Featured on Forbes NPR Filmfreeway | 📧 contact@jonathanbenaiah.com Born and raised in Kampala - Uganda, with life partly lived in Europe and North America, Jonathan Benaiah is a multi-media personality; an experienced conservation photographer, videographer, narrator, creative writer, podcast host, and conservationist whose work aims to share the healing power of the natural world through the emotions and behaviours of some of the most remarkable species to still roam this planet and their incredible habitats.

I am a Zimbabwean conservation professional specialising in protected area management, biodiversity conservation, GIS and conservation technology. My work combines field-based conservation leadership with the use of technology and spatial data to strengthen conservation planning, operations and decision-making. I currently lead Biodiversity Monitoring & Ecosystem Services, overseeing conservation operations across landscapes within the Zambezi Valley, with a particular focus on the Sebungwe Corridor and the wider Lower Zambezi–Mana Pools (LOZAMAP) Transfrontier Conservation Area. I have a particular interest in using GIS, remote sensing, drones, SMART, EarthRanger and other emerging conservation technologies to strengthen field operations and better understand changing landscapes. My broader professional interest is in helping conservation organisations build practical, technology-enabled approaches that connect effective protected area management with communities, biodiversity and long-term landscape conservation. I am especially interested in collaboration around conservation technology, GIS, protected area management, biodiversity monitoring and community-based conservation across Africa.

I am a recent graduate from the University of Oxford MSc Biodiversity, Conservation and Management. I am very familiar with R coding and have utilised this most recently in research to investigate the biophysical drivers of coral reef benthic communities and coral traits in French Polynesian coral reefs. I am hoping to go into environmental/conservation policy, particularly UK policy but am also excited by the science-policy interface.