Scott Thomson’s career path took an extraordinary turn, one that few could have predicted. Starting as a chef in South Africa’s hospitality industry, he spent years in the fast-paced world of professional kitchens, crafting dishes and perfecting his culinary skills. However, at the age of 23, an irreversible injury changed everything. Suddenly facing a future
Megan Miller is a graduate student at Colorado State University Pueblo, in the United States and has been on the seasonal fieldwork circuit (jumping from short-term contract to seasonal role to volunteer experience and back again) for many years. As a passionate bird lover from a young age, Megan has pursued bird-related experiences. She has
For Nathalie Gil, President and CEO of Sea Shepherd Brazil, life has been a journey of profound transformations. From a corporate career advising global giants like Nestlé and Shell to leading conservation campaigns that save marine species, her story is one of courage, passion and redefining success. This is not just a tale of career
Living as a wildlife vet nurse is a dream for many animal lovers, but few understand the complexities and challenges involved in this rewarding career. Joey Solimine has dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in central and south America, particularly in the Amazon region. Through her experiences, Joey sheds light on the unique
Meet Dan Rumsey: a passionate zookeeper with years of experience working across Australia’s top zoos and reptile parks, including renowned places like Australia Zoo. Dan has always had a deep love for reptiles and through his dedication and positive attitude, he’s built a rewarding and sustainable career in the industry. Dan has an in-depth understanding
In a world grappling with environmental crises, the need for passionate and skilled conservation advocates has never been more crucial. Dr Trisha Gopalakrishna exemplifies this shift, moving from a background in mechanical engineering to becoming an impactful conservationist and researcher. Trisha works with leading organisations like The Nature Conservancy (TNC), focusing on vital environmental issues.
From patrolling South Africa’s rugged plains as a ranger to going undercover in Russia’s remote forests to investigate tiger poaching and becoming a National Geographic Explorer, Dr Allison Skidmore has dedicated her life and career to investigating wildlife crime. Allison’s story is extraordinary and reveals a passion and perseverance for wildlife protection that has led
Yongki Lee is an environmental activist working for the Korea Federation for Environmental Movements (KFEM). His career spans environmental policy, advocacy and activism, ensuring that citizens’ voices are amplified. His experiences working with different social justice NGO’s led him to the KFEM, where he was inspired to be involved in environmental activism. Since 2018, he
Yongki Lee is a passionate South Korean conservationist driven by social and environmental justice. After completing his national service, Yongki kick-started his career working for several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focused on various causes, from human rights to environmental advocacy. This included the History Forum for Peace in East Asia, Music for One Foundation and KMAG
Lessons From Four Decades of BirdLife International: Richard Grimmett on Conservation Success and Challenges. How does a passion for birds turn into a lifelong career in global conservation? And what can four decades of experience teach us about the evolution of biodiversity efforts? Today’s guest is Richard Grimmett, Senior Conservation Adviser at BirdLife International, where
The ocean covers over 70% of our planet and is the lifeblood of Earth’s ecosystems. Yet, as climate change and human activities threaten marine biodiversity, the need for passionate advocates for ocean conservation has never been more urgent. Melissa Hobson, The Ocean Writer, is a freelance ocean journalist covering marine science, conservation and sustainability. This
The fight for youth empowerment, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental conservation is not always an easy one. It requires vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to creating positive change, and Abubakar Ibrahim, founder and president of Nigeria’s Katsina Youth Transformation Network (KYTN), exemplifies all these qualities. The birth of the Katsina Youth Transformation Network (KYTN) In
How can we restore biodiversity while balancing the needs of people and wildlife? And what can large carnivores teach us about coexistence and environmental harmony? Today’s guest is Jonny Hanson, environmental social scientist, conservationist, and author of Living with Lynx: Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves, and Bears. Jonny brings a unique perspective to conservation,
In a world increasingly in need of champions for animal welfare and environmental sustainability, Julius Kirumira’s story stands as a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have. Uganda, located in East Africa, boasts a rich tapestry of biodiversity, from the vibrant wildlife of its savannas to the diverse aquatic ecosystems of its lakes.
