My name is João Luis Bittencourt Guimarães, I am a forest engineer with a master’s degree in nature conservation. I live in the south of Brazil, in Curitiba, with my wife and two children. I was born in France, where I lived until I was two years old, when my parents decided to return to their homeland, Brazil.   I have been working for over 20 years on the themes of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and water resources. I have accumulated experience both in the private sector (in companies and as a consultant) and in the non-profit sector(environmental organizations). In recent years, I have worked extensively on the themes of Ecosystem Services (benefits of natural processes for society) and Nature-Based Solutions(NbS). Since 2016, I work as a senior consultant on the development of strategic studies on NbS, Payment for Ecosystem Services, Ecosystem Services assessment and modellingand providing training related to these themes.  I have worked in different work sectors, such as a consulting firm (Montgomey Watson, 2000-2001), within the environmental departament of a large mining company (Vale SA, 2001-2003), and three non-profit nature conservation organizations (Boticário Group Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and Fauna & Flora International, 2003-2016).  I really enjoy developing team solutions, I have a collaborative and adaptive spirit, I am open to the fruitful differences of  opinion, I seek to establish approaches that embrace different points of view. I am used to responding to multiple requests and managing correctly their turnaround time.  I am used to writing proposals and reports on the analyses I carry out, in technical and clear language. I have accumulated extensive professional experience in the modelling of ecosystem services (related to water, soil, carbon, agricultural production, etc.) via the InVEST tool (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (https ://naturalcapitalproject.stanford.edu/software/invest ). I have used the InVEST tool extensively in several strategic analyses, mainly aimed at quantifying and mapping the impact of hypothetical development or conservation scenarios on the supply of ecosystem services.

Vincent is interested in collaborative conservation, protected area management, and natural resources governance with special interest in the conservation of the critically endangered cross river gorilla. He is currently the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (known for gorillas, chimps and drills) Project Manager where he promotes Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) mission through law enforcement and research work with support from rangers and in close contact with communities, government agencies and other stakeholders. Prior to joining WCS in 2019, Vincent spent the last 5 years working with NGOCE Nigeria as their programing/project management Volunteer and also with Earthcorps in Seattle, USA, first as an eco-restoration crew member and later as an eco-restoration crew leader. Vincent holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Resources Management, from the University of Calabar, Nigeria and a Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management and Climate Change from Bayero University, Nigeria. Vincent is currently undergoing a graduate course on Endangered Species Management at the Durrell Conservation Academy in Jersey, UK which is affiliated to the university of Kent. In his free time, Vincent can be found taking a walk in nature, watching arsenal matches and spending time with family. I am here to network and connect with people that have passion and interest in the conservation of wildlife and wild places. I also look forward to sharing and getting opportunities and learnings that will aid my growth on conservation for the benefit of wildlife and the local communities I work with

I am often called a conservation planning specialist, but my 25-year professional career also encompasses other components of biodiversity conservation projects, such as management; monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) and technical auditing. Geographically, I specialize in Latin America and Africa, but my assignments have also included the projects in the Middle East, South-East Asia and Europe. I am used to work in different cultural, social and disciplinary settings, involving a number organisations and audiences, as well as a diversity of conservation projects, from large-scale conservation initiatives (Patagonia, the Amazon, Western Africa, Mozambique Channel), to community-based conservation projects (Brazil, Mexico, Peru, DRC). My approach is based on a three-fold background in social sciences, environmental sciences, and geography. My fluency in Spanish, French and English, an increasing proficiency in Portuguese, and a deep cultural and gender sensitivity allow me to seamlessly work in different settings and locations worldwide. I love my work, but besides work, I also I love dogs, being in contact with nature, cooking, reading, meeting new friends and travel.

Ph.D. in Biosciences and Territory - territorial curriculum (ICAR/20 - Urban planning technique) at the University of Molise, with a thesis about the relationship between protection of environmental qualities and territorial socio-economic development. Former post-graduate fellow on the topics “Interactive environmental planning of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park” and “Innovative ways of developing the planning process of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park”. Many years of experience in the planning and regulation of protected natural areas and in the Strategic Environmental Assessment procedure (also in integration with the Incidence Assessment and Management Plans of the Natura 2000 Network’s areas), acquired as part of the activities of the LISP laboratory (University of Molise). Collaboration, in the same laboratory, in the drafting of territorial cooperation projects (Interreg ADRION and IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro) and international mobility projects (Erasmus+). Continuous collaboration in the teaching activities of the courses of Territorial Tourism Planning (degree course in Tourism Sciences), Urban Planning Technique (degree course in Civil Engineering) and Territorial Planning (Master’s degree course in Civil Engineering) and in the seminars and project work activities of the II level professional master in Planning and promotion of the cultural landscape at the University of Molise. Many year of collaboration in the production and post-production of professional photo and video services in the commercial, industrial and events markets at Blitz foto | video (San Salvo) and FotoGrafica srl (Lanciano). Collaboration experience in architectural and landscape design (at Fagnoni & Associati Architetti, Florence) and in R&D in the construction and commercial field (at Gruppo D’Angelo & Antenucci, San Salvo).

