Damas Mbaga (He/Him)

Water and Environmental Expert, Private
Loretta Andrade

First an Animal & Wildlife Goodwill Ambassador & then a Corporate Professional, N/A

I have always believed that kindness should extend to every living being. My love for animals and nature is not just a passion. It is a part of who I am. I care deeply about Animal Rights, Welfare, and Wildlife Conservation, and I do whatever I can to make this world a gentler and safer place for them. Whether it is raising awareness or supporting meaningful causes, I try to play my part with heart and purpose. Professionally, I have grown as an Executive Assistant and Administrative Specialist with hands-on experience across different sectors and cultures. Over the years, I have worked closely with senior leadership teams in Technology, Business, and Higher Education, always striving to be dependable, professional, and calm under pressure. I have earned an Advanced Certificate in Executive Assistance from BMTG UK Ltd which reflects my dedication to this profession. I have also completed several training programs focused on workplace excellence and strong organizational skills. These skills help me adapt to change and keep things running smoothly in today’s fast-paced world. My work often involves managing international travel, planning both virtual and on-site events, and handling communication, immigration, and hospitality tasks. I approach each of these with care and a personal touch. I also write professionally, preparing internal communications and business correspondence with clarity and precision. This has helped me build a reputation for being trustworthy, effective, and committed to high standards. What truly keeps me going is my willingness to learn and grow. I believe that every day is an opportunity to do better, not just at work, but in how we treat others, especially those who do not have a voice. This journey of compassion, hard work, and lifelong learning is what I carry forward, wherever I go and whatever I do.
Nalini

Project Coordinator , Wildlife Forensic Fund

I am the project coordinator of the Wildlife Forensic Fund. We help combat wildlife crime by funding the training of first responders to preserve evidence and take them to court successfully. We are eager to connect with wildlife forensics enthusiasts.
Rebecca Umbur Abanka

Founder, Cheerful Hands Initiative

My name is Rebecca, a dynamic and purpose-drivendevelopment practitioner with a strong commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth. Rooted in a passion for social equity, I have devoted my career to working with diverse and underserved communities empowering individuals to unlock their potential and become agents of change in society. I am the Founder and Executive Director of Cheerful Hands Initiative (CHI), a non-governmental organization I established in 2019 to champion the rights and development of girls, women, youths, the elderly, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Prior to this, I served as the Coordinator of the YALI Network Benue (2020–2024), where I led strategic initiatives to build youth leadership, civic responsibility, and innovation across the state. Through CHI and other community-based platforms, I have led several transformative initiatives in the areas of education, environmental sustainability, health, mental health awareness, gender-based violence prevention, women’s empowerment, and human rights advocacy. My leadership style combines strategic vision with a deeply collaborative approach, allowing me to build and sustain partnerships with government institutions, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders for meaningful impact and currently working with Centre for Conservation Science and Practice (CCSP).
Gabriela

Student, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia

HAMENYA MPEMBA

RESEARCH MANAGER, SIX RIVERS AFRICA

I am a field-based conservationist and researcher with over twelve years of experience. Have researched in the international environment more frequently in the People's Republic of China and Tanzania. Currently I work as a research manager with Six Rivers Africa, and NGO dedicated to understand, protect and promote biodiversity in the wetlands and the then hunting areas. Currently we work in the Nyerere National Park (The largest in Tanzania and Africa at large) and in Ruaha National Park (second largest in Tanzania).  I also had the privilege to research in HANMA National Nature Reserve, and  many others in China.
Jennifer Fernández García

Primatologist, Universitat de Girona

Julien NKONO

Landscape Manager, African Wildlife Foundation

Melkizedeck Thomas Masunga

Animal Health and Environmental Specialist, Food for His Children

Experienced professional passionate about sustainable practices within agriculture and natural resources, with expertise spanning agribusiness management, animal husbandry, environmental conservation, forestry, and natural resource management. I also have a strong background in nonprofit work, including community outreach and environmental/animal welfare. Currently expanding my capabilities in project and program management.
Samwel Nyamweya

Volunteer , Little Environmental Action Foundation

Olivia Sandra

Executive Assistant, The Handy Assistant

I'm an organized and enthusiastic professional with a background in administration, customer service, and events coordination. I'm passionate about supporting impactful work behind the scenes, continuously learning, and connecting with others who care about making a difference. Currently exploring ways to merge my skills with conservation- focused initiatives.
VICTORIA ISACK SHERY

Research Assistant , SIX RIVERS AFRICA

Hello everyone  I'm a graduate with degree of wildlife management from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) .  After pursuing my bachelor degree   i have successed to join with SIX RIVERS  AFRICA team as a Researcher Assistant . I'm interested in the ethical considerations of  wildlife management including the importance of protecting endangered species  and promoting sustainable practice , I'm passionate for treatment of animals and importance of preserving biodiversity  as well as community engagement in Wildlife conservation 
Maike

Junior Business Controller Sustainability, Beter Bed

Hi, my name is Maike. Born and raised in South Germany, I am now located in the Netherlands (just moved a few months ago).  My life took a few detours before I ended up here, but they broaden the horizon, right? ;-) Early on, I had two big interests in life: Books and Nature.  First, I explored the first one, books, and completed vocational training in a bookshop. Then, I went to school again to be able to explore the second one, nature, by studying Biology. Well, and then I discovered the realm of sustainability and followed my studies up with the Master's program "Science in Sustainable Development" in Sweden. During that time, I focused especially on corporate sustainability but also the biodiversity aspect of sustainability.  Currently, I am working in a company, as a sustainability business controller but am always looking for a way to integrate nature, conservation and biodiversity more in my personal and professional life.  I am not yet sure where the journey will lead me, but I want to connect with like-minded people and explore opportunities.  Happy and excited to be part of this community!
DIANAH NYABWARI JIM

NOT APPLICABLE, NOT APPLICABLE

Emmett

Financial administrator, CWA

Elie Ancrenaz

International Liaisons Officer - Science Division, Hutan

Tiza Zyambo

Project Manager, Mennonite Central Committee

Tiza Zyambo, MBA, CAPM®, is a Project Management Specialist with over six years of experience leading high-impact projects in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and conservation across Southern Africa. She has worked in human-elephant conflict zones and contributed to biodiversity advocacy through the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN). Currently serving as Food Security & Conservation Agriculture Advisor at Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), Tiza combines technical leadership with a deep commitment to empowering communities and protecting ecosystems.
Adriana Simões

Managing, Communication and Technology Assistant, Mozambique Wildlife Alliance

Ariel Herrera Martinez

Ecosystem Engineer, Universitat Politécnica de Valencia

For the last 8 years I have been involved in planning for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, ecological restoration and monitoring of flora and fauna throughout Chile and Europe. The last time I have dedicated to expand my knowledge in ecology towards aquatic ecosystems, acquiring tools in scientific diving, coastal planning and bioacoustics.
Mayaba

Habeenzu, BirdWatch Zambia

Mpieri Daniel Tochukwu

Zoo keeper , Zoo and wildlife public institution Alain