Conservation tech: Finding footing in a new landscape
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 hear more about Dhanu’s journey read From oil and gas to Mountain Chicken Frogs: Dhanushri Munasinghe’s route to conservation.
Unlocking uncertainty
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dhanu’s public-sector contract role on a nation-wide study on human-wildlife conflict, involving Singapore’s urban ‘pest’ birds ended. Job opportunities were scarce. Dhanu at a crossroads had to choose between a similar position in another sector or a junior role at a wildlife nonprofit. She sought support among passionate, like-minded colleagues during the trying times of the pandemic.
Dhanu notes that often careers in conservation are not linear progressions, but it is important to keep an open mind and be adaptable to circumstances.
Challenge: Integrating technology into conservation efforts
Since 2021, Dhanu has been working at Conservation International in Singapore, focusing on the Illegal Wildlife Trade. As a Project Coordinator, she coordinated a novel project, the Fin Finder app during its implementation stage.
The groundbreaking AI app is a crucial tool for inspectors and enforcement agencies tackling the illegal wildlife trade, a significant threat to the world’s biodiversity. However, bridging the gap between traditional conservation methods and cutting-edge technology presents its own set of obstacles.
Solution:
- Cross-sector collaboration:
Dhanu coordinated efforts between diverse stakeholders, including tech corporations like Microsoft, and government bodies like Singapore’s National Parks Board. This experience taught her the value of bringing together expertise from different fields to solve conservation challenges.
“I think the future of conservation is really this crossroads of various disciplines; it’s not just biology.”
- Managing complex project elements:
A large part of Dhanu’s role involved coordinating teams across different time zones and with varying technical backgrounds. On top of this, the project involved managing multiple technical elements, such as:
- AI machine learning model development.
- Mobile app creation.
- Training data collection of over 15,000 images fed by dedicated volunteers and collaborators.
Fin Finder app being used in action.
The Fin Finder app can classify 35 elasmobranch (shark and ray) species, and its replicable blueprint makes it potentially adaptable for identifying other species.
“This was a conservation tech project. Inspectors use it to rapidly identify a shark fin; if you take a picture of a dried shark fin, it can tell you what species it is”.
Besides being a valuable tool for wildlife inspectors, the app also serves as a great case study for young students, exemplifying what can be achieved with the right resources and an active imagination to solve environmental challenges.
Programming conservation paths for others
In the past three years, Dhanu has embraced three distinct roles at Conservation International, culminating in her recent appointment as Program Manager in January 2024.
“My role currently is to develop more conservation pathways for aspiring conservationists, including younger students and mid-career professionals considering a transition. Because my journey was very long, I didn’t have a lot of mentors. I find meaning in working out programs with much better routes into conservation”.
A significant aspect of Dhanu’s current role involves fostering collaboration, forming partnerships with universities and conservation projects on the ground while combining this with in-house expertise at Conservation International.
“I think it’s important having micro credentials and various pathways that can help others enhance their qualifications and transfer to the conservation field or at least have a lens in conservation in whatever work they do”.
Dhanu now feels fulfilled when guiding others transition into conservation, driven to make pathways into conservation clearer.
Dhanu setting up camera traps during her volunteering at the Durrell Zoo.
Career advice for switchers
Dhanu emphasises that taking the first step – asking for help – can be transformative. As a self-described introvert, she acknowledges this can be challenging, but the courage to reach out is invaluable.
“I’ve learnt that you’ve just got to write to people or ask people to help you connect to other people. It helps to tell people: Hey, I’m planning to change and I’m looking for something like this; would you know anyone who might be able to help?”
Dhanu’s top tips for aspiring conservationists:
- Before making the change, identify the skills, knowledge and experience gaps that would help you reach your goals.
- If you are completely new to the field, begin by committing yourself to volunteering for an interest group in your free time.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out to others in the sector for help. If you can, offer your time and emphasise your desire to learn.
“If you could, have a mentor or reach out to people; get as much information as you can, and volunteering definitely helps.”
- Build connections when volunteering or participating in related events. Finding others who are working towards something similar to you, can help you get to where you need to be.
“Having people that are working toward the thing that you want to do is really important”.
- Conservation in the future, will involve teams from diverse backgrounds. Embrace your previous work experience as a beneficial perspective and be curious to learn new things. The conservation landscape is very dynamic.
- Last of all, don’t forget self care. Even if at times, things feel daunting, knowing the value you can bring to any role helps you stay optimistic.
*This Career Advice blog is personal and Dhanushri Munasinghe’s opinions are her own; they are not reflective of her past or existing employers.
Dhanu now feels fulfilled when guiding others transition into conservation.
Stay in touch!
If you’d like to know more about Dhanu’s work on the Fin Finder App, why not read the article New app aims to take a bite out of illegal shark fin trade.
Thinking of changing careers? Check out our Top Conservation Careers Advice for Career Switchers or our guide to being a Conservation Project Manager.
Author Profile | Laura Hayter
Laura is a creative professional with a Master’s in Marine Systems and Policies, she is driven to combine her passion for writing with ocean conservation. Her focus lies in understanding human relationships with natural environments. As a Sustainability Officer for her local council, Laura applies her expertise daily while pursuing creative writing in her free time. Explore Laura’s portfolio or connect with her on LinkedIn to learn more about her work in marine science and sustainability.