ANYANG OMARIA KENNETH
RANGELAND SECURITY ASSISTANT, TAITA TAVETA WILDLIFE CONSERVANCIES ASSOCIATION
I am a conservationist based in Nepal. I did my MSc in Conservation and International Wildlife Trade from DICE-Kent. I am currently working to understand the trade dynamics of some of the most traded medicinal plants like orchids and yews.
I am interested in understanding how socioeconomic and behavioral factors interact and impact the wildlife trade (incl. the online trade spectrum and various stakeholders in it) and using this knowledge in designing effective conservation actions.
Md. Sabbir Ahammed is an enthusiastic undergraduate student with an unwavering passion for wildlife conservation and a specific focus on herpetofauna research. He was born and raised in a small village surrounded by nature, where he developed a deep connection with the environment from a young age. His fascination with reptiles and amphibians began early in childhood, fostering a lifelong passion for these often misunderstood creatures, which led him to pursue a degree in Zoology at the Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh.
Sabbir has actively shaped his academic journey to specialize in herpetofauna research. Eager to contribute to the understanding and conservation of reptiles and amphibians, he is engaged in various research projects related to his chosen field. His determination led him to work alongside esteemed herpetologists, studying the behavior, ecology, and conservation needs of diverse amphibian and reptile species. As a result, he completed both of his undergraduate term papers on herpetofauna.
Sabbir's commitment to wildlife conservation extends beyond the classroom and laboratory. Driven by a sense of responsibility for the Earth's ecosystems, Sabbir became involved in various campus organizations dedicated to environmental causes, including the Nature Study and Conservation Club (NSCC), Department of Zoology, Jagannath University. He plays a key role in organizing awareness campaigns, seminars, and educational workshops to inspire his peers to participate actively in conservation efforts. By fostering a sense of understanding and appreciation, he strives to bridge the gap between humans and these essential components of ecosystems.
Apart from working on various research projects on different wildlife as a volunteer and research assistant, he is a grantee of The Explorers Club (awarded the Rising Explorer Club grant in 2023). Currently, he is the principal investigator of a project focused on lizard diversity and their conservation.
Driven by a desire to share his knowledge, Sabbir actively maintains a social media presence dedicated to herpetofauna and other wildlife conservation. His engaging content not only educates the public but also inspires others to join the cause and protect biodiversity.
As he advances in his undergraduate studies, his goal is to contribute meaningful research that informs conservation strategies for herpetofauna. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for preserving biodiversity, he envisions a future where reptiles and amphibians are respected and actively safeguarded for upcoming generations.
I am a third-year student at African Leadership University pursuing a Bachelor of Global Challenges degree, graduating in June 2024. I'm passionate about working in the environmental and wildlife conservation industry to use skills gained from my tertiary education and make a difference as a research professional. I previously worked as a research intern on Land use activities at ALU School of wildlife conservation. And I gained hands-on experience working with writing case studies, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and working and communicating professionally.
Shelby Dye
Prospective University of Cambridge MPhil in Conservation Leadership Postgraduate Student 2023-2024 , University of Cambridge
Experienced in driving nonprofit community engagement and development across multiple audiences for NGOs, institutions, corporations and foundations. As a storyteller, relationship builder and lifelong learner, I'm committed to understanding audiences to meet and exceed their needs. My experience across multiple organizations with vastly different strategic goals demonstrates my nimble and resilient working style, as well as my commitment to projects and functions of team strategy. I seek to address and remove barriers to conservation education in underserved communities, and work alongside community members to understand and address important, conservation, socio-economic issues.
Suhail Bashir
Environmental Consultant, WildHub Community Advocate, ENS Environmnetal Consultancy Sharjah
Experienced Environmental Engineer/Consultant with a proven track record of leading successful environmental initiatives and delivering sustainable solutions. My expertise encompasses a diverse range of areas, including Baseline Studies, Environment Impact Assessments (EIA/IEE/ESIA), Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, and Environmental Conservation & Sustainability.
Currently, I am making a significant impact as an Environmental Engineer/Consultant at one of the leading Environmental Consultancy, specializing in preparing comprehensive environmental study reports for clients primarily from Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority Dubai. These reports play a crucial role in promoting environmental compliance and sustainable practices within the industry.
I am an Ecologist by training. My research interests have focused on : Relations between protected areas and local communities; Wildlife conservation; Community Building; Environmental governance ; Conflict management ; Climate change.
I'm a WildLearning Specialist with WildTeam, a bit of an odd job title. My main role is to design, deliver and organise both our online and class-based training courses. One of the best parts of my job is meeting other conservationists and learning about the work that they do. Before working for WildTeam I did a PhD in invasive plants and human-wildlife interactions. I find it really interesting to learn about the ways people interact with nature, both when nature is being wonderful, but also when it is being a bit annoying!
Francesca Bandoli
Animal curator - Head of Research and Conservation Department, Società Zoologica di Pistoia Srl
About
My specializations are Conservation Criminology and Animal Studies. My work focuses on how wildlife tourism can help or hinder conservation, the intersection of animal well-being and conservation, and the dimensions of the illegal wildlife trade. I work with both qualitative and quantitative data on numerous species of fauna.
Kanishka Karunanayake
Project Manager / Consultant, Blackcap Services Ltd / WWF / Natural State