In this issue, we shine a spotlight on these individuals who make conservation happen every day. Through a series of short profiles, you’ll get to meet these people who are driving change through their expertise, passion, and determination. Each story highlights their roles, challenges, and the transformative outcomes of their work.

From designing conservation strategies to managing on-the-ground implementation, they remind us that protecting our planet is a collective effort.

We asked our featured conservation workers a series of questions to uncover what motivates them, what their daily work involves, and how they’re making a difference. Through their voices, we aim to introduce you to the people working tirelessly in the background to ensure nature thrives.

Abdoul Razack Moussa Zabeirou (Country Representative, Sahara Conservation Niger)

“Reversing the decline of threatened Saharan wildlife in the Aïr & Ténéré National Nature Reserve”, SOS African Wildlife initiative, Niger.

• Why have you chosen to work in the species conservation field?

My choice stems from a lifelong passion and deep concern for environmental challenges. Growing up, I was fascinated by nature and troubled by its decline. Over the years, I’ve witnessed biodiversity loss in the region due to poaching, habitat destruction, climate change, and insufficient conservation efforts. This urgency inspired me to seek meaningful solutions. Working in this field allows me to protect species like the Dama Gazelle while collaborating with communities to promote sustainable practices. It enables me to turn my passion into action, fostering long-term environmental stewardship.

• What was your role in the project?

In the project, I coordinated field activities, overseeing planning, execution, and supervision to ensure alignment with our conservation goals. My role involved analyzing collected data and translating it into actionable insights to guide our strategies. I worked closely with a multidisciplinary team and engaged local stakeholders to foster community involvement and improve project effectiveness. This coordination was essential for optimizing resource use and achieving our objectives.

• How has working with IUCN Save Our Species helped you in your project implementation?

The SOS grant has been crucial in enhancing our work. It enabled us to upgrade surveillance systems with SMART and deploy 40 camera traps, allowing more precise tracking of the Dama Gazelle population and environmental changes. The grant also supported income-generating initiatives, benefiting 15 households with 60 goats and providing free healthcare to people in remote areas. Additionally, it strengthened partnerships with stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing. These improvements have led to more comprehensive protection measures and fostered a shared sense of responsibility for conserving local biodiversity.

• What achievements/results are you the proudest of?

I am particularly proud to have contributed to developing the first comprehensive roadmap for the conservation of Dama Gazelles in the Aïr & Ténéré National Nature Reserve. This plan integrates the results of our field activities into a strategic framework for sustainable biodiversity conservation. Serving as a guide for current and future efforts, the roadmap benefits not only Dama Gazelles but also other wildlife in the area. It reflects our commitment to evidence-based practices and has strengthened community engagement by highlighting the benefits of conservation and fostering a sense of ownership among local residents. This achievement represents a successful collaboration between researchers, stakeholders, and the community, setting a strong precedent for future initiatives.

Nadia Paola Rodriguez Mendoza (Project Coordinator, Women Environmental Corporation)

“A holistic strategy for the conservation of the Barbudo”, Fondation Segré Conservation Action Fund. Colombia

• Why have you chosen to work in the species conservation field?

I have chosen to work in the field of species conservation due to a deep-seated belief in the interconnectedness of all life. Growing up in a region rich in biodiversity, I witnessed firsthand the adverse effects of environmental degradation. This experience instilled in me a strong desire to safeguard our natural heritage not just for the intrinsic value of wildlife but also for the communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. Working in conservation allows me to address these challenges directly, blending scientific approaches with community engagement to foster environments where both nature and people can thrive.

• What is your role in the project?

As Project Coordinator, I lead a multidisciplinary team dedicated to conserving the Barbudo (Pimelodus grosskopfii) in the Atrato River basin. My responsibilities include overseeing key initiatives such as reforesting 2,500 ha, training 250 Emberá fishermen, and establishing a 9,800-ha Resource Management Zone. I work closely with local communities to incorporate their traditional knowledge into conservation strategies, fostering collaboration and cultural relevance. Additionally, I coordinate with international partners to ensure that our efforts not only enhance biodiversity but also contribute to the socioeconomic development of the region.

• How has working with IUCN Save Our Species helped you in your project implementation?

Collaboration with SOS has been pivotal to the success of our project. Their technical and financial support enabled us to establish a community monitoring system and train 300 young people in sustainable practices. They also bolstered our capacity to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Beyond facilitating conservation activities, SOS has strengthened the participation and empowerment of Emberá communities. With their support, we have developed an impactful conservation model that integrates science, traditional knowledge, and community-driven development.

• What achievements/results are you the proudest of?

I am proud to have played a key role in the recovery of the Barbudo, with its population increasing by 145%, from 49 to 120 individuals in the Atrato River basin. Notable accomplishments also include a 45% reduction in illegal fishing and the successful reforestation of 2,500 hectares with native species. Additionally, I am especially proud of integrating Emberá women and youth into conservation efforts, fostering sustainable development while promoting gender equity and inclusion.

Prosenjit Sheel (Project Head, Wildlife Trust of India)

“Protecting tigers, people and their vital habitats in the Sundarban Delta of India and Bangladesh – Phase II”, Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme
Bangladesh and India

• Why have you chosen to work in the species conservation field?

