Empowering Local Stakeholders. Advancing Conservation Technology. Building Sustainable Futures.
For over two decades, I’ve worked at the nexus of conservation, technology, and global policy to address some of the most pressing challenges in environmental sustainability. From field research in the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo to leveraging cutting-edge AI solutions for Marine Protected Areas, my work focuses on empowering local communities, safeguarding biodiversity, and driving innovation in conservation.
From Primates to Marine Ecosystems: A Multifaceted Career
My conservation journey began in 2002 with field primatology and captive chimpanzee management in East and Central Africa. I conducted pioneering research on the impact of artisanal mining on chimpanzee populations and zoonotic disease risks, uncovering critical links between human activity and wildlife health.
Since then, I’ve broadened my focus to encompass marine conservation, working at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and as a project lead for MPAth, a UNEP-supported platform that empowers Marine Protected Area practitioners with actionable tools and AI-driven insights. My work bridges local knowledge with global-scale innovation, ensuring equity and sustainability are at the heart of conservation efforts.
Driving Innovation Through Collaboration
At UNEP, I managed partnerships with organizations like CITES, the World Bank, and GRASP (Great Apes Survival Partnership), where I shaped high-level policy and spearheaded campaigns like the Webby-award-winning Wild for Life. Now, through initiatives like MPAth 2.0, I’m leveraging technology to create equitable, community-driven solutions for marine and terrestrial conservation challenges.
Whether working with local stakeholders on the ground, collaborating with AI developers to build equitable tools, or presenting at global forums, my focus remains clear: empowering communities and preserving our planet for future generations.
Let’s Collaborate
I’m passionate about creating transformative solutions that merge technology, local expertise, and global conservation goals. If you’re interested in partnering on innovative projects or discussing how we can shape a sustainable future together, let’s connect.