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 Visionary Pan-African Leader Championing Conservation, Innovation, and Community Empowerment Brighton Chilekeni's remarkable career represents the very essence of pan-African leadership a profound commitment to safeguarding Africa's natural heritage while forging sustainable pathways for economic growth and community development. A disciplined military professional with an unwavering dedication to excellence, he has established himself as a formidable force at the intersection of climate finance, conservation technology, strategic tourism, and community-driven development, with an operational footprint spanning multiple African nations. A Pan-African Journey Forged in Passion, Vision, and Discipline His distinguished career has taken him across Africa's most iconic landscapes, where he has designed and executed transformative conservation programs in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. This extensive field experience is enriched by his background as a well-trained military professional, seamlessly blending frontline pragmatism with academic rigor and strategic discipline. Notably, Brighton holds the distinction of being the youngest conservation professional to receive acclaim in Kenya—a testament to his extraordinary dedication and impact. This unique journey has endowed him with an unparalleled continental perspective, which he now channels into groundbreaking climate initiatives while steering multiple visionary ventures toward success. Core Identity: The CEO, Leader, and Advisor 🏆 Entrepreneurial Leadership · Founder & CEO of Tech4Wildlife – A pioneering enterprise revolutionizing conservation law enforcement through the strategic adoption and mastery of advanced technology, bridging the gap between innovation and field impact. 🌿 Climate Finance Leadership · A key architect of one of the world's most ambitious carbon conservation projects—Zambia's first-ever REDD+ initiative, which stands as the largest in Africa by hectarage and the third-largest globally. Through this landmark project, he is channeling international climate finance into vital conservation efforts and community development. 🛡️ 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 cutting-edge technology into field security protocols, ensuring both operational effectiveness and personnel safety. 🦁 Tourism & Hospitality Visionary · Founder of Lumezi Safaris and Tours – A premier tourism agency led by Brighton himself as an expert tour guide. The agency specializes in curating authentic travel experiences, offering expert tourism advice, and providing strategic consulting for visitors seeking to explore the heart and soul of Africa. 🌾 Agricultural & Game Ranching Innovator · Founder of Chile Farms – An ambitious agricultural enterprise with a clear vision to become a leading game ranch and a benchmark for sustainable farming and wildlife management, contributing to ecological balance and economic diversification. 🏡 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 while fostering community development and sustainable urban growth. ❤️ Ranger Welfare Advocate · Founder of The African Rangers Wellbeing Trust – A compassionate organization dedicated to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of wildlife rangers across Africa, recognizing their sacrifice and ensuring they receive the care and dignity they deserve. 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 a combination that sets him apart as a truly transformative leader. 🚀 Visionary Leadership & Strategic Advisory · Conservation Technology Entrepreneurship – As CEO of Tech4Wildlife, he actively drives innovation, identifies critical technological gaps, and develops solutions to combat poaching while enhancing field efficiency and protecting both wildlife and rangers. · 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 tangible 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 deep, practical understanding of conservation dynamics and stakeholder engagement across diverse ecosystems in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. · Ranger Wellbeing Advocacy – Through The African Rangers Wellbeing Trust, he champions the welfare of frontline conservation heroes, ensuring they receive mental health support, resources, and recognition for their courageous service. 🛠️ 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, transforming how conservation is practiced on the ground. · 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, ensuring efficient and effective conservation outcomes. · Field Tool Proficiency – Mastery in configuring and using field tools like Cybertracker for data collection and Garmin inReach for team safety and coordination, empowering rangers to work smarter and safer. · Conservation Fire Management Expert – Skilled in the strategic use and control of fire as an ecological management tool to maintain healthy ecosystems, prevent destructive wildfires, and enhance habitat for wildlife, demonstrating a holistic understanding of landscape management. 🌍 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, fostering coexistence between people and wildlife. · 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, 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. · Ranger Welfare & Support – Through The African Rangers Wellbeing Trust, he ensures that those who protect Africa's wildlife are themselves protected, supported, and valued a vital pillar of sustainable conservation. 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 of vision, action, and compassion: · As a CEO and Founder, he is building transformative tools (Tech4Wildlife), showcasing Africa's breathtaking beauty (Lumezi Safaris), developing thriving communities (Tina Villa Park), innovating in agriculture and game management (Chile Farms), and championing the welfare of conservation heroes (The African Rangers Wellbeing Trust). · As a Climate Leader, he is at the helm of a groundbreaking African carbon project, channeling international finance into vital conservation and community development, positioning Africa at the forefront of global climate action. · As a Strategic Advisor and Expert, his military background, early recognition, and pan-African experience instill a culture of discipline, resilience, and strategic execution. His specialized command in wildlife law enforcement, anti-trafficking, guided tourism, game ranching, fire management, and ranger welfare makes him a uniquely versatile and invaluable asset to the continent. Brighton Chilekeni is not merely participating in Africa's progress—he is actively leading its evolution. With an unwavering commitment to conservation, innovation, and human dignity, he stands as an inspirational visionary and a driving force for positive change across the continent. His legacy is one of purpose, resilience, and hope a testament to what is possible when passion meets action.