How do you transform landscapes, restore biodiversity and reconnect people with nature – all at scale? And what does it take to build a pioneering conservation initiative from scratch? Today’s guest is Frans Schepers, co-founder and Executive Director of Rewilding Europe. Frans has dedicated over a decade to leading rewilding efforts across Europe, turning ambitious
Today’s guest is Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission (England). Sir William shares his rich experience in forestry management, conservation, and the evolving mission of the Forestry Commission since its founding in 1919. In our chat, we discuss the Commission’s role in afforestation, timber production and wildlife conservation, and the importance of balanced
“Everybody who cares needs to stand up, needs to try and make a difference.” Born and raised in the UK, Sophie Barrett has lived and worked in South Africa since 2015. She originally qualified as a lawyer, but has since devoted her life to wildlife conservation. As of 2024, she divides her time between volunteering
What does it take to lead one of the world’s largest conservation organisations through a time when 41% of UK species are in decline? And how can today’s conservation leaders inspire millions to fight for biodiversity? Today’s guest, Beccy Speight, CEO of the RSPB, offers her insights into what it takes to manage over 1.2
Dhanushri “Dhanu” Munasinghe courageously navigated a transition from a Quality Assurance Auditor in the Oil and Gas industry to a Conservation Program Manager at Conservation International. Her non-linear journey into conservation exemplifies how her openness to ask for help, strength to keep going and commitment to nature helped her stay on the right track. To
In the competitive and dynamic world of conservation, aspiring professionals often encounter daunting hurdles that can deter even the most passionate individuals. Dhanushri “Dhanu” Munasinghe’s journey from a Quality Assurance Auditor in the Oil and Gas industry to a Conservation Programme Manager exemplifies how determination, strategic planning and a willingness to learn can overcome these
Anne Broeksma is a unique figure, who stands at the crossroads of literature, conservation and fundraising. She’s one of the co-founders of Environmental Grants, a freelance fundraiser, a poet and a writer. Her fundraising work has spanned support for museums, nature organisations and conservation initiatives. First publishing poetry she is also now a published author. Her most recent
Josh Dykgraaf is a visionary artist renowned for his breathtaking creations, where he masterfully layers and manipulates images in Photoshop to reveal the beauty and fragility of the natural world. His incredible artwork in his collection “Terraform” highlights species who need our help. For those passionate about art and conservation, this interview offers a window
Kelsey Prediger is a passionate wildlife biologist who works in Namibia to conserve Pangolins. Originally from Michigan, USA, Kelsey followed her passion to make a meaningful impact for wildlife conservation with an unexpected career pathway shifting from veterinary medicine to wildlife management. She moved halfway around the world and her adventures led her to jump
What drives someone to the most remote corners of the Earth in pursuit of wildlife conservation? For Dr Sandra Lai, it’s a profound dedication to understanding and protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species. In this article, we dive into Sandra’s remarkable career journey. Discover how Sandra’s unique experiences and insights can offer valuable lessons for
In the bustling waters of Hong Kong, a silent crisis unfolds beneath the surface. Stan Shea, Marine Programme Director at Bloom HK and ADMCF stands at the forefront of a huge challenge to protect the region’s marine life from the devastating effects of overfishing and unsustainable practices. Born and bred in Hong Kong, Stan faced
Have you ever looked back on your life and wondered how you ended up where you are now? You too? Join Charlotte Daniels, then! Charlotte is a Primatologist based in Nairobi, Kenya. She currently works as a United Nations Volunteer for the UN Environment Programme, working on the Vanishing Treasures project and supporting the Secretariat
In the rugged highlands of Ethiopia, where the landscape meets the sky, a quiet but vital conservation battle unfolds. Amidst this breathtaking backdrop, Dr. Sandra Lai is at the forefront of preserving a species on the brink of extinction: the Ethiopian Wolf. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Sandra’s remarkable journey, her role as
Many people are drawn to wildlife and nature at a young age. Since the age of seven, April Dwyer knew that she had an appreciation for animals. Fast forward to her future, little did she know that her passion would lead her to working with primates and turning her experience into a children’s book for
Beneath the surface of Singapore’s waters lies a hidden world of coral reefs teeming with marine life. However, for many Singaporeans, these underwater gems remain out of sight and out of mind. Sam Shu Qin, co-founder of Our Singapore Reefs (OSR), is on a mission to bridge the gap between her fellow citizens and the
What can Coca-Cola teach us about how to better save wildlife, in Australia and beyond? And why should more governments set up charitable foundations to protect their national parks and threatened wildlife? We discuss these and many other issues with today’s inspiring guest – David Goldman. David is the Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer at
