Magdalena Salas (She/Her)

PhD student, CONICET - Universidad Nacional de Jujuy
Melisa Rolon

Ph. D. student, Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Universidad Nacional de La Plata

Lex Plasmans

Project Manager, Fundación ProAves

I am a Dutch tropical field ecologist living in Colombia, working as a Project Manager for the NGO Fundación ProAves. In this role, I focus on securing funding for a wide range of conservation initiatives across the country and beyond. My work allows me the privilege of frequently visiting ProAves’ 27 nature reserves spread throughout Colombia’s diverse ecosystems. As an ecologist, my interests span multiple disciplines, including botany, geology, and soil science. However, my true passion lies in zoology, especially birds, primates, and herpetofauna. Over the years, I’ve conducted extensive scientific fieldwork throughout the Neotropics during numerous internships and expeditions. That deep connection to the region’s biodiversity ultimately led me to stay and dedicate my life to conserving the extraordinary species and habitats of what is truly the land of birds.  Soy un ecólogo tropical neerlandés radicado en Colombia, donde trabajo como Director de Gestion Proyectos para la Fundación ProAves. En esta labor, me dedico a gestionar y asegurar financiamiento para una amplia gama de iniciativas de conservación a nivel nacional e internacional. Gracias a ello, tengo el privilegio de visitar con frecuencia las 27 reservas naturales que ProAves protege en distintos puntos del país. Como ecólogo de vocación, mis intereses abarcan diversas disciplinas como la botánica, la geología y las ciencias del suelo. Sin embargo, mi verdadera pasión está en la zoología, particularmente en las aves, los primates y la herpetofauna. A lo largo de los años, he realizado extensos trabajos de campo científico en el Neotrópico durante múltiples pasantías y expediciones. Esta conexión profunda con la biodiversidad de la región me llevó finalmente a quedarme y dedicar mi vida a conservar las especies y hábitats extraordinarios de este territorio que, con razón, puede llamarse la tierra de las aves.
Germán Tettamanti

PhD Student in Biology, Universidad Nacional de La Plata

HAMENYA MPEMBA

RESEARCH MANAGER, SIX RIVERS AFRICA

I am a field-based conservationist and researcher with over twelve years of experience. Have researched in the international environment more frequently in the People's Republic of China and Tanzania. Currently I work as a research manager with Six Rivers Africa, and NGO dedicated to understand, protect and promote biodiversity in the wetlands and the then hunting areas. Currently we work in the Nyerere National Park (The largest in Tanzania and Africa at large) and in Ruaha National Park (second largest in Tanzania).  I also had the privilege to research in HANMA National Nature Reserve, and  many others in China.
Flavia Manieri

WildHub Community Advocates Coordinator|Interdisciplinary Researcher, Uppsala University

Since July 2025, I have been serving as the Community Advocates Coordinator at WildHub, where I coordinate initiatives to engage, support, and empower our community advocates in advancing WH’s mission. Beyond WildHub, I wear a few different hats. I work as a researcher and lecturer in Sweden, teaching courses on environmental law, political and historical ecology, and disaster management. I also mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students, collaborate with faculty members, and contribute to ongoing research projects. I’m passionate about giving back through volunteer work. I support a few conservation and animal welfare organisations with research and advocacy to help drive positive change. When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking forest trails with my dog or enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Ariel Herrera Martinez

Ecosystem Engineer, Universitat Politécnica de Valencia

For the last 8 years I have been involved in planning for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services, ecological restoration and monitoring of flora and fauna throughout Chile and Europe. The last time I have dedicated to expand my knowledge in ecology towards aquatic ecosystems, acquiring tools in scientific diving, coastal planning and bioacoustics.