I was born in Switzerland, but my current home is Costa Rica where I have been living with my wife and daughter for the last 25 years. Over two decades, I have developed extensive knowledge in sustainability topics along with a wide experience in designing, fundraising, and implementing conservation biology programs, biological corridors, project planning, implementation and monitoring, the leadership of inter-institutional alliances at the national, bi-national, regional and international level, as well as in the creation of protected areas. My areas of expertise include biodiversity, landscape issues, connectivity conservation, transboundary conservation, protected areas, and World Heritage Sites, sustainable development, wildlife, governance, and ecosystem conservation. I have worked for local and international NGOs and the academy, and define myself as a passionate conservation practitioner compromised with high standards of excellence, and a team player able to build strong intercultural relationships. I love trail running, photography, reading, cooking, traveling, and meeting new people from different cultural contexts. I am fluent in French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, with limited working proficiency in German and Indonesian. I am currently learning Mandarin and Arabic.

As Programme Director for Selamatkan Yaki, an integrated species conservation programme based in Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia I am responsible for planning and rolling out various projects to work towards our objectives across a multiple year framework. Our programme works towards protecting the habitat and remaining populations of the Critically Endangered Sulawesi crested black macaque (Macaca nigra), whilst supporting local initiatives, developing alternatives to hunting and capacity building for the local people. I am also the Co-Founder of Lestari Environmental Education Consultancy. Lestari cultivates regenerative change through innovative and engaging social science approaches. Drawing from a rich resource and experience base of behavioural chance best practice, Lestari offers a service to academic institutions, NGOs, businesses and other change makers across the following central domains: advocacy and communications, facilitation, and research and evaluation. Collaborative pathways are catalysed to undertake transformative research, develop strategy and policy and facilitate events and training such as participatory workshops and nature-based experiential learning to foster change. In addition to this role, I am undertaking a part time PhD in Human Geography, primarily focused on the understudied area of conservation advocacy. Integrated into the programme, this study examines anthropological causes of species' declines and potential mitigation strategies based on behavioural change mechanisms such as community based social marketing. It is predicted that the mutual and synergistic goals of filling gaps in our understanding of mechanisms of advocacy whilst enhancing in-situ conservation strategies will be achieved. Previous positions have seen the development of my experience in primate conservation and research as a primatologist for Operation Wallacea in Sulawesi and conducting research on primate health in Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. In addition to my field experience, I have been involved in ex-situ management, working as experienced keeper in the primate department and quarantine at Stichting AAP in The Netherlands. I completed an MSc in Primate Conservation at Oxford Brookes University, UK in 2010. With this range of experience I have developed a commitment for working in conservation to support efforts to halt the loss of biodiversity and live in harmony with our fellow primates.

I love swimming in the rivers & sea, climbing mountains and walking all over the UK. Scuba diving, snowboarding and novice surfer. I love a pint and relaxing in the park when I see mates in the city. Growing up on the banks of the Wye I currently live rurally looking for the 'good life' Eco Sustainable living. I am hoping to help build my home, maybe my own log cabin! I enjoy networking and am an effective communicator, advocate and educationalist. Past experience, conducting business meetings & community engagement, have honed my skills in management of staff and volunteers. I have a diverse skill set. I am adept at statistical analysis, SPSS & GIS, management plans, report writing & scientific valuation of research. At this pivotal point in the earths future I have set up a grass roots organisation as I am passionate about making a change. Having worked in business, not for profit organisations, governmental partnerships, charities, practical conservation and humanitarian volunteering I feel I have a wealth of experience to help over the coming years. Both part time and freelance options appeal to me. I take pride in my continued professional and personal development, from amphibian ID, food safety to first aid & scuba diving. From my work with the RSPB in Primary schools, teenagers for the Devon Youth Service, to leading a team of youth in Nepal to volunteers in train carriage restoration shows I am effective all round communicator / enthuser. I have conducted business in many forms, I feel I have much to offer, using my initiative and positive dedication. Please see my linked in profile which shows how involved I was in Arts, Tourism, government and Business.