Raghavendra Veerappa Pattar (He/Him)

 Hello there I am a Donor relations specialist and grant writer learner eager to learn more about conservation organizations and the grant writing process that supports writing winning project proposals for conservation projects and non-conservation projects in Africa, particularly Zambia with a focus on biodiversity conservation, wildlife conservation health and community development projects

I am a passionate communicator and researcher with an extensive background in the environmental humanities and social sciences, dedicated to exploring and fostering connections between people and nature. Based between Sweden and the UK, I work in academia as a researcher and lecturer, teaching courses in environmental law, historical ecology, and disaster risk management. I actively contribute to non-profit organisations promoting conservation and animal welfare. I work with Faunalytics, translating complex research into accessible insights for evidence-based advocacy; write feature articles for Ubuntu Magazine spotlighting conservation initiatives; and serve as Community Advocates Coordinator at WildHub, driving strategic communications and leading initiatives that connect and empower conservation practitioners worldwide. When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking forest trails with my dog or enjoying a good cup of coffee.

I am a dedicated marine and freshwater biologist currently pursuing my PhD, focusing on wildlife conservation and sustainable fishing practices. My academic journey has been deeply rooted in understanding the complexities of marine ecosystems and the challenges they face. I completed my MSc with a thesis on the West African Manatee (T. Senegalensis), where I investigated the mechanisms of bycatch through different gillnet configurations. This study not only mimicked the daily fishing activities of local fishers but also provided valuable insights into the interactions between manatees and fishing gear. My findings revealed new species involved in bycatch, as well as the primary causes of fish damage, ultimately suggesting the best gillnet configurations to minimize bycatch. In my PhD program, I am expanding my research to identify and map bycatch sites along the coast of Cameroon. My current projects include analyzing various pollutants found in sharks and rays, understanding the effects of these pollutants on the health and genetics of these species, and determining their age to better comprehend their life cycles and conservation needs. I am passionate about reducing bycatch and promoting sustainable fishing practices. As part of my conservation activities, I will be training local fishermen on best releasesing practices, which involve techniques to safely release life bycatch back into the water, and educating them on how to effectively use GPS technology to monitor and manage their fishing activities. I believe that community engagement is crucial for successful conservation efforts. I invite community members and local stakeholders to join me in these important initiatives. Together, we can work towards protecting our marine ecosystems and ensuring sustainable fishing for future generations. Thank you for your interest in my work!. I look forward for collaboration as I still find difficulties in having a laboratory for analysis. Thanks🙏 

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.