Elly Omondi (He/Him)

Animal care Officer , CCF
Louisa Richmond-Coggan

Conservation & Sustainability Consultant, LRC Wildlife Conservation Consulting

I am a conservation and sustainability consultant with a passion for combining real-world conservation practices and innovative Web 3.0 technologies to help organisations scale their impact, build trust, and drive new opportunities for engagement and funding. Through my work, I develop tools and frameworks that bridge the gap between traditional conservation efforts and the integration of Web 3.0 technologies such as blockchain, digital certificates, IoT, DAOs, and the metaverse. This combined approach supports knowledge sharing, informed decision-making, and the adoption of practical solutions tailored to the unique needs of conservation projects. Are you working with Web 3.0 technologies or exploring how they could apply to conservation? Whether you’re developing new ideas, facing challenges, or just curious about this space, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s connect to discuss your thoughts, experiences, and how we can collaborate to create impactful solutions. Background I am a Conservation and Sustainability Consultant with over twenty years of experience spanning field-based research, conservation management, and leadership development. My career has evolved from conducting large carnivore ecology and human-wildlife conflict research across Eastern and Southern Africa to designing and implementing innovative conservation solutions that address today’s pressing challenges. I hold a Master’s in Conservation Biology from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, and a Ph.D. from Nottingham Trent University, where my research focused on variations in brown hyaena density and distribution across South Africa. My work has taken me into national parks, conservancies, and private farmland, including leading Namibia’s National Leopard Census Project, which combined field ecology with multi-disciplinary approaches to assess leopard population pressures and trends. As the Academic Dean of the School of Wildlife Conservation at the African Leadership University, I trained and developed the next generation of entrepreneurial, mission-driven conservation leaders. My work focused on the 'Business of Conservation,' positioning conservation as an opportunity for sustainable economic and social development. Building on this foundation, I now focus on helping conservation organisations explore and adopt innovative Web 3.0 technologies such as blockchain, IoT, and digital certificates to scale their impact, drive transparency, and unlock new funding streams. Through my consultancy, I develop tools and frameworks that bridge the gap between technology and conservation, empowering organisations to make informed decisions and achieve tangible results for nature and communities. My work combines ongoing conservation initiatives, including research, project design, and field-based management, with the integration of technology-driven solutions. Both areas are essential for addressing conservation challenges at scale, ensuring that organisations have the tools, knowledge, and capacity to achieve lasting impact. By aligning these two areas, I provide a holistic approach that delivers meaningful, real-world results and transformative opportunities through innovation.
Sandra Bessudo

Founder and Director, Fundación Malpelo y Otros Ecosistemas Marinos

Leah Winstead

IT department Head / Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Coordinator, Project Neofelis / Tour Operator Guide, U.S. Navy / S.P.E.C.I.E.S./ San Diego Zoo Global

Muthoni Njuguna

Natural Resource Research Ecologist , CEEC

I am a natural-resource ecologist and sustainability advocate who builds bridges between local communities, nature, and science-policy. By blending systems thinking with social-behavioral change communication, I design human-centered programs and initiatives that connect ecological outcomes with social justice and sustainable development. 🐾⚖️ My training and field experience help me translate research into community-driven projects and business models that restore landscapes and strengthen livelihoods. To advance the adoption of nature-based solutions, I craft creative advocacy and training programmes grounded in evidence-based research. 👩🏽‍🔬 I deeply enjoy storytelling, co-creating, mentoring early-career practitioners, and hosting spaces that spark creativity and transform complex challenges into tangible impact. 🧩 Outside my work, I love birding, dancing, travelling, photography, and writing. 🌸
Edy Hendras Wahyono

Conservation Education, Nature Conservation Education Foundation (YAPEKA)

Saya Edy Hendras, sebelumnya sebagaai peneliti mengenai primata terutama oranguta, dan sudah menulis tentang buku panduan lapangan untuk primataa Indonesia. Kami mempunyai lembaga Yayasan Pendidikan Konservasi alam, yang didirikan sejak tahun 2004. Kegiatan yayasan kami adalah pendidikan lingkungan untuk pelatihan guru, pembuatan buku modul sekolah, buku permainan serta buku-buku yang terkait dengan keagaamaan, misalnya Buku Modul Pendidikan Lingkungan Untuk Pesantren. Selain itu juga membantu dalam berbagai kegiatan pemberdayaan masyarakat, seperti pengembangan ekowisata, pertanian organik, pembuatan biogas serta peningkatan kapasitas. Semua kegiatan di lakukan baik di teresterial ataupun di laut/marine, yang terkait dengan konservasi kawasan
Grace Alawa

WildHub Community Advocate, Sustainable Actions for Nature

Passionate lover of nature
Samirah Siddiqui

Programme Coordinator, Global Environments Network

Fahri Budiman

Assistance of In-Situ Conservation Division, Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari

I had work variety a conservation area. I started as young researcher, and then I work in Restoration Ecosystem also have experience with community development. Right now, I work as management support for orangutan conservation and running project landscape based in Leuser and Batang Toru. Also, I aim to as Project Management Specialist. 
Felicia Lasmana

Senior Quality Officer & Project Manager, HCV Network

I am a conservation biologist with great interest in the application of conservation science into a practical solution. I work with scientists, practitioners and academics in conservation and sustainability sector. Specialties: SE Asia terrestrial ecology (in bats and other mammals), High Conservation Values (HCV), Natural Resource Management & Conservation, Interdisciplinary Research, Quality Assurance, Sustainability Issues (in oil palm sector).
Kate Vannelli

