Teka Derebew Mesele

Wildlife Tourism Expert , Nech Sar National Park
Przemyslaw Zdunek

Field herpetologist, Member of the IUCN SSC Monitor Lizard Specialist Group

Naturalist, traveler, French-Polish herpetologist, interested in biodiversity and the conservation of herpetofauna. I have always been passionate about observing and studying amphibians and reptiles, especially different species of lizards in many countries. This has allowed me to gain experience in scientific research by collaborating with other specialists, attending numerous conferences and writing papers on herpetofauna. I participate in numerous monitoring and conservation programmes. Member of the IUCN SSC Monitor Lizard Specialist Group. Addicted to Natural History. Education and the sharing of knowledge is the key to progress and understanding. "Learning from the past to understand the present and prepare the future."
Temitope Rebecca Adelola

Ecosystems Restoration Monitoring Consultant, FAO

Where is restoration taking place around the world, and how is it being tracked? This is an important question that should put ecosystem monitoring at the forefront to achieve both quantitative and qualitative goals. That's where my work comes in—launching data-driven solutions for monitoring, reporting, and guiding investment. Because both people and the planet matter.
Jim Barborak

Senior Adviser Center for Protected Area Management, Colorado State University

Jim Barborak is Senior Adviser of the Center for Protected Area Management at Colorado State University, an outreach arm of the Warner College of Natural Resources at CSU. His B.S. and M.S. in natural resources are from Ohio State University, and he took additional coursework mid-career at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. His specialties include protected areas and corridor planning and management; wildlife management; conservation finance, policy and governance; capacity building; and ecotourism. He began his career working for county government in his native Ohio, and then joined the US Peace Corps as a Volunteer and was assigned to work with the Honduran Wildlife Department. That began an international career now spanning more than 40 years. He has worked for US, Costa Rican and Honduran government conservation agencies, as a consultant to several UN organizations including UNESCO, the UN Development Program and FAO, as a private consultant, and for universities. He has worked in nearly 30 countries, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, but also in Africa and Asia. He is an active member of the World Commission on Protected Areas and serves on several of its specialist groups, including those on Tourism, Conservation Finance, Capacity Building, and Indigenous Peoples, Local Communities and Equity. He is a native English speaker, fluent in Spanish, and speaks conversational Portuguese. Throughout his career, Jim has worked on efforts to plan and develop increased opportunities for public enjoyment of protected areas, through tourism, recreation, and environmental education programs. At the same time, he has been actively involved in efforts to increase the stream of benefits to local communities and indigenous populations living in and around protected areas, through their direct involvement in tourism and through other mechanisms to create employment and improve livelihoods in conservation units, the buffer zones that ring them, and the corridors that connect them.
Fleur Morton

Conservation Catalyst Programme Co-ordinator, WildHub

I am Fleur, based in the UK, and I am the WildHub Conservation Catalyst Programme Co-ordinator, supporting conservation professionals to develop their writing, communication, and leadership skills through this inclusive global platform. I hold a Master’s degree in Animal Behaviour from the University of Exeter and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oxford Brookes University. My research background includes woodland butterflies and bumblebees, alongside a strong interest in woodland animals more broadly. I also have comprehensive knowledge and expertise in domestic rabbits and their welfare and care. Alongside my work in conservation, I am the founder of Your Own Mum (https://www.yourownmum.co.uk/), a resource space and weekly journal supporting mothers navigating parenthood without maternal support or a traditional family network. This work draws on my background in psychology and my passion for creating thoughtful, compassionate spaces that help people feel less isolated and more understood. I am deeply passionate about wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and meaningful communication - particularly where it brings people together on shared paths.
Ross Rowe

Coach, Ross Rowe Coaching

I am a problem solving and executive life coach accredited with the World Institute for Action Learning and the International Coach Federation. I have over 25 years of workplace experience in environmental science and management. I coach for the beauty of life, wonder of diversity and rewards of exploring.
Alan J. Hesse

