I am HOUNMAVO Amétépé in doctoral thesis in Biodiversity. I am in co-direction at the University of Lome (Togo) and the Institute of Systematics, Evolution and Biodiversity of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris (France). I have a Master's degree in Ecology and Wildlife Resources Management and a DU from Senghor University in Protected Areas Management focusing on environmental crime. I work on specific missions for the NGO AGBOZEGUE which works in the conservation of nature. I work in the field, from ethnozological surveys and awareness campaigns for the preservation of ecosystems, through the inventory and ecological monitoring of different zoological groups to the installation of camera traps. 

Conservation scientist fascinating by all things nature. I have a particular interest in a multidisciplinary data science / machine learning approach to conservation.

Programme Officer | Chevening Scholar | Mandela Washington Fellow | WBG Youth Summit Delegate | DESMAN Alumni | Partnership and Youth Engagement Advisor My motto - " Conservation is humanity caring for the future, revolution starts within ourselves"

For over 20 years, Dr Debbie Saunders has worked as a wildlife biologist, specialising in threatened species conservation management and worked with diverse teams of talented people to develop the world’s most advanced drone radio-telemetry solution – resulting in the establishment of Wildlife Drones.  As a passionate founder, CEO and Chief Remote Pilot of this award-winning deep tech company, Dr Saunders gets to empower wildlife biologists and land managers to achieve greater insights and conservation impact all around the world by cost-effectively collecting more data, more often with less effort. How can Wildlife Drones help you?  - Track up to 40 animals simultaneously and in real-time - Survey difficult terrains like rugged mountains and swamp areas easily - Save time, effort and money so you can focus on what really matters - Collect more data, more often with less effort She has received an ACT Innovation Award as well as an ACT Government Innovation Connect grant for her creative business solutions for challenging research problems. Debbie believes that drones are a highly valuable and flexible tool that provide unprecedented opportunities for new insights into the world’s most complex and fascinating natural ecosystems.

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.

Hi Everyone, My name is Arielle and I'm so excited for this course! I'm a wildlife conservationist but currently build online education programs for students and teachers for an international private school. My conservation work began in college while interning for the Wildlife Medical Center at my university's school of veterinary medicine. I originally went to university to become a large animal veterinarian, to fulfill my childhood dream of working with horses. However, after working with wild animals for three years, I decided to dedicate my life to species conservation and education. Upon graduation, I headed south to work for one of America's largest wildlife rescues and sanctuaries. I started as an Apprentice and worked my way up from there to an Animal Caretaker, and then to the Apprentice Program Supervisor and Training Specialist. I loved my job and my alarm clock was the roaring of a lion and lioness at dawn. I found the education aspect of the job to be the most rewarding. It was exciting to see my apprentices get inspired by what they learned and to see wildlife conservation efforts migrate into different parts of the world once my apprentices graduated from their programs. I have undergone many transitions in my career since then to accommodate all things life. Working as a teacher in schools and online has filled my education "cup", so to speak. But now, I have the opportunity to return to my career in wildlife conservation. I am whole-heartedly ready to start making a global impact one project at a time. I hope to not only gain the tools, resources, and certifications I need to effectively lead teams in wildlife conservation, but also to become a part of this amazing community. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you. This is going to be great! Arielle

Turtle researcher 

I am an ecologist with a B.S. from the University of California, Santa Cruz. I live in Watsonville, California in the United States (just south of Santa Cruz and San Francisco). I am currently searching for a job in western Oregon. The majority of my research experience is with small mammals from California, including mice from the genus Peromyscus. I completed a bachelor's thesis studying the range of the Santa Cruz kangaroo rat (Dipodomys venustus venustus). I worked for six months for the Resource Conservation District in California as a monitoring biologist on the Salinas River. We were working to control invasive Arundo donax plants and to control flooding by mowing overflow channels. I worked for nine months as a senior park aide for California State Parks in Santa Cruz County. I have some experience with ArcGIS from taking a university course, using it for my thesis, and using it to process data and produce maps for the Resource Conservation District. I am interested in gaining experience in 1) researching birds, mammals, and plants 2) land management such as ecosystem restoration and trail maintenance and 3) relevant computer software such as R Programming and QGIS. I am also interested in making connections with fellow ecologists in Oregon. I enjoy hiking, camping, reading, cooking, and making herbal forest tea. I also enjoy rock climbing and backpacking, although I am a newbie to both.

