Brighton Chilekeni: A Distinguished and Relentless African (Zambian) Leader Brighton Chilekeni’s career embodies a truly pan-African commitment to preserving Africa’s natural heritage while pioneering sustainable business ventures. A well-trained military professional, he has forged a formidable reputation at the forefront of climate finance, community-driven conservation, technological innovation, and strategic tourism, with a proven operational footprint across multiple African nations. A Pan-African Journey Forged in Passion, Vision, and Discipline His distinguished career spans the iconic landscapes of Africa, having designed and executed critical conservation programs in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. This extensive field experience is underpinned by a background as a well-trained military professional, blending frontline pragmatism with academic rigor and strategic discipline. This unique journey—which includes being recognized as the youngest conservation professional to receive acclaim in Kenya—has equipped him with an unparalleled continental perspective. He now applies this insight to a landmark climate initiative while leading multiple visionary ventures. Core Identity: The CEO, Leader & Advisor · Entrepreneurial Leadership: Founder & CEO of Tech4Wildlife, a pioneering project dedicated to revolutionizing conservation law enforcement through the adoption and mastery of advanced technology. · Climate Finance Leadership: A key leader in one of the world’s most ambitious carbon conservation projects—the first-ever REDD+ project in Zambia, the largest in Africa by hectarage, and the third-largest globally. · Wildlife Law Enforcement & Security Advisor: A trusted expert advisor in wildlife law enforcement, providing strategic guidance on anti-poaching operations, counter-trafficking initiatives, and the integration of technology into field security protocols. · Tourism & Hospitality Visionary: Owner and Founder of Lumezi Safaris and Tours, a premier agency led by Brighton himself as an expert tour guide. It specializes in curated travel experiences, expert tourism advice, and strategic consulting for visitors seeking to explore the heart of Africa. · Agricultural & Game Ranching Innovator: Founder of Chile Farms, an ambitious agricultural project with a clear vision to become a leading game ranch and a benchmark for sustainable farming and wildlife management. · Real Estate Developer: Founder of Tina Villa Park, a dynamic real estate venture offering high-quality flats and houses for rent and sale, creating modern, comfortable living spaces and fostering community development A Dynamic and Comprehensive Skill Set Brighton’s expertise is a powerful fusion of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial vision, deep technical proficiency, and military-grade discipline. 🚀 Visionary Leadership & Strategic Advisory · Conservation Technology Entrepreneurship: As the CEO of Tech4Wildlife, he actively drives innovation, identifies technological gaps, and creates solutions to combat poaching and enhance field efficiency. · Large-Scale Carbon Project Management: Proven ability to lead and manage complex operations for a record-setting, continent-leading REDD+ project, driving significant climate finance and community benefits. · Strategic Security & Law Enforcement: Leveraging his military training, he provides expert-level guidance on integrating technology and tactical protocols into law enforcement operations for maximum impact and personnel safety. · Pan-African Operational Expertise: Possesses a deep, practical understanding of conservation dynamics and stakeholder engagement across diverse ecosystems in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. 🛠️ Advanced Conservation Technology & Field Mastery · Technology Integration Specialist: Expert in the end-to-end deployment of conservation tech stacks, including SMART, EarthRanger, GIS, Cybertracker, and Garmin inReach. · Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverages spatial data and real-time analytics from platforms like EarthRanger and GIS to guide patrols, model threats, and allocate resources strategically. · Field Tool Proficiency: Mastery in configuring and using field tools like Cybertracker for data collection and Garmin inReach for team safety and coordination. · Conservation Fire Management Expert: Skilled in the strategic use and control of fire as a ecological management tool to maintain healthy ecosystems, prevent destructive wildfires, and enhance habitat for wildlife. 🌍 Strategic Field Operations, Tourism & Impact · Anti-Poaching & Wildlife Trafficking Prevention: Designs and advises on technology-enhanced, intelligence-led law enforcement operations that are proactive and highly effective, with specialized expertise in disrupting wildlife trafficking networks. · Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation: Implements practical, community-driven solutions supported by technological monitoring. · Elite Tourism & Guided Experiences: Through Lumezi Safaris and Tours, Brighton leverages his extensive continental network and profound ecological knowledge as an expert guide to provide unparalleled travel experiences. He offers expert consulting and curates journeys that showcase Africa's breathtaking beauty, promote eco-tourism, and support local economies. · Game Ranching Expertise: Applies deep knowledge of sustainable wildlife management and breeding practices at Chile Farms, contributing to conservation, economic diversification, and ecological balance. In Summary: The Architect of a Sustainable, Tech-Enabled Future Brighton Chilekeni is a comprehensive architect of the future for conservation, tourism, and sustainable business in Africa. He operates at a unique and powerful intersection: · As a CEO and Founder, he is building the tools (Tech4Wildlife), showcasing the beauty (Lumezi Safaris), developing communities (Tina Villa Park), and innovating in agriculture and game management (Chile Farms). · As a Climate Leader, he is at the helm of a groundbreaking African carbon project, channeling international finance into vital conservation and community development. · As a Strategic Advisor and Expert, his military background, early recognition, and pan-African experience instills a culture of discipline, resilience, and strategic execution. His specialized command in wildlife law enforcement, anti-trafficking, guided tourism, game ranching, and fire management makes him a uniquely versatile asset. Brighton Chilekeni is not just participating in Africa's progress; he is actively leading its evolution, making him an invaluable visionary and a driving force for change across the continent.