I was Research Fellow at Auburn University studying human-elephant interactions (now alumni!). I have completed my work in the Tsavo Ecosystem of Kenya studying wildlife mitigation measures and working with local and Indigenous communities to understand the drivers of conflict in complex social-ecological systems. I have a wide variety of inter-disciplinary interests including structured decision making, restoration and rewilding, community-based conservation, conservation management and planning, and all things associated with addressing the climate and biodiversity crises. Currently job searching and planning to relocate!

I work for a marine science & conservation non-profit studying species and habitats in the Salish Sea and beyond. Much of our work involves looks at how anthropogenic impacts like vessel traffic and underwater noise change the behavior of threatened populations such as southern resident killer whales. Other topics we work on include cetacean distribution and habitat use, the estimated effects of deep sea mining, salmon preservation, and habitat restoration. I have skills in GIS, R, and ecological modeling. I am most interested in research involving spatial data, oceanography, and marine vertebrate behavior. I previously worked on field projects studying cetaceans in British Columbia and sea turtles in Costa Rica, the US, and Australia. I completed an MRes in Marine Biology at the University of Plymouth where I used density surface models to assess the distribution and abundance of harbour porpoises around the UK.

Kevin Lunzalu is very passionate about transformative biodiversity governance, fostering youth-led practical solutions to pressing conservation challenges, and intergenerational equity. This interest first developed while completing his Bachelor’s in Wildlife Conservation and Enterprise Management at Egerton University.  He is the co-founder and national coordinator of the Kenyan Youth Biodiversity Network, one of Kenya’s largest youth-led conservation organizations by membership, building the capacity of young people to address biodiversity loss through policy advocacy, ecosystem restoration, marine action, and awareness creation. Kevin has received several recognitions for his work on biodiversity conservation, including being listed among the Top 100 Young Conservation Leaders in Africa 2021, Youth of the Year 2021 Award of the Youth Agenda 254, World Bank’s #Blog4Dev 2021 Winner, and Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Fellowship. He was an invited delegate and speaker at IUCN World Conservation Congress 2021 to promote stronger youth voices in biodiversity governance. Kevin is also a 2022 Aspen New Voices Fellow, a role through which he actively champions for meaningful youth engagement in conservation frameworks and policies, and advocates for climate justice. 

Where is restoration taking place around the world, and how is it being tracked? This is an important question that should put ecosystem monitoring at the forefront to achieve both quantitative and qualitative goals. That's where my work comes in—launching data-driven solutions for monitoring, reporting, and guiding investment. Because both people and the planet matter.

My name is Irene Kananura Natukunda. I am the Co-founder and COO at Biodiversity Hub International (BHI), an environmental scientist, a passionate conservationist and a nature lover. In the past 4 years, i worked as a volunteer as several organisations including Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN-Uganda), Earth Day Network, Fridays for Future-Uganda, Nature Uganda, Youth Go Green and many other where i learnt a lot and became more passionate about nature conservation. I am so interested in engaging in activities that contribute towards nature restoration and climate change mitigation such as planting trees on degraded forests and creating awareness in communities around wildlife protected areas to reduce human-wildlife conflicts that result into poaching and illegal trade of critically endangered species. I like to connect and engage with like-minded people which i believe has helped me to increase my knowledge and understanding in the field of biodiversity conservation. I help in write project proposals and concepts for my organisation which has truly been a great learning journey. I am so honoured to be a member at Wild Hub and am hoping to learn more and share as much as i know towards one main goal of conserving wildlife to end the silent killer known as Biodiversity Loss. Thanks 

Wildlife biologist with cross-cutting interests in wildlife conservation technologies, wildlife and ecological research, climate change. 

I'm a children's book author with a focus on creating books that ignite passion and curiosity for wildlife and wild places in young readers. "If we care about animals, we'll want to protect them." I'm looking to connect with professionals who are studying and/or are actively helping in advancing wildlife conservation efforts in general. I am also a beginning nature photographer with a passion for capturing the unique personalities of each animal I see. (That's the goal, anyhow!) I've had a lifelong passion for animals and want to learn all I can and share what I can with young readers, hopefully inspiring the next wave of conservationists, naturalists, scientists, etc.!

Hi there! I am an anthropologist & primatologist with a deep love and admiration for the natural world. I am passionate about primate conservation, specifically gibbons, and focused both my MA and PhD research on the elusive & enchanting Javan gibbon, and worked in collaboration with colleagues from the Javan Gibbon Center in West Java in order to achieve this. My research comprised elements of social anthropology (qualitative interviews with local people in West Java & social network research on the illegal wildlife trade) and conservation biology (population viability modelling & behavioural observations) and addressed a range of conservation issues relevant to the highly endangered Javan gibbon. I have participated in three releases of Javan gibbons back to the wild, including the very first one in 2009! I am a member of the IUCN Section on Small Apes and participate in two working groups with the Malaysian Primatological Society developing a national action plan for Malaysian gibbons. After my experience working in the education departments at both the Oregon Zoo and now currently Edinburgh Zoo, I have become quite passionate about conservation education and hope to inspire the younger generation to love the natural world as much as I do!

I'm a wildlife conservationist, with 14 years of hands-on experience in the field management and coordination of international conservation and research programs with endangered wildlife. My work focuses heavily on parrots and macaws, participating in or leading 13 programs in 8 countries. My strong interest is in biodiversity conservation based on field research and focus on wildlife species highly threatened by extinction.