Alan J. Hesse

Senior Behaviour Change Specialist (TRAFFIC); also independent author-illustrator and climate educator.., TRAFFIC International
Erick Lukonde Bwalya

Wildlife Police Officer (Field Ranger)/Research Assistant , Department of National Parks and Wildlife

My name is Erick, and I am a wildlife ranger from Zambia. I am currently in my fourth year of studies, pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a focus on wildlife conservation and natural resources management. Through hands-on experience, I have gained skills in wildlife conservation, including wildlife radio-telemetry tracking, data collection and analysis using GPS and QGIS, and graphic design for impactful communication. Furthermore, I am an active member of the recently established CITES Global Youth Network (CGYN), where I collaborate with like-minded individuals to address global wildlife trade issues. Additionally, I have gained considerable experience in analysing data related to wildlife law enforcement operations. I have developed an expertise in using advanced SMART-field data management techniques to enhance wildlife protection efforts. I am driven by a commitment to preserving our natural heritage and seeking new challenges in conservation.
Elly Omondi

Animal care Officer , CCF

I am highly skilled and dedicated professional with a strong background in wildlife care and a wide range of training in a Animal husbandry ,farming and Animal behaviour .i have a passion for working with wildlife and deep understanding of their unique needs and behaviours .with extensive knowledge and hands on experience ,I am committed to providing exceptional care and ensuring the well being of animals under my supervision.
Brighton Chilekeni

CEO/Founder , Tech4wildlife

Brighton Chilekeni is a distinguished and relentless conservation leader, whose career embodies a truly pan-African commitment to preserving the continent's natural heritage. Hailing from South Africa and now operating from Zambia, Brighton has forged a reputation as a formidable expert, now operating at the forefront of climate finance, community-driven conservation, and technological innovation. A Continental Journey Forged in Passion & Vision His international career began in the iconic landscapes of Kenya in 2018, where his passion for wildlife was ignited. He then honed his expertise through advanced conservation studies in Botswana. This unique journey has equipped him with an unparalleled continental perspective, which he now applies to one of the world's most ambitious forest conservation programs while also leading his own visionary venture. Core Identity: The CEO, Leader & Advisor · Entrepreneurial Leadership: Founder & CEO of Tech4Wildlife, a pioneering project dedicated to revolutionizing conservation law enforcement through the adoption and mastery of advanced technology. · Corporate Leadership: Project Conservation Officer at BioCarbon Partners (BCP), managing the groundbreaking Luangwa Community Forest Program (LCFP). · Project Significance (LCFP): A landmark global project where Brighton leads conservation efforts for the:   · First REDD+ project in Zambia and Africa.   · Largest REDD+ project in Africa by area.   · Second-largest REDD+ project in the world. · Geographic Scope: Manages and coordinates complex conservation operations across a vast landscape spanning three provinces in Zambia: Eastern, Muchinga, and Central. A Dynamic and Comprehensive Skill Set Brighton’s expertise is a powerful fusion of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and deep technical proficiency. 🚀 Visionary Leadership & Innovation · Conservation Technology Entrepreneurship: As the CEO of Tech4Wildlife, he is actively driving innovation, identifying technological gaps, and creating solutions to combat poaching and enhance field efficiency. · Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer: The core mission of Tech4Wildlife is to "sharpen teams with knowledge," demonstrating a commitment to empowering entire organizations and ranger forces through training and technology adoption. · Large-Scale Program Management: Proven ability to lead and manage multi-province conservation efforts for a world-record-setting REDD+ project at BCP. · Strategic Law Enforcement Advising: Provides expert-level guidance on integrating technology into law enforcement protocols for maximum impact. 🛠️ Advanced Conservation Technology & Data Intelligence · Technology Integration Specialist: Expert in the end-to-end deployment of conservation tech stacks, including SMART, EarthRanger, GIS, Cybertracker, and Garmin inReach. · Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverages spatial data and real-time analytics from platforms like EarthRanger and GIS to guide patrols, model threats, and allocate resources strategically. · Field Tool Proficiency: Mastery in configuring and using field tools like Cybertracker for data collection and Garmin inReach for team safety and coordination. 🌍 Strategic Field Operations & Impact · Anti-Poaching Strategy: Designs and advises on technology-enhanced law enforcement operations that are proactive, intelligence-led, and highly effective. · Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation: Implements practical, community-driven solutions supported by technological monitoring. · Stakeholder & Community Engagement: Excels at building collaborative partnerships with communities, government, and traditional leadership across complex, multi-province areas. In Summary: The Architect of a Tech-Enabled Conservation Future Brighton Chilekeni has evolved from a frontline expert into an architect of the future of conservation. He operates at a unique intersection: · As a CEO, he is building the tools and knowledge base to arm conservationists against modern threats. · As a Project Leader, he is applying that same tech-first mindset to protect one of the world's most significant carbon and biodiversity sinks. · As an Advisor, he is shaping the very strategies that make conservation efforts smarter, safer, and more successful. His work demonstrates a powerful, three-part model: protect vast landscapes (BCP), empower local communities (LCFP), and revolutionize the tools of the trade (Tech4Wildlife). Brighton is not just participating in conservation; he is actively leading its evolution, making him an invaluable visionary and a driving force for change in the global conservation arena.
Yanna Vogiazou