Program Director, Global Conservation Corps

Nguyen Van Kien

principal researcher, Vietnam National plant genebank - plant resources center (prc)

My work is serving plant genetic resources conservation and use intervention for food and agriculture development (PGRFA) in Vietnam. We design, develop, carry out platform and strategy, programs on PGRFA and relevant areas, including consultancy, training activities. Currently, we are trying to focus on diversity and evolution works of crop and wild crop relatives (CWRs)in the contexts of climate changes, nutrition and health styles and ecosystem services payments and environments as well as values series of culture, spirit and religions that plant genetic resources contribute to sustainable human social development against future challenges. I hope that we could exchange experience, idea and innovation to contribute in developing a better world. We are looking forward to hearing your feedback, support and cooperation soon
Elizabeth Stephenson

Director, Marine Conservation Action Fund, New England Aquarium

Mark O'Connell

Senior Lecturer in Practical Ecology, UNIVERSITY OF GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Amos Chege

Student, King's College London

Brian Heppenstall

Lecturer in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation, Kingston Maurward College

I lead and deliver a part-theory, part hand-on course in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation at Kingston Maurward College, on the South Coast of the UK. I have managed Rangers and Engagement staff and overseen species and habitat management for over 20 years, but my passions are around people and conservation. From writing bids for engagement projects/roles to developing the future workforce, I believe the key to a brighter ecological future lies with people. I received the Alumni of the Year Award from Bournemouth University, in 2018, nominated for my work in supporting young people in Conservation, and our team have developed an industry standard placement scheme. I am also the co-host of a Conservation podcast; The Hive.
Ana Di Pangracio

Biodiversity Director and Deputy Director, Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (FARN)

I am a lawyer specialized in biodiversity, environmental policy, and human rights, with more than 15 years of experience. I am passionate about contributing to the development of public policies that are fair, participatory, and grounded in human rights. I have been actively engaged in global negotiations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) since 2010, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) since 2017, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2010, promoting more equitable, effective, and rights-based environmental governance. I am particularly interested in the strategic advocacy of civil society. I have led coordinated action among organizations in Argentina on a wide range of conservation issues and have been repeatedly elected by my peers from NGOs to represent the sector in institutional spaces, fostering collaborative and results-oriented work. Throughout my career, I have worked across multiple sectors -non-profit organizations, government institutions, global networks, and academia- driven by a strong belief in the power of alliances, dialogue, and cooperation to strengthen environmental justice and respond collectively to today’s socio-ecological challenges. I raise funds from international cooperation and philanthropic sources, and design and implement projects and campaigns on land-use planning, wetlands, native forests, terrestrial and marine protected and conserved areas, ecological corridors, restoration, and access to information, participation, and environmental justice. I lead multidisciplinary teams guided by strategic planning, active communication, and impact monitoring. Open to change and knowledge sharing, I am committed to integrating new technologies to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and impact. I drive digital transformation and organizational strengthening processes while promoting gender mainstreaming across institutional strategies and operations.
Frank van der Most

Founder and Research engineer, Rubber Boots Data

Data, databases and apps ( Claris FileMaker ) for nature conservation and sustainability research. Funding expertise as a bonus
Jim Barborak

Senior Adviser Center for Protected Area Management, Colorado State University

Jim Barborak is Senior Adviser of the Center for Protected Area Management at Colorado State University, an outreach arm of the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU. His B.S. and M.S. in natural resources are from Ohio State University, and he took additional coursework mid-career at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. His specialties include protected areas and corridor planning and management; wildlife management; conservation finance, policy and governance; capacity building; and ecotourism. He began his career working for county government in his native Ohio, and then joined the US Peace Corps as a Volunteer and was assigned to work with the Honduran Wildlife Department. That began an international career now spanning more than 40 years. He has worked for US, Costa Rican and Honduran government conservation agencies, as a consultant to several UN organizations including UNESCO, the UN Development Program and FAO, as a private consultant, and for universities. He has worked in nearly 30 countries, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, but also in Africa and Asia. He is an active member of the World Commission on Protected Areas and serves on several of its specialist groups, including those on Tourism, Conservation Finance, Capacity Building, and Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities and Equity. He is a native English speaker, fluent in Spanish, and speaks conversational Portuguese. Throughout his career, Jim has worked on efforts to plan and develop increased opportunities for public enjoyment of protected areas, through tourism, recreation, and environmental education programs. At the same time, he has been actively involved in efforts to increase the stream of benefits to local communities and indigenous populations living in and around protected areas, through their direct involvement in tourism and through other mechanisms to create employment and improve livelihoods in conservation units, the buffer zones that ring them, and the corridors that connect them.
SUSAN CHEYNE

Co-Director, Borneo Nature Foundation International

I am passionate about primates, felids and large mammals, conservation education and outreach.
Arvind Kumar Chaurasia

Additional Commissioner, IRS(C&IT), Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC)

I am Additional Commissioner from Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) with vast experience of law enforcement especially in tackling transnational smuggling  including willdife trafficking. Also, as an expert I have been conducting sessions on various aspects of wildlife crimes and its convergence with other serious crimes, legal and enforcement framework to counter it, wildlife cyber crime, OSINT for combating wildlife crime, combating money laundering associated with wildlife crime, CITES, role of Customs in tackling the menace of wildlife crime, Digital Forensics etc. for forest, police, customs and other enforcement agencies' officials. I have also been invited as an expert by UNODC ROSA to train the law enforcement officials of Sri Lanka on combating wildlife cyber crimes.