Senior Behaviour Change Specialist (TRAFFIC); also independent author-illustrator and climate educator.., TRAFFIC International

My conservation career started in 1992 when I helped set up and joined a University expedition to the Bolivian Amazon. What started out as a 3-month experience ended up being a life-changing inflection point that set my professional and personal course to the present day. My conservation experience was built bottom-up and hands-on, and includes field data collection and logistics, grassroots organization leadership and project management, community engagement and capacity building, M&E, training and behavior change, and lately climate education through authorship of graphic novels and other resources. My conservation career includes positions as a senior staff member and a principal investigator at the Bolivian BirdLife Partner Armonía, field investigator in the Gran Chaco with WCS Bolivia, field logistics officer for Conservation International's RAP expeditions, and Programme Manager and Senior Manager of M&E at Rare. I currently work as Senior Behaviour Change Specialist with TRAFFIC International, applying behavioural science approaches to support TRAFFIC's work across wildlife supply chains globally. 
Loretta Andrade

First an Animal & Wildlife Goodwill Ambassador & then a Corporate Professional, N/A

I have always believed that kindness should extend to every living being. My love for animals and nature is not just a passion. It is a part of who I am. I care deeply about Animal Rights, Welfare, and Wildlife Conservation, and I do whatever I can to make this world a gentler and safer place for them. Whether it is raising awareness or supporting meaningful causes, I try to play my part with heart and purpose. Professionally, I have grown as an Executive Assistant and Administrative Specialist with hands-on experience across different sectors and cultures. Over the years, I have worked closely with senior leadership teams in Technology, Business, and Higher Education, always striving to be dependable, professional, and calm under pressure. I have earned an Advanced Certificate in Executive Assistance from BMTG UK Ltd which reflects my dedication to this profession. I have also completed several training programs focused on workplace excellence and strong organizational skills. These skills help me adapt to change and keep things running smoothly in today’s fast-paced world. My work often involves managing international travel, planning both virtual and on-site events, and handling communication, immigration, and hospitality tasks. I approach each of these with care and a personal touch. I also write professionally, preparing internal communications and business correspondence with clarity and precision. This has helped me build a reputation for being trustworthy, effective, and committed to high standards. What truly keeps me going is my willingness to learn and grow. I believe that every day is an opportunity to do better, not just at work, but in how we treat others, especially those who do not have a voice. This journey of compassion, hard work, and lifelong learning is what I carry forward, wherever I go and whatever I do.
Ussi Abuu Mnamengi

Key Conservation Catalyst, WildHub Conservation Community

Greetings, I'm Ussi Abuu, a prominent Conservation Catalyst within the WildHub community, stationed in the beautiful landscapes of Zanzibar, Tanzania. I proudly serve as the INDUSTRY 5.0 Ambassador in Tanzania, advocating for sustainable industrial practices, and I also hold the role of Tanzania Coordinator at the Global Sustainable Future Progress through Partnership network. My journey towards environmental and social progress has been rich and diverse. I previously contributed to the Tanzania Development Trust as a mapper, utilizing geographical data to support development initiatives. Additionally, my commitment to global betterment led me to join the United Nations Volunteers program in 2016, where I've continued to make a meaningful impact. Together, we can explore the vast realm of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they intertwine with my experiences and endeavors. Join me on this journey towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
Matthew Creasey

Course Development Manager, WildTeam

I work for WildTeam UK, helping to deliver training workshops, write conservation best practice manuals and share them as widely as possible. Previously a Writing Fellow working with various conservation organisations across India. Background in research, particularly behavioural ecology. Bird nerd.
josephine linet ambaisi

Bats researcher, Angaza Vijiji

I am a bats researcher based in Kenya expert in collecting, analysing and reporting data regarding conservation.
Lize Gibson-Hall

