Trained in biology and anthropology, I have spent 20+ years in the non-profit sector. Passionate about social and environmental justice, my focus is on the intersection between conservation and community rights and wellbeing. As the co-director of Global Diversity Foundation, I have experience in organisational strategy development, fundraising and donor relations management, HR management and recruitment, financial oversight, operations, conflict resolution and mediation, non-profit governance, communications and dissemination, and event organisation. A highly skilled partnership-builder, relationship-manager and strategic thinker, I speak four languages and currently oversee a multicultural, multilocal team of 15.
I lead the Institutional Fundraising Team at ZSL, working with colleagues across our Science, Conservation and Zoo directorates to raise grants from charitable trusts and foundations, lottery, statutory and bi/multi-lateral funders.
I've been at ZSL since 2018 but have been working in fundraising for the NfPs since 2007. Relationship and grants fundraising are my specialisms but I have also managed RG and Corporate fundraising functions.
Christine Tansey
Partnership Officer - Better Biodiversity Data project, National Biodiversity Network Trust
I now work for the National Biodiversity Network Trust as Partnership Officer on the Better Biodiversity Data project, which aims to improve infrastructure and access to biodiversity data in Scotland. I recently worked with WildTeam UK engaging conservationists with its training and resources, and supported WildTeam Bangladesh in their work on the conservation of the Sundarbans mangrove forest and Bengal tigers. I have previously co-ordinated conservation research for a UK-based woodland charity, completed a PhD on phenology in plants and trees that involved a lot of citizen science, and have done many short-term research and conservation jobs over the years.
Founder President of WildRoots-India, an organization for Climate, Environmental, Biodiversity Awareness & Conservation Education, based in Guwahati, Assam, India. Recipient of the National Green Mentor Award, Govt. of India and Global Teacher Accreditation from the British Council & Cambridge Education Foundation. As a Nationally recognised illustrator & designer, I primarily use Art and Design to connect the youth and communities to activities and programmes related to environmental protection, climate change mitigation and conservation.
Brighton Chilekeni
CEO/Founder , tech4wild, Lumezi Safaris & Tours, Chile Farms and Tina Villa Park
Brighton Chilekeni: A Visionary Pan-African Leader Championing Conservation, Innovation, and Community Empowerment
Brighton Chilekeni's remarkable career represents the very essence of pan-African leadership a profound commitment to safeguarding Africa's natural heritage while forging sustainable pathways for economic growth and community development. A disciplined military professional with an unwavering dedication to excellence, he has established himself as a formidable force at the intersection of climate finance, conservation technology, strategic tourism, and community-driven development, with an operational footprint spanning multiple African nations.
A Pan-African Journey Forged in Passion, Vision, and Discipline
His distinguished career has taken him across Africa's most iconic landscapes, where he has designed and executed transformative conservation programs in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. This extensive field experience is enriched by his background as a well-trained military professional, seamlessly blending frontline pragmatism with academic rigor and strategic discipline. Notably, Brighton holds the distinction of being the youngest conservation professional to receive acclaim in Kenya—a testament to his extraordinary dedication and impact. This unique journey has endowed him with an unparalleled continental perspective, which he now channels into groundbreaking climate initiatives while steering multiple visionary ventures toward success.
Core Identity: The CEO, Leader, and Advisor
🏆 Entrepreneurial Leadership
· Founder & CEO of Tech4Wildlife – A pioneering enterprise revolutionizing conservation law enforcement through the strategic adoption and mastery of advanced technology, bridging the gap between innovation and field impact.
🌿 Climate Finance Leadership
· A key architect of one of the world's most ambitious carbon conservation projects—Zambia's first-ever REDD+ initiative, which stands as the largest in Africa by hectarage and the third-largest globally. Through this landmark project, he is channeling international climate finance into vital conservation efforts and community development.
🛡️ 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 cutting-edge technology into field security protocols, ensuring both operational effectiveness and personnel safety.
🦁 Tourism & Hospitality Visionary
· Founder of Lumezi Safaris and Tours – A premier tourism agency led by Brighton himself as an expert tour guide. The agency specializes in curating authentic travel experiences, offering expert tourism advice, and providing strategic consulting for visitors seeking to explore the heart and soul of Africa.
