I am an Environmental Scientist and Marine Ecologist from Kenya, deeply passionate about addressing environmental challenges and empowering marginalized communities. My work focuses on climate change, marine conservation, coastal resilience, and climate adaptation and mitigation. As an MSc Coastal Science and Policy Fellow at the University of California, Santa Cruz, I am committed to working with young people and local communities to co-create climate adaptation strategies that integrate traditional knowledge with scientific insights, fostering inclusive and sustainable climate policies. Beyond science, I am a conservation storyteller and photographer, using powerful imagery to amplify the voices of coastal fishing communities and advocate for marine conservation and climate action. With over four years of experience in environmental advocacy, I strive to connect science, policy, and community engagement to develop innovative solutions for vulnerable ecosystems.
Jigme Tshelthrim Wangyal
Regional and Membership Program Officer, Amphibians Specialist Group, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
For unintentionally setting free a non-venomous injured wolf snake from my room, my college mates call me Snake-man because by doing so, they assumed I endangered their lives. You can find me with wild animals in the mountains, valleys, or plains because our addresses are somehow the same. Outside my job, I do herping and anyone who wants information on this group of animals besides other biodiversity, climate, and social science can contact me any time. Rest, I follow Allan Rufus’ dictum “Life is like a sandwich, birth as one slice and death as the other. What you put in between the slices is up to you. Is your sandwich tasty or sour?” So, it is me who makes my sandwich! Education-wise, I have a PhD Ecosystem Management (University of New England, Armidale, Australia), MSc Biodiversity, Wildlife, and Ecosystem Health (Edinburgh University, Scotland, UK), PG Diploma (Hons), Wildlife Management (Wildlife Institute of India), BSc Forestry (Royal University of Bhutan), and High Standard Professional Certificate (Forest Rangers' Course), Northeast Forest Rangers' College, Jalukbari, Assam (now Central Academy for State Forest Service, Burnihat, Assam, India). All my life, I studied Nature Conservation and related Ecological and Environmental Sciences and live to see how rapidly they change. I can do many things many people can do!
I have been recently immortalized by a team of taxonomists from the British Museum as they named a torrent frog (Amolops wangyali) from eastern Bhutan after me based on the work I have done on Bhutan amphibians. Thus, frogs in military jackets around Trashigang may carry my name as their specific species epithet. But more than rejoicing, I feel stressed because I feel I should do more in this area and I don't have much time. So, you know...!
I lead the Institutional Fundraising Team at ZSL, working with colleagues across our Science, Conservation and Zoo directorates to raise grants from charitable trusts and foundations, lottery, statutory and bi/multi-lateral funders.
I've been at ZSL since 2018 but have been working in fundraising for the NfPs since 2007. Relationship and grants fundraising are my specialisms but I have also managed RG and Corporate fundraising functions.
To obtain a challenging position in a reputable organization in order to expand my skills and knowledge, and secure a responsible career opportunity in which I can utilize my education and skills while making a significant contribution to the company's success.
Saket is a computer graduate turned wildlife conservationist. He has been engaging with several of the wildlife conservation issues in India for over a decade including community based conservation, conservation induced human displacement, eco-tourism, conservation technologies (Radio Telemetry, Camera Traps, UAVs, GIS and RS).
I coordinate citizen science networks established among small-scale fishers, and shark and ray data collectors in fish landing sites. My insight on sharks and rays supports targeted conservation, outreach, and policy initiatives. I also train and mentors WCS citizen scientists and support community engagement and policy recommendations to protect threatened marine megafauna and promote sustainable fisheries in Bangladesh.
I am a Biologist specializing in Wildlife Rehabilitation and Enrichment for Zoo Animals. I have keen interest in Carnivore Biology (Wild Felines, Meso-predators & Birds of Prey) & Marine Mammals Conservation
My career started as a volunteer diving with Coral Cay Conservation in Fiji, which got me hooked to become a marine biologist. Currently, I'm working as a marine scientist for an environmental consultancy (5OES) based in Oman, which I've done for the past 14 years. My work encompasses marine environmental monitoring, baseline surveys, conservation and research projects plus training. I studied for my BSc in marine and freshwater biology at Aberystwyth University and then an MSc in marine environmental protection at Bangor University, UK. In between working for 5OES I have also worked with the Dept. of Environment, Cayman Islands Government as a field research assistant. I'm a PADI Assistant Instructor as well as an AMSO Instructor (https://www.amso.ae/) My interests include sea turtle conservation & rehab, cetacean research & rescue, coral monitoring & research, plus outreach & education. I love travelling and have had the fortune to work in the Caribbean, UK, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and Fiji where I've met some wonderful people in the field.
I have been a biology teacher for the past eight years and I am transitioning from teaching to the Ecology and Conservation field.
I have 15 years experience in team leadership and management of award winning Non-Profit organisations for both People and Planet working along side some of the worlds most influential community and biodiversity conservation driven philanthropists and leaders. I have extensive and diverse knowledge in the international development sector as an established leader in project management, governance and compliance, monitoring, evaluation, strategy mapping and policy development.
Olatomide is Forester who graduated from Federal University of Technology ,Akure ,Ondo state Nigeria.During her undergraduate studies,she volunteered for quite a number of organisations promoting sustainable development goals and tree planting campaign. Upon her graduation, she keeps functioning as a volunteer for climate change advocacy and sustainable development goals.
She is the founder of TALKCLIMATEAFRICA,an educational channel reaching out to people who prefer listening to music or spoken words other than reading , creating awareness and sensitizing them on the environment, climate change and how best it can be mitigated or adapted. She is a trained climate ambassador and fellow from Climate leadership fellowship Nigeria and Oxford school of climate change ,she is a member of international forestry association,YOUNGO and International youth conference.
These past three years, Olatomide has consistently been sensitising and advocating in school,communities, social platform on environmental issues, climate action and sustainable development goals.
Aside SDG 13, been something she is passionate about, her love for helping the needy which a vision of REDUCING poverty birthed HEART2LOVE FOUNDATION in 2017.
Olatomide is a pacesetter ,she has received lot of certifications on Climate change advocacy after carrying out several projects, she was also certified by Servelead Humanitarian Initiative as an international I-volunteer for leadership and influence, volunteer project management,strategic communication and marketing,public speaking and partnership.
She was awarded as one of the top five outstanding fellow for climate leadership fellowship Nigeria after adopting a school program on climate change.
She is a YALI RLC member,ISERH ambassador,IYC ambassador,Global volunteer and still explore more opportunities according to her passion.
In quote,she doesn’t give up easily,she is lady who has passion for great things.