Information Officer, Bumblebee Conservation Trust

I am a marine biology graduate with an MSc in conservation from Plymouth Uni. I use to be the assistant community manager of WildHub and. have a passion for science communication and bringing people together. 🦇 In my spare time I have a blog as well as a Redbubble shop where I sell my artwork. Check it out under my website link :) 🦇 Other interests include the use of technology (specifically cameras) to study animals as well as animal husbandry and advocacy. 
Anish Banerjee

Managing Director, Think Wild Foundation

Hi,  I'm Anish, a young conservationist with an interest in nature based solutions, human-wildlife interactions and conservation outside protected areas. I am currently a consultant at Legal Atlas, working on projects pertaining to wildlife trafficking, biodiversity conservation and wildlife health. I founded Think Wildlife Foundation. We have a few research projects on human wildlife conflict and wildlife cybercrime. We also have hosted a few plantations in the past in our neighbourhood and plan to expand these works in the future. I also host The Think Wildlife Podcast!
Kate

WildLearning Specialist , WildTeam

Hello! I'm Katie and I'm a WildLearning Specialist with WildTeam. I help to deliver a number of workshops with WildTeam, including the Project Management for Wildlife Conservation course. I love meeting course participants from all over the world, and learning about the amazing projects that they are working on or would like to in the future.  I am also working as a postdoctoral researcher at Bournemouth University, as a continuation of my PhD project which focussed on African elephant conservation. I've been lucky enough to travel to lots of places for my work and engage with a range of stakeholders. I also love science communication which has lead me to meet and work with lots of amazing people through public engagement, outreach events and social media.   Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-thompson-8664128b/ and Instagram: @drkatet
Léa Kaplani

WildLearning Specialist, WildTeam

Hello! I'm Léa and I'm a WildLearning Specialist with WildTeam UK. I help create, design and deliver training courses. I love getting to know all the participants and learning from them :) Previously, I was working with BirdLife International on forest governance issues and in my previous life I worked in the development sector in the United States. Education-wise, I have studied economic development, international relations as well as tropical forestry in the past.  Hope to catch you in a WildHub social!
Adam Barlow

Executive Director, WildTeam UK

I help run a UK charity that builds the capacity of conservationists to plan, implement, monitor, and report on their work. I also have a fair bit of experience in tiger and sea turtle conservation.
Hannah Mulvany

Wildlife Biologist/Communications Specialist, Song & Dance Communications

I started my conservation career as a researcher/author for the Arkive online natural world encyclopedia, before managing the Wildscreen Exchange project which gives 350+ organisations across the world access to free photographs and videos for their communications. From working on this project, I developed a keen interest in conservation communications and began researching impact and technique. I also ran the public section of the Wildscreen Festival, Witness the Wild, which is an event programme that includes a travelling bicycle-powered wildlife film cinema, the world's largest recycled and recyclable photography exhibition, and a nature-themed street art gallery. Since then, I have been running my own conservation communications business, Song and Dance Communications, but split my time 50/50 between this and field work, which mostly centres around ecosystem restoration and short-term contracts in the ecotourism industry. I also produce a seldom updated blog, which I hope to spend more time on at some point in the not-too-distant future!
Arvind Kumar Chaurasia

Additional Commissioner, IRS(C&IT), Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC)

I am Additional Commissioner from Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) with vast experience of law enforcement especially in tackling transnational smuggling  including willdife trafficking. Also, as an expert I have been conducting sessions on various aspects of wildlife crimes and its convergence with other serious crimes, legal and enforcement framework to counter it, wildlife cyber crime, OSINT for combating wildlife crime, combating money laundering associated with wildlife crime, CITES, role of Customs in tackling the menace of wildlife crime, Digital Forensics etc. for forest, police, customs and other enforcement agencies' officials. I have also been invited as an expert by UNODC ROSA to train the law enforcement officials of Sri Lanka on combating wildlife cyber crimes.
Zoe Melvin

WildLearning Specialist, WildTeam

I am a WildLearning Specialist at WildTeam with a PhD in Conservation Biology.
Mavuto Banda

WildLearning Specialist, WildTeam UK

Jack Cole

Project and Fundraising Coordinator, Restore Our Planet