🌾 Agricultural & Game Ranching Innovator
· Founder of Chile Farms – An ambitious agricultural enterprise with a clear vision to become a leading game ranch and a benchmark for sustainable farming and wildlife management, contributing to ecological balance and economic diversification.
🏡 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 while fostering community development and sustainable urban growth.
❤️ Ranger Welfare Advocate
· Founder of The African Rangers Wellbeing Trust – A compassionate organization dedicated to supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of wildlife rangers across Africa, recognizing their sacrifice and ensuring they receive the care and dignity they deserve.
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 a combination that sets him apart as a truly transformative leader.
🚀 Visionary Leadership & Strategic Advisory
· Conservation Technology Entrepreneurship – As CEO of Tech4Wildlife, he actively drives innovation, identifies critical technological gaps, and develops solutions to combat poaching while enhancing field efficiency and protecting both wildlife and rangers.
· 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 tangible 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 deep, practical understanding of conservation dynamics and stakeholder engagement across diverse ecosystems in Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
· Ranger Wellbeing Advocacy – Through The African Rangers Wellbeing Trust, he champions the welfare of frontline conservation heroes, ensuring they receive mental health support, resources, and recognition for their courageous service.
🛠️ 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, transforming how conservation is practiced on the ground.
· 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, ensuring efficient and effective conservation outcomes.
· Field Tool Proficiency – Mastery in configuring and using field tools like Cybertracker for data collection and Garmin inReach for team safety and coordination, empowering rangers to work smarter and safer.
· Conservation Fire Management Expert – Skilled in the strategic use and control of fire as an ecological management tool to maintain healthy ecosystems, prevent destructive wildfires, and enhance habitat for wildlife, demonstrating a holistic understanding of landscape management.
🌍 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, fostering coexistence between people and wildlife.
· 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, 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.
· Ranger Welfare & Support – Through The African Rangers Wellbeing Trust, he ensures that those who protect Africa's wildlife are themselves protected, supported, and valued a vital pillar of sustainable conservation.
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 of vision, action, and compassion:
· As a CEO and Founder, he is building transformative tools (Tech4Wildlife), showcasing Africa's breathtaking beauty (Lumezi Safaris), developing thriving communities (Tina Villa Park), innovating in agriculture and game management (Chile Farms), and championing the welfare of conservation heroes (The African Rangers Wellbeing Trust).
· As a Climate Leader, he is at the helm of a groundbreaking African carbon project, channeling international finance into vital conservation and community development, positioning Africa at the forefront of global climate action.
· As a Strategic Advisor and Expert, his military background, early recognition, and pan-African experience instill a culture of discipline, resilience, and strategic execution. His specialized command in wildlife law enforcement, anti-trafficking, guided tourism, game ranching, fire management, and ranger welfare makes him a uniquely versatile and invaluable asset to the continent.
Brighton Chilekeni is not merely participating in Africa's progress—he is actively leading its evolution. With an unwavering commitment to conservation, innovation, and human dignity, he stands as an inspirational visionary and a driving force for positive change across the continent. His legacy is one of purpose, resilience, and hope a testament to what is possible when passion meets action.
I am a conservation enthusiast with a bias for wildlife fauna. I intend to specialize in project management. I am also looking for more opportunities in conservation all over the world, especially in the UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Namibia, and Tanzania.
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
Ecuadorian established in the USA. MSc. in Behavioral Ecology. Worked with animal behaviour in Birds and main focus on predator-prey interactions.
Ana Yi Soto is a specialist in communications and cooperation for development. Her 12-year professional experience spans the non-profit and private sectors, including NGOs such as Conservation International and Wildlife Conservation Society. She is knowledgeable in rural development, conservation programs, and youth movements across Latin America, Africa, and Europe.
In 2007, she co-founded the International Network of Students for Peace, RED ESPAZ Peru, and on Earth Day 2023, she launched Crea Planeta, a creative agency for planet restoration based in social marketing and behavioral insights. Ana is a Peruvian national and lives in Madagascar, close to the Makira National Park.