Sietske van der Wal

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.

I am a Zimbabwean conservation professional specialising in protected area management, biodiversity conservation, GIS and conservation technology. My work combines field-based conservation leadership with the use of technology and spatial data to strengthen conservation planning, operations and decision-making. I currently lead Biodiversity Monitoring & Ecosystem Services, overseeing conservation operations across landscapes within the Zambezi Valley, with a particular focus on the Sebungwe Corridor and the wider Lower Zambezi–Mana Pools (LOZAMAP) Transfrontier Conservation Area. I have a particular interest in using GIS, remote sensing, drones, SMART, EarthRanger and other emerging conservation technologies to strengthen field operations and better understand changing landscapes. My broader professional interest is in helping conservation organisations build practical, technology-enabled approaches that connect effective protected area management with communities, biodiversity and long-term landscape conservation. I am especially interested in collaboration around conservation technology, GIS, protected area management, biodiversity monitoring and community-based conservation across Africa.