Ali Skeats (She/Her)

I am Nyaradzo Hoto, an Ecologist and Biodiversity Supervisor with Akashinga – The Brave Ones, based in the Lower Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe. My professional focus is on biodiversity monitoring, ecological research, reforestation, and community-based conservation. I am particularly committed to advancing women’s leadership in conservation, promoting climate resilience, and integrating traditional knowledge with scientific approaches to achieve sustainable ecosystem management. In recognition of my contribution to conservation, I received the IUCN International Ranger Award in 2022. I am currently enrolled in the WildTeam UK Project Planning for Wildlife Conservation course to enhance my expertise in strategic project design and adaptive management. I look forward to knowledge exchange and collaboration with fellow conservation professionals globally.

      I am an overseas professional from Colombia, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Medicine from the Universidad de La Salle (Bogotá-Colombia) and a Master’s degree in Global Wildlife Health and conservation from the University of Bristol (England), with experience in wildlife and small animal practice. Passionate about vulture conservation and their ecosystem services in disease prevention that affect humans and other animals.  ·       Clinical Management: Proficient in diagnosing and treating a diverse range of wild mammals, birds, reptiles, and domestic small animals. ·       Laboratory Techniques: Experienced in collecting, processing, and analysis of clinical laboratory samples. ·       Molecular Genetics: Skilled in DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and electrophoresis, contributing to advanced genetic research. ·       Event Organization: Competent in organizing and managing bovine dairy breed judging exhibitions, ensuring high animal welfare standards and competition integrity. ·       Environmental Surveys: Experienced in conducting Phase I habitat surveys, with a keen understanding of ecological assessments and conservation efforts.

I am an enthusiastic wildlife and environmental conservationist, dedicated to promoting sustainable environmental practices across various levels of the community. My areas of expertise include community mobilization, facilitation, research, and stakeholder engagement. Currently, I am working on a climate change adaptation project focused on promoting sustainable livelihoods and strengthening law enforcement in Zambia.

A banker turned environment conservation team manager especially in wildlife conservation in Eastern Assam in India. Trained and experienced in leading conservation team working for both aquatic (river dolphin) and terrestrial species (one-horned rhinos and elephants). Believes in blending science-based reasonings and traditional community knowledges in conservation planning and implementations. Stakeholders networking and continued coordination is my strength. Presently, working on promoting good practices to ensure human-elephant coexistence in Eastern Assam in India.

I am Mugisha Joshua Gideon, an environmentalist dedicated to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. I work with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) as an Environmental Educator and Conservationist, where I focus on conservation awareness, ecosystem protection, and inspiring responsible stewardship of natural resources. I am also a specialized assessor of Red List ecosystems, carrying out assessments that provide critical insights into ecosystem health, threats, and resilience, supporting evidence-based conservation actions. Beyond my technical expertise, I am passionate about environmental community engagement, working closely with local stakeholders to strengthen conservation participation and nature-based solutions. In addition, I serve as a Member Mobiliser with Green Totos, where I play an active role in uniting and empowering young people to take part in environmental initiatives, conservation campaigns, and climate action programs. 

Je suis HOUESSOU Makponsè Gédéon, géographe-cartographe passionné par la protection de l’environnement et la gestion durable des territoires. Titulaire d’une licence en Géomatique appliquée au territoire, j’ai acquis de solides compétences en SIG, télédétection, cartographie participative et évaluation environnementale et sociale. À travers mes collaborations avec diverses ONG, cabinets et institutions, j’ai participé à des projets de conservation de la biodiversité, d’aménagement du territoire, de suivi écologique et d’études d’impact. Rigoureux, dynamique et polyvalent, je mets mes compétences techniques et analytiques au service de solutions durables et adaptées aux réalités locales.

I am Cynthia Kanana, a Conservation Education Officer with expertise in engaging schools and communities in environmental education and awareness as well as wildlife research. 

I have worked on sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflicts, supporting local livelihoods while preserving biodiversity. As a researcher around Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, I combine research, advocacy, and community engagement to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife, balancing conservation with community needs.

My name is Dr. Kassahun Berhanu, and I am a veterinarian based in Ethiopia. My country is rich in unique wildlife species, and I am passionate about conservation, zoonotic disease prevention, and community engagement.

Abdul-Mumin Yussif, passionate about climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and community empowerment. As Program Manager at UF4D and Ghana’s National Focal Person for GNDR, I work to advance environmental justice and empower local communities to drive global climate solutions. 🌍🌱

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.

Hello everyone My name is Nyamni Bless Gur from Cameroon.  Passionate about protecting wildlife and restoring habitats, I work on the ground to monitor and assess great apes population and the threats they face, particularly the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzees and the Cross River Gorillas. I'm also passionate about conserving forests, and engaging local communities in our conservation efforts. I believe community based conservation practice is vital for a successful long-term management of these species. 

Hello my name is Miss Acka Ahemen Soteria, a Tech-Savvy professional with a strong educational background in Computer Science, Educational Management, and Systems Management. I am based in Abuja, Nigeria, West Africa, I am passionate about harnessing Technology , Education and Management expertise to drive positive change. My interests span in IT, Education, Healthcare, Wildlife Conservation, Climate Change, Project Management and  Systems Management.I I am currently pursuing MOOC Conservation courses to deepen my understanding of Conservation Principles, Sustainable Practices, and Project Management Strategies. Through this learning journey, I aim to acquire knowledge and skills to Contribute effectively to conservation efforts, Mitigate climate change impacts, and Promote sustainable development in my community and beyond. I am excited to leverage my technical expertise and management acumen to drive meaningful impact in wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.

Passionate about biodiversity and conservation, I hold a Master’s degree in Protected Area Management from the Regional Post-Graduate Training School on Integrated Management of Tropical Forests and Lands (ERAIFT), with specialized training at the School of Wildlife Specialists in Garoua. My background combines ecological fieldwork, community-based conservation, and data analysis using tools such as QGIS, R, SMART, EarthRanger, and KoboToolbox. I adapt easily to field conditions, communicate effectively with local communities, and enjoy collaborating in multidisciplinary teams. I’m driven by a strong commitment to advancing wildlife research, protecting habitats, and promoting sustainable development across Africa and beyond. 

I am a wildlife ecologist based in Kenya specialized in community involvement in conservation practices.  

Wiem Boussellaa is a dedicated marine biologist researcher from Tunisia, specializing in marine conservation and the management of marine ecosystems. With a Ph.D. in Marine Sciences, Wiem has contributed significantly to projects aimed at preserving marine life. Currently, as a postdoctoral researcher at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn in Naples, Italy, their work focuses on the energy expenditure and ecology of sea turtles during swimming. Wiem has held key roles in various marine conservation projects, including the Life MedTurtles project at the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax and the Deep Blue project with OGS. As a member of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) and a project manager for the Tunisian Taxonomy Association (ATUTAX), Wiem has actively participated in the fight against ghost fishing and has been instrumental in developing a National Code of Conduct for Ghost Gear Management in Tunisia. Throughout their career, Wiem has authored several publications on marine ecosystems and conservation and has been recognized for several innovative contributions to the field. With extensive experience in project management, scientific research, and international collaboration, they continue to drive impactful conservation efforts within the Mediterranean region.