All Speakers

Chris MAHON

Chief Executive IUCN National Committee UK

Chris Mahon Environment Ltd.

I have degrees in Environmental Science (BSc. (Hons.)) and Environmental Assessment (MSc). For thirteen years I led the Cheshire Wildlife Trust as its Director and latterly, its Chief Executive, as…

Evgeniya LESHINA

Program Manager

Protected Areas Embassy

Leshina EvgeniiaDate of birth 19/07/1986Environmental education specialist. Certified interpreter of natural and cultural values. Eco-lessons creator. Ecotrails and visit-centers developer …

Godfrey NYANGARESI

Protection Manager

Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP)

Godfrey Nyangaresi is the Protection Manager at the Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP), a dedicated conservationist with over 15 years of experience in wildlife protection and human-wildlife…

Johannes SCHIELEIN

Co-Founder of NaLaMap

NaLaMap

Johannes is a geographer and economics graduate with expertise in applying geospatial data to inform and improve public policies in conservation and development.He holds a PhD in Agricultural…

Daniel KACHELRIESS

Self-Employed

IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law 2021-2025

Daniel Kachelriess is an expert on oceans, fisheries, wildlife law and policy and followed the negotiations of the BBNJ Agreement as part of the High Seas Alliance and as a member of the IUCN World…

Sonam WANGDI

Chief of Division

Nature Conservation Division

Mr. Sonam Wangdi currently works as the Chief of the Nature Conservation Division under the Department of Forests and Park Services of the Royal Government of Bhutan. As the Chief of this Division,…

Manoswini SARKAR

Global Energy Policy Officer

BirdLife International

Originally from India and based in Cambridge, UK, Manoswini serves as the Global Energy Policy Officer at BirdLife International. She supports BirdLife’s energy policy agenda and coordination of the…

Louise CARVER

Research Associate

TBA21-Academy

Human geographer and political ecologist combining insights from academic, policy and arts and design contexts to explore transformative approaches to conservation aligned with Convivial…

Gregoria JIMENEZ

Licenciada en Trabajo Social

ODECO

Paula PRIST

Senior Programme Coordinator

IUCN

Dr. Paula Ribeiro Prist is a Senior Programme Coordinator for Forest and Grasslands Unit at IUCN. A biologist by training, Dr. Prist holds a master's, doctorate and post-doctorate in landscape…

Kimathi Norah

Co-founder

Zerobionic

Norah Kimathi is a 22-year-old multi-award-winning entrepreneur whose ventures in assistive robotics, climate innovation, and inclusive education are reshaping the future of Africa’s innovation…

Hui REN

GEF and GCF Task Manager

IUCN

As the GEF/GCF Task Manager at IUCN, Hui Ren oversees the formulation and implementation of GEF and GCF projects across the West Asia portfolio. Since 2022, including her experience as a Climate…

Rameez AL DAOUR

Educator/Food consultant

SEE Food

Rameez Al Daour is an educator, researcher, and active public speaker specializing in food security, safety, and community nutrition. She holds degrees in Clinical Nutrition and Food Safety…

Baravi THAMAN

Environmental Scientist

National Trust of Fiji

Baravi Thaman is an environmental scientist from Suva, Fiji, with expertise in marine and coastal management, biological conservation, and community-based resource management. He holds a PhD in…

Shannon AMES

Executive Director

Low Impact Hydropower Institute

Shannon Ames is Executive Director of the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI), a national non-profit working to recognize and support hydropower that prioritizes environmental, recreational,…

Melanie ZURBA

CEESP Steering Committee Member/Associate Professor

IUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic, and Social Policy (CEESP)/Dalhousie University

Chair, Theme on Governance, Equity and RightsProfessor Zurba’s work focuses on projects that are developed and implemented in collaboration with communities. Professor Zurba has worked…

Stéphanie BOUZIGES-ESCHMANN

Secrétaire générale

AFD/FFEM

Stéphanie Bouziges-Eschmann is the Secretary General of the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM), since September 2018. She is also Alternate member representing France to the Council…

Abigael SUM

Communications & Outreach Specialist

IUCN Commission on Education and Communication 2021-2025

Rocio Andrea BARRERO RAMÍREZ

Especialista Efectividad del Manejo

Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia

An economist and specialist in social project evaluation, he has 15 years of experience in planning and managing protected areas within the National Park System. He is a member of the Implementation…

Jenny GRAY

Chief Executive Officer

Zoos Victoria

Jenny Gray has been Chief Executive Officer of Zoos Victoria since 2007, leading its transformation into one of the world’s most respected zoo-based conservation organisations. Under her leadership,…

Myriam Patricia LOPEZ YANEZ

Founder

Specialized Lighting Advisors

Myriam Patricia Lopez Yanez is a Dubai based architect and lighting designer specializing in biodiversity-conscious, low impact lighting strategies. With over 20 years of experience across the Middle…

Pauline BARRAQUE-BIGOT

Director, Sustainable Finance

Finance Montréal

Pauline Barraque-Bigot is Director, Strategic Initiatives, Sustainable Finance for Finance Montréal. She actively participates in the creation of Finance Montreal's sustainable finance strategy and…

Jun HASHIMOTO

Landscape architect

Shimizu Corporation

I aspire to be a person who can articulate the inherent value of nature. I deeply believe in the power of landscape architecture—its potential not only to solve diverse problems related to human land…

Aleksei ZAVARZIN

Director of AI in agrobiotechnology center / Biodiveristy projects leader

ITMO University / All_Russian Scoeity for Nature Protection

Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Vice Chair Dr. Alex Zavarzin is currently director of the AI in Agrobiotechnolgy center of the ITMO University (https://en.itmo.ru) combining this…

Haizea JIMENEZ

Head of Overseas programme

IUCN French Committee

Marine biologist specializing in the quantitative ecology of benthic communities across coastal temperate and tropical ecosystems. I bring extensive fieldwork expertise, strong taxonomic skills, and…

Ayandev SAHA

Lead Climate Risk Adaptation & Inclusive Insurance

K.M. Dastur Reinsurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd.

Ayandev Saha is a seasoned financial sector development expert with over 18 years of experience in designing and implementing pension, life, health, and climate risk insurance schemes across the Afro…

Aibat MUZBAY

Wildlife biologist

IUCN Commission on Environmental, Economic, and Social Policy 2021-2025

I am Aibat Muzbay, a biodiversity and sustainable use expert with more than six years of experience in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Currently, I lead the environmental NGO Tabigi Orta and coordinate…

Adam HANSON

Senior Principal of Conservation Networks

The WILD Foundation

Adam is a conservationist, community builder, and advocate for respectful collaboration. His enthusiasm for bringing people together to share perspectives and identify solutions is a testament to his…