Brighton Chilekeni is a distinguished and relentless conservation leader, whose career embodies a truly pan-African commitment to preserving the continent's natural heritage. Hailing from South Africa and now operating from Zambia, Brighton has forged a reputation as a formidable expert, now operating at the forefront of climate finance, community-driven conservation, and technological innovation.
A Continental Journey Forged in Passion & Vision
His international career began in the iconic landscapes of Kenya in 2018, where his passion for wildlife was ignited. He then honed his expertise through advanced conservation studies in Botswana. This unique journey has equipped him with an unparalleled continental perspective, which he now applies to one of the world's most ambitious forest conservation programs while also leading his own visionary venture.
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.
· Corporate Leadership: Project Conservation Officer at BioCarbon Partners (BCP), managing the groundbreaking Luangwa Community Forest Program (LCFP).
· Project Significance (LCFP): A landmark global project where Brighton leads conservation efforts for the:
· First REDD+ project in Zambia and Africa.
· Largest REDD+ project in Africa by area.
· Second-largest REDD+ project in the world.
· Geographic Scope: Manages and coordinates complex conservation operations across a vast landscape spanning three provinces in Zambia: Eastern, Muchinga, and Central.
A Dynamic and Comprehensive Skill Set
Brighton’s expertise is a powerful fusion of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial vision, and deep technical proficiency.
🚀 Visionary Leadership & Innovation
· Conservation Technology Entrepreneurship: As the CEO of Tech4Wildlife, he is actively driving innovation, identifying technological gaps, and creating solutions to combat poaching and enhance field efficiency.
· Capacity Building & Knowledge Transfer: The core mission of Tech4Wildlife is to "sharpen teams with knowledge," demonstrating a commitment to empowering entire organizations and ranger forces through training and technology adoption.
· Large-Scale Program Management: Proven ability to lead and manage multi-province conservation efforts for a world-record-setting REDD+ project at BCP.
· Strategic Law Enforcement Advising: Provides expert-level guidance on integrating technology into law enforcement protocols for maximum impact.
🛠️ Advanced Conservation Technology & Data Intelligence
· 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.
🌍 Strategic Field Operations & Impact
· Anti-Poaching Strategy: Designs and advises on technology-enhanced law enforcement operations that are proactive, intelligence-led, and highly effective.
· Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation: Implements practical, community-driven solutions supported by technological monitoring.
· Stakeholder & Community Engagement: Excels at building collaborative partnerships with communities, government, and traditional leadership across complex, multi-province areas.
In Summary: The Architect of a Tech-Enabled Conservation Future
Brighton Chilekeni has evolved from a frontline expert into an architect of the future of conservation. He operates at a unique intersection:
· As a CEO, he is building the tools and knowledge base to arm conservationists against modern threats.
· As a Project Leader, he is applying that same tech-first mindset to protect one of the world's most significant carbon and biodiversity sinks.
· As an Advisor, he is shaping the very strategies that make conservation efforts smarter, safer, and more successful.
His work demonstrates a powerful, three-part model: protect vast landscapes (BCP), empower local communities (LCFP), and revolutionize the tools of the trade (Tech4Wildlife). Brighton is not just participating in conservation; he is actively leading its evolution, making him an invaluable visionary and a driving force for change in the global conservation arena.
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.
MARGARET MOSE KOMBE
Maritime and conservation lawyer, KKM AWILI & ASSOCIATES ADVOCATES MALINDI,KENYA
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.
Nanchin Winifred Kazeh
Conservation Biologist, A. P. LEVENTIS ORNITHOLOGICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (APLORI).
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.
Boka Kondua Dieuleveut
responsible for the sub-committee: Conservation of biodiversity and climate change of the NGO Kimbala Development., Kimbala Développement (K.D)
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
Assistant Project Coordinator, ONG Conservation des Espèces Marines (ONG CEM)
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).