Design Research | Behaviour Change | Service Design, Independent consultant (https://designfollowsinsight.com/)

Hello, I'm Yanna, a design consultant helping social and environmental impact organizations to design innovative solutions that address complex challenges. My approach combines human-centered design and behavior change strategies. I believe that understanding the drivers and barriers of human behavior in relation to environmental challenges is essential in order to design sustainable and transformative community programs that achieve conservation goals. I facilitate a design process with my clients to create tools, services and programs that drive systemic change, exploring solutions beyond campaigns and educational approaches. I am really passionate about protecting nature and wildlife. Although my design experience stems mostly from healthcare, humanitarian aid, agriculture and climate change resilience programs (see https://designfollowsinsight.com/projects/), I have also worked on developing a biodiversity monitoring and reporting innovation strategy. My goal is to apply design research methodologies and innovation in the service of wildlife and nature.
Ahmadou Bouba( Ahmed friedmann)

Wildlife spécialist, DPFSE (Dynamique de Protection de la Faune Sauvage et de L'environnement)

Gansey Sean Penyit

Biodiversity Conservation Program Assisitant , Voice of Nature(VoNat)

Levi Chabuka

Climate Activist, Resilient-Gen

I am a Malawian,  a graduate from the University of Malawi, a passionate young climate activist, a founder and executive director of  a nascent environmental leadership organization, Resilient-Gen. I have  profound experience in community mobilization, community engagement not to mention resource mobilization. I love all things green!!
Josephat Mungoche

PhD Candidate, University of Nairobi

Opeyemi Blessing Oyawale

Advocate for SDG 4 and SDG 15, University of Ibadan

I am Opeyemi Blessing OYAWALE, a first-class wildlife and ecotourism management graduate from the prestigious University of Ibadan, Nigeria, fueled by a deep passion for wildlife research and conservation consultancy. My academic journey has been a quest to understand and contribute to the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world. With a firm foundation in wildlife and ecotourism management, I am on a dedicated path towards becoming a wildlife researcher and consultant. Motivated by my curiosity to explore the complex lives of wildlife, I want to establish a name for myself as a researcher and provide accurate evaluation for conservation initiatives. In addition, my goal is to provide sustainable practice consultations that help close the gap between human activity and the health of the various ecosystems on our planet. I'm continually looking for scholarship opportunities to further my education overseas as part of my quest for excellence. By doing this, I hope to improve my perspectives on the world, my knowledge, and my abilities, positioning myself to have a bigger influence in the field of wildlife research and conservation. My vision includes promoting responsible wildlife management, becoming a catalyst for positive change, and encouraging peaceful cohabitation between people and the natural world. I'm eager to connect with fellow researchers, conservationists, and professionals in related fields. Whether you share a similar passion or have insights to offer, I welcome the opportunity to build meaningful connections and explore collaborations that contribute to the betterment of our environment. I would love to connect with you if you share my enthusiasm for wildlife research and conservation consulting, and if you have any insider knowledge regarding scholarship chances. Please get in touch, and together we can set out on a mission to change the world we live in for the better. Thank you for stopping by, and I look forward to connecting with you and like-minded individuals who share a commitment to wildlife preservation
Asim Ejaz

MEAL Assistant , Pak Mission Society

Mwelwa

Data Entry Clerk, JCHX Construction Zambia Limited

A dynamic and detail-oriented individual with a passion for understanding service delivery, eager to contribute my knowledge and skills to dynamic conservation projects, I am seeking opportunities to collaborate with likeminded professionals and organizations dedicated to safeguarding our planet's biodiversity. 
Emmanuel IZABAYO

Research Assistant, Dian Fossey gorilla fund.