Dauson is a social entrepreneur,  Founder and Director of Tanzania Eco-Tech And Conservation Hub (TEACH). He has experience of working in Conservation projects and integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in development programs.

Biologist and ecologist who found interest in Primate cognition. Previously working as an animal caretaker with three years of professional experience. I am seeking a career change to a position involving conservation.

I am a committed environmental scientist specializing in environmental protection and management. My professional background centers on land restoration, wetland management, and preservation of natural ecosystems. I have actively advocated for sustainable development practices within communities and among industry stakeholders to promote nature conservation.

A young Kenyan female advocate making strides in her legal career. My goal as an individual is to stand out as a professional in the legal field. I specialise in Maritime law and Blue Economy currently pursuing a career in the field as a young conservation lawyer. I do legal consultancy and representation. My practice is focused majorly in Climate change advocacy and marine conservation. I am interested in forming mutually beneficial partnerships and mentorship geared to see my career grows and excels in climate action and marine conservation. I am passionate in environmental conservation and sustainable empowerment of women in my local coastal community in Watamu that i hail from .  I enjoy nature walks, beach walks and catching up novels by John Grisham.

Hi!  I'm Ashling, an MSc Wild Animal Biology graduate with two years of experience in academic publishing. During this time, I have gained invaluable insights and skills in this field, however, I am now eager to align my professional experience, academic background, and passion for conservation. I have a strong interest in animal behaviour and conversation. I would be keen to further my experience in undertaking and carrying out behavioural research projects in the field. I am also keen to develop my skills in wildlife project management.  I hope to one day be a behavioural and welfare researcher at a zoo to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts and apply my existing expertise while continually learning and growing my skills.  In my free time, I love to go on hikes, horse ride, scuba dive, read, and crochet. 

Hello WildHub Community. I'm Nanchin Winifred Kazeh, an early career researcher from Nigeria. I desire to learn creative and innovative ways of dealing with challenges in conservation and ecology. I enjoy and appreciate the the group of like-minded individuals and professionals, I look forward to gaining value. Nanchin is interested in Ecology, Citizen science, Ornithology and the outdoors. I have experience in field ecology, science communication, and conservation education. In science, I prefer field methodology and paper reviews. I love cats and dogs!

Hi there! My name is Niki, I live in the south of the UK on the north downs. I recently graduated with a BSc degree in Geography from the University of Leeds, where I gained a solid foundation in the necessity of natural resource management and ecological principles, including modules in monitoring and managing tropical forest ecosystems. I am currently looking to establish a career in conservation and have been a volunteer at the Surrey Wildlife Trust since April 2023, more recently dedicating time to working with rangers on a variety of chalk grassland and woodland sites. I find this kind of work so interesting and rewarding, but I would love to develop my skills in project management and more organisational than hands-on work. 

hi, my name is Nelly I'm  from Zambia. I am an environmental engagement officer in Kafue National park. My work involves working with different stakeholders from forestry officers to researchers. My interests include working with the communities and stopping illegal activities such as charcoal production in protected areas.  Looking forward to sharing knowledge and learning from everyone on this platform. 

A UX Designer starting to expand my knowledge in the hope of moving into Conservation Technology. I am currently enrolling on a series of short courses, and hope to get on to the Edinburgh Napier MSc in Wildlife Biology and Conservation next year. 

Mr Boka Kondua Dieuleveut , Ingénieur agronome en Gestion des Ressources Naturelles : Faune et Flore de l'Université de Kinshasa,  est le coordinateur principal de l'Environnement et de la Conservation de la Nature au sein de l'ONG Kimbala Développement (K.D). Il a été aussi  Peer Educator du programme  : I Act Italy and Irena Action for Climate Toolkit initié par gouvernement Italien à travers son  Ministère des Affaires étrangères et de la Coopération internationale (Maeci) en partenariat avec l’ Agence Internationale des Énergies Renouvelables (IRENA) , dans l’ optique de renforcer les connaissances et les capacités des jeunes leaders internationaux et locaux  qui  veulent devenir des leaders dans la lutte contre le changement climatique et dans la promotion de la transition énergétique pour un développement durable. En outre , il est l’ initiateur, le concepteur et rédacteur du Programme de Sauvetage des pangolins Africains (en cours de rédaction). Il est également l’ initiateur , le concepteur et rédacteur du projet : BUMBU  vert et résilient aux effets et impacts du changement climatique. Ce projet consiste à impliquer les jeunes et les propriétaires fonciers de cette contrée dans l'identification , la promotion et  la mise en oeuvre des actions communautaires de lutte contre le changement climatique axée sur des éco-gestes dans les écoles , les  église et les différents ménages ainsi que la création des habitations vertes et la restauration des zones vertes par la plantation d'arbres . Notons que Bumbu est est une  commune urbaine vulnérable au changement climatique. I'm also a member of the 12th cohort of the African Union's Corps des Jeunes Volontaires.

Gilles Florent SORO holds a Master’s Degree in Climate Change and Marine Sciences from the Atlantic Technical University of Cape Verde and a Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences (Zoology, Biology and Animal Ecology; Life and Earth Sciences). Gilles is passionate about biodiversity conservation, with a particular focus on the conservation of sharks and rays, and works as a project coordinator of the NGO Conservation des Espèces Marines (CEM) in Côte d'Ivoire, and as Deputy Coordinator of the West African Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WASTCON).