Today we explore the world of conservation and diversity with digital storyteller Taurean Meacham. Working for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Taurean is the Program Coordinator for the Diversity Joint Venture for Careers in Conservation. In this episode we delve into Taurean’s work to improve diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in conservation and beyond.
Lauren Pharr is an avian ecologist, science communicator, PhD candidate and passionate advocate for diversity, equality and inclusion in the wildlife conservation and research space. In the world of conservation, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and representative field. Lauren, a passionate advocate for DEI, co-founded Field Inclusive,
When people think of conservation, often images of trees, water or animals come to mind. Many are led to believe that working in conservation means being a biologist, land manager or researcher. But there is a whole other component of conservation that many rising conservationists are not taught about: biocultural diversity. Chang Norman Liu is
How do people and nature interact? How does nature benefit people? Which interactions have the greatest impacts, and how can research into these questions help tackle some of the biggest issues facing wildlife today? These are some of the questions which today’s guest has dedicated his career to tackling. Kevin Gaston is a Professor of
“You can’t care about what you don’t know about.” Ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster Mya-Rose has certainly had an amazing career. Not only has she had many accomplishments, but she was by the age of 17 the youngest person in the world to see half of the world’s
On 26 April 2023 The Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) recognised six outstanding conservationists with 2023 Whitley Awards for their work to protect wildlife and ecosystems in partnership with local communities, spearheading solutions to the key drivers of biodiversity loss around the world. Kenya’s Dr Shivani Bhalla, a former Whitley Award winner, was separately honoured
Dr Liam Lysaght is Director of the National Biodiversity Data Centre, an Irish organisation that collates and manages data on Ireland’s wildlife. He started his career as a park ranger at the Burren National Park, later moving to work at the Heritage Council before taking up his current role at the data centre. In this interview,
What is the diversity deficit in conservation, and how can we tackle it? In this episode, we speak to Cade London, Diversity Joint Venture Program Manager with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Cade is a 5th generation Hawaiian, with a passion for conservation programs both in and out of government. Cade currently serves as
Orchids may be delicate, but they need tough conservationists to stand up for them. The Colombian Andes are home to the highest number of orchid species in the world – and the highest number of threatened species. Together with the rest of the tropical Andes, this global biodiversity hotspot will face the greatest effects of
At Conservation Careers, we believe in conserving biodiversity through diversity. We urgently need more perspectives, voices, ideas and expertise to create a world in which wildlife thrives. Celebrating Diversity in Conservation is a new initiative to share careers advice from professional conservationists from every corner of the planet. Our ultimate goal is to showcase conservationists from
Perhaps the ultimate way we recognise our dependence on nature is when we see biodiversity as the foundation for the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. That’s precisely the theme of this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity, which recognises the power of biodiversity to transform global food systems,
Tasmania is the southern-most part of Australia, an island state that is known for its exquisite natural landscapes and unique fauna. However, it’s future lies in the hands of conservationists and groups like the Tasmanian Land Conservancy, which protects and improves important areas of land, conducts biological research and assists in a huge variety of
Working in biodiversity conservation is akin to learning a new language – with so many new terms, acronyms and jargon to keep on top of… That’s why we’re celebrating the all new Biodiversity A-Z which provides clear, concise and relevant information about various topics relating to biodiversity written and reviewed by experts. It is designed to
Mining and energy operations have some of the most transformative impacts on the planet, with the power to strip landscapes, alter ecosystems and forever change societies. In this interview, Fauna & Flora International’s Business & Biodiversity Director, Pippa Howard, explains how working with business can create large-scale conservation benefits and how to join this emerging
One week in Cusuco National Park was more than enough to fundamentally change my perception of Honduras. Before coming to this cloud forest in the Merendon mountain range, all that came to my mind when thinking about this part of the world was lowland rainforest, jaguars, and hot, humid temperatures. Instead, on the way to the
I was recently in Honduras, working as a field ornithologist on an Operation Wallacea expedition. Operation Wallacea conducts field conservation research all over the world, and provides young people with the opportunity to experience this research first hand, by bringing school students and university research assistants along with the scientific staff. Sam Jones is the
How can campaigning lead to transformative leadership in conservation? And what role do cross-sector partnerships play in scaling biodiversity impact? Today’s guest is Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England and one of the UK’s most prominent voices in nature conservation. He’s been described as ‘the most effective of Britain’s eco-warriors’ and ‘one of the top
“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
Have you ever wondered how your backyard or garden can help to save wildlife? Or why something as simple as leaving your leaves where they fall can make a big difference for local ecosystems? And what role does media, from television to online platforms, play in conservation efforts? Today’s guest is David Mizejewski, a naturalist,
Today’s guest is Romulus Whitaker, a renowned herpetologist and conservationist often referred to as the “Snake Man of India.” Romulus shares his lifelong passion for snakes, conservation and the incredible biodiversity of India’s rainforests. In this episode, we discuss what drew Romulus to snakes, especially the King Cobra, his experiences in the rainforest, and the
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