My area of interest in primate behaviors, not only because I have a background in zoology and conservation but also as someone who spent most of my time with primates. Moreover, I have some skills related to people vs wildlife conflict around PAs. currently, I'm working as a research assistant in mountain gorilla behavior data collection at Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund | Rwanda.
Justin Birkhoff

Vertebrate Conservation Coordinator, Global Center for Species Survival - Indianapolis Zoo

I am an enthusiastic and progressive conservation professional with over 15 years of experience in zoological institutions and conservation non-profits. I currently work as part of a unique partnership between the IUCN SSC and the Indianapolis Zoo as part of the Global Center for Species Survival. Throughout my career, I have focused on the role of zoos as conservation organizations, serving as a bridge between in situ and ex situ conservation. I am a firm supporter of the IUCN’s One Plan Approach to conservation. My range of experience provides a broad foundation to draw from and offers unique insights for problem-solving and partnership engagement. I have experience working for and with domestic and international conservation non-profits. My focus includes supporting the development of conservation skills, utilizing innovative tools, technologies, and approaches to tackle conservation challenges, and emphasizing the contributions of local communities to wildlife conservation. I strongly believe in the power of storytelling as a conservation tool. I am eager to connect with other conservationists and offer them support, skills, and training to aid in their ongoing work.
VALERIO SIMONCINI

researcher / NATURALISTIC INTERNATIONAL GUIDE, freelance

Joan Banda

Communications Liaison , Shangani Holistic

I am a conservation biologist with experience working in zimbabwe and Nigeria. My areas of interest are: ornithology, conservation technology, conservation communications and Community Based Natural Resource Management. I am currently working at a cattle and wildlife ranch deploying the Holistic management framework to ensure coexistence between people, planet and profit.
Loupa Pius

Landscape Project Officer, African Wildlife Foundation

Loupa Pius, MSc. Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management at Gulu University in Uganda. Conservation and Policy- Charles R Wall Policy Fellow 2023. I work as landscape officer, at African Wildlife Foundation, The rangeland consultant and Founder of Rural Land Initiative Africa. The Co -chair International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralist (IYRP 2026) Eastern Africa Working Group; Volunteer Coordinator Eastern Africa Indigenous Peoples Alliance (EAICA).
Clinton N. Duo

Conservation student, GreenPro

Dr Neil Wilson

Director, Principal Ecologist, Conservation Biologist and Environmental Scientist, The Ecological Partnership (Pty) Ltd

Director, Principal Ecologist, Conservation Biologist and Environmental Scientist at The Ecological Partnership, with over 500 ecological, behavioural ecological, ethological, biodiversity conservation and broader environmental science studies. Passionate about vital effective and critically urgent Biodiversity Conservation, EO Wilson's Half Earth Project, which advocates for the conservation of at least 50% of all the Earth's natural ecosystems, effective critically urgent mitigation, or intervention for the rapidly accelerating Anthropogenic Biodiversity Apocalypse, Anthropogenic Sixth Global Mass Extinction, and Anthropogenically Exacerbated Global Warming.
Anna Yachmennikova

Senior Researcher , Persian Leopard Working Group/A.N.Severtsov Institute of ecology and evolution of the russian academy of sciences

Disciplines Animal Communications Ecology Zoology Skills and expertise Ecology and Evolution Conservation Biology Conservation Biodiversity Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Biology Ethology Behavioral Ecology Animal Ecology Wildlife Ecology Mammals Population Ecology Animal Behavior Animal Biology Conservation Ecology Field Ecology Field Studies Mammalogy Field Experience Spatial Ecology Camera Trapping Rehabilitation Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers Zoo Animal Welfare Physiological Ecology Wildlife Management Ornithology Endangered Species Biodiversity Monitoring Evolution Behavior Analysis Ecology
Nyiramugisha Jennifer

General Manager, Travellers Hotel Kisoro

My name is Nyiramugisha Jennifer from Kisoro a South western part of Uganda within the Virunga trans-boundaries with Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. I offer professional services in the hospitality industry and currently based at Travellers Hotel one of the Oldest and most Celebrated Historical Eco conscious facility within the Gorilla neighbourhoods of Uganda and Rwanda.  I also serve on a governing team that supports all the stakeholders within the Kigezi Tourism Association Umbrella Network. I am passionate about sustainable practices that ecologicaly restore our local landscapes and I am interested in learning and sharing my 14 years of diverse work experiences with the WildHub global community of Actors in the Conservation Space.