Noa

Project manager, Fundacion Oso de Asturias
Brighton Chilekeni

CEO/Founder , tech4wild, Lumezi Safaris & Tours, Chile Farms and Tina Villa Park

Brighton Chilekeni is a distinguished and relentless Zambian leader whose career embodies a truly pan-African commitment to preserving the continent's natural heritage while pioneering sustainable business ventures. A well-trained military professional, Brighton 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 has equipped him with an unparalleled continental perspective, which he now applies 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. · Tourism & Hospitality Visionary: Owner and Founder of Lumezi Safaris and Tours, a premier agency specializing in curated travel experiences, expert tourism advice, and strategic consulting for visitors seeking to explore the heart of Africa. · Agricultural 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. · 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 & 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. · 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 & 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, Tourism & Impact · Anti-Poaching Strategy: Designs and advises on technology-enhanced, intelligence-led law enforcement operations that are proactive and highly effective. · Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation: Implements practical, community-driven solutions supported by technological monitoring. · Elite Tourism Development: Through Lumezi Safaris and Tours, Brighton leverages his extensive continental network and ecological knowledge 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. 🏡 Building Futures: Real Estate & Agriculture · Tina Villa Park: More than just a real estate venture, Tina Villa Park represents a commitment to quality, security, and modern community living. It offers a portfolio of well-appointed flats and houses for rent and sale, providing exceptional value and lifestyle opportunities in a thriving residential environment. · Chile Farms: With a visionary outlook, Chile Farms is poised to become a significant player in agriculture and game management. This project reflects Brighton's long-term commitment to sustainable land use, food security, and diversifying Zambia's economic landscape. 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 (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, his military background and pan-African experience instills a culture of discipline, resilience, and strategic execution across all his endeavors. 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.
Thirza Loffeld

WildHub Founder, WildHub Conservation Community

My background is mainly in species conservation, education and capacity exchange. I researched mother-young interactions in gorillas and chimpanzees, in captivity and the wild. After that, I worked for three years in Indonesia, where I developed and implemented youth ambassador and community engagement programmes on local and regional scales. I co-founded WildHub, a community of nature conservation professionals, in 2020 and work as their Community Lead. I am furthermore on the Advisory Board of the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at the University of Kent where I obtained my PhD on capacity development for conservation in 2022.