Brighton Chilekeni: A Distinguished and Relentless African (Zambian) Leader Brighton Chilekeni’s career embodies a truly pan-African commitment to preserving Africa’s natural heritage while pioneering sustainable business ventures. A well-trained military professional, he has forged a formidable reputation at the forefront of climate finance, community-driven conservation, technological innovation, and strategic tourism, with a proven operational footprint across multiple African nations. A Pan-African Journey Forged in Passion, Vision, and Discipline His distinguished career spans the iconic landscapes of Africa, having designed and executed critical conservation programs in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. This extensive field experience is underpinned by a background as a well-trained military professional, blending frontline pragmatism with academic rigor and strategic discipline. This unique journey—which includes being recognized as the youngest conservation professional to receive acclaim in Kenya—has equipped him with an unparalleled continental perspective. He now applies this insight to a landmark climate initiative while leading multiple visionary ventures. 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. · Climate Finance Leadership: A key leader in one of the world’s most ambitious carbon conservation projects—the first-ever REDD+ project in Zambia, the largest in Africa by hectarage, and the third-largest globally. · Wildlife Law Enforcement & Security Advisor: A trusted expert advisor in wildlife law enforcement, providing strategic guidance on anti-poaching operations, counter-trafficking initiatives, and the integration of technology into field security protocols. · Tourism & Hospitality Visionary: Owner and Founder of Lumezi Safaris and Tours, a premier agency led by Brighton himself as an expert tour guide. It specializes in curated travel experiences, expert tourism advice, and strategic consulting for visitors seeking to explore the heart of Africa. · Agricultural & Game Ranching Innovator: Founder of Chile Farms, an ambitious agricultural project with a clear vision to become a leading game ranch and a benchmark for sustainable farming and wildlife management. · Real Estate Developer: Founder of Tina Villa Park, a dynamic real estate venture offering high-quality flats and houses for rent and sale, creating modern, comfortable living spaces and fostering community development A Dynamic and Comprehensive Skill Set Brighton’s expertise is a powerful fusion of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial vision, deep technical proficiency, and military-grade discipline. 🚀 Visionary Leadership & Strategic Advisory · Conservation Technology Entrepreneurship: As the CEO of Tech4Wildlife, he actively drives innovation, identifies technological gaps, and creates solutions to combat poaching and enhance field efficiency. · Large-Scale Carbon Project Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex operations for a record-setting, continent-leading REDD+ project, driving significant climate finance and community benefits. · Strategic Security & Law Enforcement: Leveraging his military training, he provides expert-level guidance on integrating technology and tactical protocols into law enforcement operations for maximum impact and personnel safety. · Pan-African Operational Expertise: Possesses a deep, practical understanding of conservation dynamics and stakeholder engagement across diverse ecosystems in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. 🛠️ Advanced Conservation Technology & Field Mastery · 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. · Conservation Fire Management Expert: Skilled in the strategic use and control of fire as a ecological management tool to maintain healthy ecosystems, prevent destructive wildfires, and enhance habitat for wildlife. 🌍 Strategic Field Operations, Tourism & Impact · Anti-Poaching & Wildlife Trafficking Prevention: Designs and advises on technology-enhanced, intelligence-led law enforcement operations that are proactive and highly effective, with specialized expertise in disrupting wildlife trafficking networks. · Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation: Implements practical, community-driven solutions supported by technological monitoring. · Elite Tourism & Guided Experiences: Through Lumezi Safaris and Tours, Brighton leverages his extensive continental network and profound ecological knowledge as an expert guide to provide unparalleled travel experiences. He offers expert consulting and curates journeys that showcase Africa's breathtaking beauty, promote eco-tourism, and support local economies. · Game Ranching Expertise: Applies deep knowledge of sustainable wildlife management and breeding practices at Chile Farms, contributing to conservation, economic diversification, and ecological balance. In Summary: The Architect of a Sustainable, Tech-Enabled Future Brighton Chilekeni is a comprehensive architect of the future for conservation, tourism, and sustainable business in Africa. He operates at a unique and powerful intersection: · As a CEO and Founder, he is building the tools (Tech4Wildlife), showcasing the beauty (Lumezi Safaris), developing communities (Tina Villa Park), and innovating in agriculture and game management (Chile Farms). · As a Climate Leader, he is at the helm of a groundbreaking African carbon project, channeling international finance into vital conservation and community development. · As a Strategic Advisor and Expert, his military background, early recognition, and pan-African experience instills a culture of discipline, resilience, and strategic execution. His specialized command in wildlife law enforcement, anti-trafficking, guided tourism, game ranching, and fire management makes him a uniquely versatile asset. Brighton Chilekeni is not just participating in Africa's progress; he is actively leading its evolution, making him an invaluable visionary and a driving force for change across the continent.