Thirza Loffeld (She/Her)

I am a dedicated marine and freshwater biologist currently pursuing my PhD, focusing on wildlife conservation and sustainable fishing practices. My academic journey has been deeply rooted in understanding the complexities of marine ecosystems and the challenges they face. I completed my MSc with a thesis on the West African Manatee (T. Senegalensis), where I investigated the mechanisms of bycatch through different gillnet configurations. This study not only mimicked the daily fishing activities of local fishers but also provided valuable insights into the interactions between manatees and fishing gear. My findings revealed new species involved in bycatch, as well as the primary causes of fish damage, ultimately suggesting the best gillnet configurations to minimize bycatch. In my PhD program, I am expanding my research to identify and map bycatch sites along the coast of Cameroon. My current projects include analyzing various pollutants found in sharks and rays, understanding the effects of these pollutants on the health and genetics of these species, and determining their age to better comprehend their life cycles and conservation needs. I am passionate about reducing bycatch and promoting sustainable fishing practices. As part of my conservation activities, I will be training local fishermen on best releasesing practices, which involve techniques to safely release life bycatch back into the water, and educating them on how to effectively use GPS technology to monitor and manage their fishing activities. I believe that community engagement is crucial for successful conservation efforts. I invite community members and local stakeholders to join me in these important initiatives. Together, we can work towards protecting our marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fishing for future generations. Thank you for your interest in my work!. I look forward for collaboration as I still find difficulties in having a laboratory for analysis. Thanks🙏 

I am a biologist working on various aspects of poaching, illegal trade in wildlife, integrated community based inclusive conservation, protected areas management and environmental education

Dynamic and passionate conservationist with a deep commitment to sustainability, wildlife preservation, and the protection of natural ecosystems. With extensive experience in conservation planning, habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, rangeland management, and community engagement, I am driven to create lasting positive change for both the environment and local communities. I have a proven track record in managing conservation projects, conducting environmental planning, and leveraging data analysis to drive effective solutions. My work is rooted in a strong passion for wildlife conservation, human rights, and sustainable development. I specialize in designing and implementing projects that not only protect biodiversity but also integrate economic empowerment, climate resilience, and community development for long-term, sustainable impact. Skilled at building and nurturing collaborative partnerships with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, I am dedicated to fostering collective efforts for meaningful environmental and social change. I am particularly focused on advancing holistic, community-centered approaches that improve the well-being of vulnerable populations—especially in rural and underserved areas—while promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. I am committed to advancing conservation initiatives that create a harmonious balance between environmental preservation and human development, ensuring that both nature and people thrive for generations to come.

I am an experienced biologist with a Master of Science degree and 16 years of international experience in natural resource management, forest management and restoration, nature-based solutions, climate change, human rights, traceability and capacity building within the agriculture, forestry, cattle ranching, and conservation sectors. I am skilled in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), adaptive management, GIS, and remote sensing. I have a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams and successfully negotiating with various stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, decision-makers, and local communities. As a visionary individual, I am deeply passionate about implementing landscape-scale initiatives that strike a balance between environmental, social, financial, and productive strategies, fostering nature restoration and regeneration. Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jhon-Infante-Betancour-2  Quality panel member High Conservation Value Resource Network: https://www.hcvnetwork.org/quality-panel Licensed High Conservation Value (HCV) Assessor: https://www.hcvnetwork.org/people/jhon-alexander-infante-betancour High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA) Practitioner: https://highcarbonstock.org/hcs-approach-quality-review-process/hcs-approach-registered-organisations/

Wildlife conservation professional based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.  Primary topics of interest: conservation technology, protected area management, SMART, anti-poaching. 

I work on engagement on a green infrastructure project on the East Bristol fringe. We have over 80 sites, delivering biodiversity net gain through grassland habitat improvement.

Dr. Andrew Gichira, PhD, is a Botanist with extensive experience conducting ecological assessments and surveys in mountainous ecosystems (in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Uganda) and savannah landscapes (in Kenya Maasai Mara and different conservancies in northern Kenya). As a research manager at the Center for Ecosystem Restoration Kenya, Andrew leads field research and habitat assessments, contributing valuable insights into restoration strategies across diverse habitats and in the development of the Global Biodiversity Standard- the most scientifically rigorous biodiversity certification that recognises and promotes the protection, restoration, and enhancement of biodiversity. With a deep understanding of the unique biodiversity and restoration needs of these environments, Andrew is dedicated to advancing ecosystem restoration practices through scientific research and sustainable habitat management.

I am a lawyer specialized in biodiversity, environmental policy, and human rights, with more than 15 years of experience. I am passionate about contributing to the development of public policies that are fair, participatory, and grounded in human rights. I have been actively engaged in global negotiations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since 2010, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) since 2017, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2010, promoting more equitable, effective, and rights-based environmental governance. I am particularly interested in the strategic advocacy of civil society. I have led coordinated action among organizations in Argentina on a wide range of conservation issues and have been repeatedly elected by my peers from NGOs to represent the sector in institutional spaces, fostering collaborative and results-oriented work. Throughout my career, I have worked across multiple sectors -non-profit organizations, government institutions, global networks, and academia- driven by a strong belief in the power of alliances, dialogue, and cooperation to strengthen environmental justice and respond collectively to today’s socio-ecological challenges. I raise funds from international cooperation and philanthropic sources, and design and implement projects and campaigns on land-use planning, wetlands, native forests, terrestrial and marine protected and conserved areas, ecological corridors, restoration, and access to information, participation, and environmental justice. I lead multidisciplinary teams guided by strategic planning, active communication, and impact monitoring. Open to change and knowledge sharing, I am committed to integrating new technologies to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and impact. I drive digital transformation and organizational strengthening processes while promoting gender mainstreaming across institutional strategies and operations.