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
Ecologist with extensive terrestrial practical survey, training and education, consultancy and advisory experience. Extensive wildlife conservation research and land management project experience as well as in working in forestry, agriculture and natural resource management, climate change resilience and disaster recovery. I've also lectured on field survey techniques, environmental impact assessments and flood and fire risk management and am also working on climate change impacts and mitigation. Open to short term consultancy projects.
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.
My journey into wildlife protection began with a cat named Cheekoh, whom I adopted while in Costa Rica. Cheekoh wasn’t just a pet—he was the catalyst that opened my eyes to the incredible world of wildlife. Through him, I met my husband, and we quickly realized we shared a deep love for animals and a shared vision: to protect endangered species.
That love for animals, sparked by Cheekoh, became the foundation for everything I do today. Together, my husband and I have dedicated our lives to using our technical skills—my background in innovation and his expertise in technology—to help protect endangered species. Our journey, from adopting Cheekoh to creating innovative solutions for wildlife protection, has been a story of love, learning, and commitment. I’m thrilled to share this passion with others, especially the next generation of conservationists.
As the Executive Director of Kashmir World Foundation, I lead a dedicated team focused on wildlife protection and conservation. We use cutting-edge technologies to combat poaching and safeguard endangered species. With a robust network of scientists, researchers, and conservationists, KwF is at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to protect wildlife, utilizing AI, drones, and other advanced technologies. Through global collaboration, we create new strategies to monitor ecosystems, prevent illegal activities, and ensure a sustainable future for our planet's most vulnerable species.
Learn more about KwF's Internship Program.
MSc Ecology and BSc Zoology Graduate from the University of Exeter. Special interest in wild animal behaviour, the use of AI in recognition, and wildlife education and science communication. Starting a PhD in animal stress in September. Head of Editorial at Viridis Magazine.
Suhail Bashir
Environmental Consultant, WildHub Community Advocate, ENS Environmnetal Consultancy Sharjah
Experienced Environmental Engineer/Consultant with a proven track record of leading successful environmental initiatives and delivering sustainable solutions. My expertise encompasses a diverse range of areas, including Baseline Studies, Environment Impact Assessments (EIA/IEE/ESIA), Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Environmental Conservation & Sustainability.
Currently, I am making a significant impact as an Environmental Engineer/Consultant at one of the leading Environmental Consultancy, specializing in preparing comprehensive environmental study reports for clients primarily from Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority Dubai. These reports play a crucial role in promoting environmental compliance and sustainable practices within the industry.
I am a science communicator - in the early part of my career but learning quickly.
My main platform is The Curious Environmentalist but I also have a personal website and I have recently started a newsletter on Substack.
I currently write and do podcasts, but I am hoping to expand into videos too. My whole ethos is about making science accessible to anyone who is curious.
I'd love to connect!
Eston Kimaswoch
Conservation Education, Participation and Awareness programs Office, Kenya Environmental Conservation Network
I'm passionate about Natural Resource Management and Environmental Conservation, Community Development, Sustainable livelihoods gender and social inclusion, I have strong background in partnership building, grant writing, and fundraising. My expertise lies in designing and implementing impactful projects in Natural Resource Management, climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation, Sustainable livelihood development, Community engagement, stakeholder collaboration whilst ensuring long-term benefits for both communities and biodiversity.
With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit and conservation sector, I have successfully mobilized resources, secured competitive grants, and led stakeholder engagements to drive sustainable solutions. I specialize in project planning, ecological research, advocacy, and training, equipping local communities with the knowledge and tools to build climate-resilient livelihoods.
I'm adept at designing and implementing capacity-building programs, advocating for gender equality, and fostering social inclusion within marginalized communities. My expertise in resource mobilization, community engagement, and advocacy equips me to make meaningful contributions to empowering marginalized groups and supporting the growth of NGOs, INGOs, and MSMEs. I am eager to create sustainable impacts through collaborative approaches involving stakeholders such as policymakers, donors, and entrepreneurs
Key Achievements
✅ Secured Funding for Conservation Initiatives
✅ Designed and Implemented Climate-Smart Livelihood Programs – Led initiatives in agroforestry, beekeeping, permaculture, and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) to enhance food security and environmental sustainability.
Skills & Expertise
✔ Grant Writing & Resource Mobilization
✔ Project Planning & Management
✔ Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
✔ Climate-Smart Agriculture & Sustainable Livelihoods
✔ Conservation Advocacy & Community Empowerment
✔ Research, Monitoring & Evaluation
✔ Training & Capacity Building
✔ Policy Development & Risk Assessment
✔ Gender-sensitive conservation strategies
Let’s Connect!
I have an MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, UK. I am originally from the United States but now live in North Wales with my partner.
My research interests include the natural history & conservation ecology of small mammals, wild cats, Asian elephants, and tapirs, species responses to deforestation & habitat fragmentation, hunting & wildlife trade. I work at the interface between conservation science & applied wildlife management, using evidence-based approaches, statistical analysis, & technologies (EarthRanger, camera-trapping, acoustic sensors, RS imagery, SMART) to advise the conservation of wildlife populations in tropical Asia, Oceania and East Africa.
Wildlife biologist with cross-cutting interests in wildlife conservation technologies, wildlife and ecological research, climate change.
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
Conservation
I am a social scientist and passionate about increasing the application of social science research and methods in the conservation sector. To do this, I founded Human Nature. Human Nature is a social enterprise empowering conservation professionals to use social sciences to impact people and planet. We provide training and mentorship to NGOs, academics, policy makers and others wishing to build their foundations in social science. Many people working in conservation have trained through natural science routes, and find themselves needing to better understand the people elements of ecosystems. Social science provides the tools do this. Please get in touch if you are interested in hearing more about what we do. You can contact me at https://humannature.co.uk/contact.