Flavia Manieri
Interdisciplinary Researcher|WildHub Community Advocate & Conservation Catalyst , Uppsala University
I am an interdisciplinary researcher with a background in environmental social sciences and humanities, interested in sustainability and environmental protection. My areas of expertise range from environmental history to human geography, from environmental law & policies to environmental management. In recent years, my work has focused on human-nature relationships in water environments and water management (more specifically related to flood risk). Currently, I am wrapping up my PhD while working as visiting researcher in Sweden.
I am also passionate about animal welfare and ethology and over the years I have had the opportunity to support projects studying wild horses, salmon, beavers and orcas for a number of environmental organisations.
Yanna Vogiazou
Design Research | Behaviour Change | Service Design, Independent consultant (https://designfollowsinsight.com/)
Hello, I'm Yanna, a design consultant helping social and environmental impact organizations to design innovative solutions that address complex challenges. My approach combines human-centered design and behavior change strategies. I believe that understanding the drivers and barriers of human behavior in relation to environmental challenges is essential in order to design sustainable and transformative community programs that achieve conservation goals. I facilitate a design process with my clients to create tools, services and programs that drive systemic change, exploring solutions beyond campaigns and educational approaches.
I am really passionate about protecting nature and wildlife. Although my design experience stems mostly from healthcare, humanitarian aid, agriculture and climate change resilience programs (see https://designfollowsinsight.com/projects/), I have also worked on developing a biodiversity monitoring and reporting innovation strategy. My goal is to apply design research methodologies and innovation in the service of wildlife and nature.
Wongibe Poupezo Dieudonne
Student | Field Ecologists , Aquatic Environmental Management Association (AQUAMEN) | African Marine Mammal Conservation Organization (AMMCO)
I am a dedicated marine and freshwater biologist currently pursuing my PhD, focusing on wildlife conservation and sustainable fishing practices. My academic journey has been deeply rooted in understanding the complexities of marine ecosystems and the challenges they face.
I completed my MSc with a thesis on the West African Manatee (T. Senegalensis), where I investigated the mechanisms of bycatch through different gillnet configurations. This study not only mimicked the daily fishing activities of local fishers but also provided valuable insights into the interactions between manatees and fishing gear. My findings revealed new species involved in bycatch, as well as the primary causes of fish damage, ultimately suggesting the best gillnet configurations to minimize bycatch.
In my PhD program, I am expanding my research to identify and map bycatch sites along the coast of Cameroon. My current projects include analyzing various pollutants found in sharks and rays, understanding the effects of these pollutants on the health and genetics of these species, and determining their age to better comprehend their life cycles and conservation needs.
I am passionate about reducing bycatch and promoting sustainable fishing practices. As part of my conservation activities, I will be training local fishermen on best releasesing practices, which involve techniques to safely release life bycatch back into the water, and educating them on how to effectively use GPS technology to monitor and manage their fishing activities.
I believe that community engagement is crucial for successful conservation efforts. I invite community members and local stakeholders to join me in these important initiatives. Together, we can work towards protecting our marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fishing for future generations. Thank you for your interest in my work!. I look forward for collaboration as I still find difficulties in having a laboratory for analysis. Thanks🙏
I lead on the Whitley Fund for Nature's Network Development programme, supporting and creating connections among the 200-strong global network to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration, and strengthen capacity. Previous to this role, I worked for Galapagos Conservation Trust for over seven years across project management and operations/finance. I hold an MSc in Conservation Science from Imperial College London. I am passionate about habitat restoration, the conservation of endemic species and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.