I grew up in Guwahati, Assam, where I witnessed human-wildlife conflicts, including leopards entering the city, dolphins being persecuted in the Brahmaputra River, and Deepor Beel, a Ramsar site, suffering from pollution and encroachment.

While working on a master’s project about Deepor Beel, I became aware of the many threats facing its species and habitats. Seeing the struggles of birds and elephants there deeply moved me and inspired my commitment to conservation. Since then, I have devoted myself to protecting wildlife, collaborating with communities, and fostering human-wildlife coexistence.

• What is your role in the project?

As a guardian of the majestic Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in the Sundarbans, I serve as the lead coordinator for the project. I ensure that our actions are fully aligned with the project objectives , promoting sustainable and effective tiger conservation. My role is dynamic, involving daily planning and coordination. I lead regular team meetings to strategize and maintain strong connections with local partners and Forest Department officials. I manage our project data, ensuring it is accurate and up-to-date, and collaborate with my team to prepare donor reports that highlight our progress. Beyond administrative duties, I am often on the front lines, coordinating with Village Panchayat Representatives, Block Level Government officials, and the police during human-tiger conflict situations. I provide vital support to the Forest Department’s rapid response team, ensuring swift conflict mitigation. As part of the Rapid Response Team, I am always ready to act when the situation demands it

• How has working with the Integrated Tiger Habitat Conservation Programme helped you in your project implementation?

ITHCP has been an invaluable partner in our efforts to protect the Sundarbans and its magnificent tigers. Their unwavering support has enabled our team to execute activities with increased efficiency and impact. Their expert guidance and feedback have been crucial in refining our approach. The Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) guidelines, especially the emphasis on Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), have reshaped how we engage with local communities. By prioritizing inclusivity and transparency, we have built stronger relationships and ensured that our conservation efforts benefit everyone involved.

• What achievements/results are you the proudest of?

One of our proudest achievements is the strong community support we’ve built in our project villages. Our Additional Income Generation (AIG) programmes, supported by ITHCP, have empowered local residents and reduced their dependence on forest resources. This has been especially significant for women, who now spend less time in the forest, reducing the risk of encounters with tigers. We’ve also established two Sundarban Education Centers, or Prakritishalas, in collaboration with the West Bengal Forest Department. These centers have become vibrant hubs of learning, educating locals and visitors alike about the Sundarbans’ rich biodiversity. Our young Tiger Scouts, trained and motivated, now lead their own awareness programmes, inspiring the next generation of conservationists. Another highlight is the tireless work of our Primary Response Team. Their dedication to maintaining nylon nets, which act as a protective barrier between tigers and villages, has been crucial. Thanks to their efforts, in combination with the Forest Department’s expertise, we have been able to safely return tigers to their natural habitats without any incidents of retaliation—an inspiring example of community-based conservation in action.

David W Kimiti (Director of Research and Impact, Grevy’s Zebra Trust)

“Community-based protection of Grevy’s Zebra in Northern Kenya”, SOS African Wildlife, Kenya

• Why have you chosen to work in the species conservation field?

I have always been fascinated by wild spaces and felt a deep connection to the people and wildlife that inhabit them. Growing up as an introvert, I found refuge in the savanna, a contrast to the crowded, noisy cities. The opportunity to study these ecosystems as a career was one I couldn’t pass up. During my undergraduate and master’s degrees, I traveled across the country, visiting parks, reserves, and conservancies, even interning at Kenya’s Lake Nakuru National Park. However, it was my post-master’s experience at Mpala Research Center, working on rangeland restoration, that taught me the importance of protecting habitats to safeguard wildlife. Since then, my career has focused on assessing and monitoring landscapes to ensure they remain sustainable for both people and wildlife.

• What was your role in the project?

My role was to provide overall technical support for the project implementers, primarily through overseeing monitoring and evaluation of project objectives, writing technical reports, and providing guidance on equipment selection and procurement.

• How has working with IUCN Save Our Species helped you in your project implementation?

The SOS grant has been crucial for our capacity building in the Elbarta region of Samburu, particularly in training and equipment. In terms of training, the grant enabled us to conduct targeted refresher sessions for our field teams, culminating in annual workshops where we reviewed successes and challenges related to data acquisition and management. This has allowed us to implement more focused follow-up training, resulting in consistent improvements in data quality and regularity. Regarding equipment, the grant helped us provide tools to enhance data collection and transmission, such as SMART-enabled smartphones, as well as items like uniforms. Both types of equipment have been well-received, leading to increased morale and improved data quality throughout the project’s duration.

• What achievements/results are you the proudest of?

With regards to the SOS project, aside from achieving consistent and immediately available data for the region, I am most proud that the team has been able to create new Standard Operating Procedures for financial and technical execution and reporting across the organization, modelling on the SOS reporting framework. This has meant that we are more self-critical with regards to our project indicators, and that our systems are now set up to receive, execute, and report on larger institutional grants than we were before the SOS project was implemented.

Learning and sharing knowledge in Nairobi, Kenya

Last week, the SOS African Wildlife initiative brought together conservationists from across sub-Saharan Africa in Nairobi to reflect on successes, tackle challenges, and shape the future of wildlife protection.

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