I’m Asmita Ranapaheli, a passionate turtle researcher with a Master’s degree in Ecology and Environment from Tribhuvan University. My work is driven by a belief that conservation thrives on collaboration. By uniting diverse voices and expertise, we can create innovative, sustainable solutions to protect habitats, empower communities, and safeguard endangered species. In addition to my research, I run Respite, a YouTube channel where I bring the wonders of wildlife, plants, and zoology to a wider audience. Through captivating and accessible content, I aim to inspire curiosity, foster a deeper connection with nature, and highlight the urgent need for biodiversity conservation in an increasingly fragile world. 

 I am an Ecologist by training. My research interests have focused on : Relations between protected areas and local communities; Wildlife conservation; Community Building; Environmental governance ; Conflict management ; Climate change.

With experience in Marine Animal Rehab., Rescue and Research coupled with a nerdy love of data, data science and all things technology, my data collection software company, WatchSpotter is the cumulation of my life’s work. From the hallways of the Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center at the University of New England, my affinity for caring for marine animals was fostered and grew. Being tasked with the center’s life support systems and flow thru animal pools further opened my eyes to water quality, fecal coliforms, and bio-loads.  I was the primary research technician in a multiphase study: Protecting the Saco River: Tracking non-point fecal pollution to its species source. Upon leaving UNE, I traveled to the Southern Great Barrier Reef Australia to work on an international research team focusing on population dynamics for three cetacean species. Once back stateside, I sharpened my Software UX skills working as a software consultant for Centersoft Technologies. After a brief stint volunteering for the Dolphin Photo ID program at Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, I was hired to join the team. I split time the first years at FAU HBOI between the Harmful Algal Bloom lab and the Dolphin Population and Assessment Lab. Settling in as a Research Assistant for the latter as well as a first responder for the Marine Mammal Rescue Team. In working with the Dolphin Population and Assessment Primary Researcher, along with other industry collaborators, I soon became the PIs data analyst and was paramount in the creation and development of the programs state of the art cloud-based SQL database platform. I worked as a liaison between the research program and software architects to assure ease of use, maximum data output and advanced analytics. The software is still used by the newly formed team today.  At the end of 2019 it was time for me to branch out on my own.  In the spring of 2022, WatchSpotter was born. My idea was to create a customizable SaaS application that could be used by researchers worldwide. Data is data- scientific questions need to be answered. My contingency was that no matter what the research topic- if the research brings people into the field-whether scientists, volunteers, or citizens, they are there to gather data-to answer questions. I knew that the two biggest challenges facing many environmental research groups were time and money. It would not be feasible for most nonprofits or other environmental institutions to pay for custom software- which often runs in excess of $150K nor do they have the time to wait for such programs to be complete.  These known challenges fueled the customization and simple UX that make up the WatchSpotter platform. When I’m working with Environmental Science or software, I enjoy being outside in the woods or at the beach, volunteering and hanging with family and friends.

Mr Boka Kondua Dieuleveut , Ingénieur agronome en Gestion des Ressources Naturelles : Faune et Flore de l'Université de Kinshasa,  est le coordinateur principal de l'Environnement et de la Conservation de la Nature au sein de l'ONG Kimbala Développement (K.D). Il a été aussi  Peer Educator du programme  : I Act Italy and Irena Action for Climate Toolkit initié par gouvernement Italien à travers son  Ministère des Affaires étrangères et de la Coopération internationale (Maeci) en partenariat avec l’ Agence Internationale des Énergies Renouvelables (IRENA) , dans l’ optique de renforcer les connaissances et les capacités des jeunes leaders internationaux et locaux  qui  veulent devenir des leaders dans la lutte contre le changement climatique et dans la promotion de la transition énergétique pour un développement durable. En outre , il est l’ initiateur, le concepteur et rédacteur du Programme de Sauvetage des pangolins Africains (en cours de rédaction). Il est également l’ initiateur , le concepteur et rédacteur du projet : BUMBU  vert et résilient aux effets et impacts du changement climatique. Ce projet consiste à impliquer les jeunes et les propriétaires fonciers de cette contrée dans l'identification , la promotion et  la mise en oeuvre des actions communautaires de lutte contre le changement climatique axée sur des éco-gestes dans les écoles , les  église et les différents ménages ainsi que la création des habitations vertes et la restauration des zones vertes par la plantation d'arbres . Notons que Bumbu est est une  commune urbaine vulnérable au changement climatique. I'm also a member of the 12th cohort of the African Union's Corps des Jeunes Volontaires.

Hello, I have worked in conservation for about 30 years, having started out as a volunteer in Wales and Scotland. My first roles were as a Wildlife Warden and Ranger in Dorset and Derbyshire and then in Project Management for community environmental projects.  I now work for Dorset Wildlife Trust as their Urban Green Project Officer, engaging with underserved communities, BAME and particularly 16-24 year olds. The aim of the project is to empower communities to take an active interest in their local green spaces for conservation and well being.

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.

I am a recent Cumma Sum Laude graduate with a BS in Environmental Science, Fish and Wildlife Management who is hoping to network with fellow conservationists in order to obtain employment in the field.

I love swimming in the rivers & sea, climbing mountains and walking all over the UK. Scuba diving, snowboarding and novice surfer. I love a pint and relaxing in the park when I see mates in the city. Growing up on the banks of the Wye I currently live rurally looking for the 'good life' Eco Sustainable living. I am hoping to help build my home, maybe my own log cabin! I enjoy networking and am an effective communicator, advocate and educationalist. Past experience, conducting business meetings & community engagement, have honed my skills in management of staff and volunteers. I have a diverse skill set. I am adept at statistical analysis, SPSS & GIS, management plans, report writing & scientific valuation of research. At this pivotal point in the earths future I have set up a grass roots organisation as I am passionate about making a change. Having worked in business, not for profit organisations, governmental partnerships, charities, practical conservation and humanitarian volunteering I feel I have a wealth of experience to help over the coming years. Both part time and freelance options appeal to me. I take pride in my continued professional and personal development, from amphibian ID, food safety to first aid & scuba diving. From my work with the RSPB in Primary schools, teenagers for the Devon Youth Service, to leading a team of youth in Nepal to volunteers in train carriage restoration shows I am effective all round communicator / enthuser. I have conducted business in many forms, I feel I have much to offer, using my initiative and positive dedication. Please see my linked in profile which shows how involved I was in Arts, Tourism, government and Business.