As the CML workshop begins, let’s meet our 2026 trainees

The Digital Forest: Mapping Corridors, Building Futures for Jamaica’s Endangered Species

Adrian Watson is an environmental and sustainability specialist from Seaview Gardens, Jamaica, passionate about linking climate action with stronger communities. He holds a B.Sc. in Geography and Zoology and an M.Sc. in Conservation and Land Management, and recently completed a certificate course in Tropical Forest Landscapes Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Use. Adrian has worked as the Technical Officer for REDD+ and Climate Change at Jamaica’s Forestry Department and runs Honai Beez Apiary and the Jamaica Environment Entrepreneurs Advocacy Network (JEEAN). He enjoys mentoring young ecoentrepreneurs, advancing pollinator conservation, and using geospatial tools to support climate-resilient livelihoods.

On the Wing, on the Brink: Assessment of Breeding Raptors in Assam, India

Aniket Pawar is a Conservation Biologist with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) in India. He works on the conservation of threatened raptors, with a particular focus on vultures and the Endangered Pallas’s fish eagle. His work combines field research, satellite telemetry, nest monitoring, and community engagement to support species recovery and inform conservation action. He currently leads the release and reintroduction program for captive-bred vultures in Northeast India. He is passionate about movement ecology, evidence-based conservation, and building collaborations that help protect wildlife. Outside work, Aniket enjoys birdwatching, wildlife photography, and exploring new places.

Saving the Hump-backed Mahseer through Community Participation in Kerala, India

Dencin is a conservation researcher based in Kerala, India. He completed his master’s degree in Wildlife Biology and during the program, he was able to focus on areas of science he found particularly interesting, such as conservation biology, restoration biology, and evolutionary biology. Most of his works are based on
community-based conservation of the sensitive riparian habitats of the Western Ghats with a special focus on endemic freshwater fishes. He has previously worked with the Mahseer Trust in the UK and the River Research Centre in Thrissur, India. He is also an EDGE fellow at the Zoological Society of London.

Ecological Fire and Propagation Research to Secure the Critically Endangered Tradouw conebush, South Africa

Jessi is the Nursery Manager at the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy and holds a Diploma in Nature Conservation from Nelson Mandela University in George. She oversees nursery operations, supports ecological restoration projects, manages the conservancy’s trap camera database, and creates social media content. Her passion for nature is reflected in her wildlife photography and conservation work. Through her involvement in diverse projects and events, Jessi continues to build valuable experience while contributing to the protection and restoration of the Grootvadersbosch Valley.

Surfgrass Guardians: Community-Based Biodiversity Monitoring of Seagrass Meadows in Baja California, Mexico

Jessica Anayansi Garcia Pantoja is an oceanographer, AAUS scientific diver, and scuba instructor passionate about the conservation of seagrass meadows and kelp forests. She holds a master’s degree in Coastal Oceanography and serves as Regional Manager of the Reef Check Baja California Program, where she coordinates community-based marine biodiversity monitoring and trains community volunteers in scientific diving and underwater ecological monitoring. Her experience spans ecological research, scientific diving, environmental education, and citizen science initiatives across Mexico and internationally.

Building Local Leadership to Secure an Isolated Population of Yellow Tailed Woolly Monkey in Peru

Maria is a Peruvian communicator working with the NGO, Yunkawasi, where she supports institutional and community-based communication for biodiversity conservation projects. She has experience developing communication strategies, writing content, creating printed and digital materials, managing social media, and supporting audiovisual production. Her work is closely linked to local communities, socio-environmental projects, and biodiversity monitoring processes that use technological tools such as drones. She is especially interested in communicating conservation stories in ways that are clear, respectful, and meaningful for different audiences. She is excited to keep learning, exchange experiences with other participants, and strengthen her skills throughout the training course.

Extinction Risk and Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs in Coastal Bangladesh

Mohammad Rakibul Hoque is a Bangladeshi marine science researcher specializing in biodiversity, fisheries ecology, and community-based conservation. His work addresses ecological challenges facing riverine, estuarine, and marine ecosystems of the Bengal Delta and Bay of Bengal, combining biodiversity assessment with active engagement of local fishers and stakeholders. As Team Leader of the 2026 CLP Future Conservationist Award project, he leads a horseshoe crab conservation initiative spanning northeastern coastal sites in Bangladesh, integrating ecological research with participatory, community-driven strategies. Mohammad is committed to translating scientific findings into practical conservation action, building local stewardship, and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

Promoting the Conservation of Vulnerable Yellow-casqued Hornbill Populations in Nigeria

Ngozi Okafor is a Nigerian conservationist and Research Associate at the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, University of Jos, with an MSc in Conservation Biology. She is passionate about conserving threatened tropical forest birds through research, technology-driven monitoring, and community engagement. She has led field research on diverse species, including grey parrots, pangolins and bats, across multiple protected areas in Nigeria. Her work focuses on the ecology and conservation of the Vulnerable Yellow-casqued Hornbill by generating evidence to support effective conservation and empower local communities. Ngozi is committed to bridging research and practice, mentoring young conservationists, and promoting bio-conservation.

Assessing Population Status and Habitat Threats of the Endangered Kikambala Nothobranch, Kenya

Otieno Kashim Oginga is a Kenyan conservation scientist and Research Fellow at the National Museums of Kenya, specializing in freshwater biodiversity, fish ecology and aquatic ecosystem conservation. He leads the 2026 CLP Future Conservationist Award project on the endangered Kikambala Nothobranch (Nothobranchius interruptus), combining field research with community engagement to support evidence-based conservation. Otieno also lectures part-time at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, where he mentors future environmental professionals. His interests include freshwater conservation planning, biodiversity monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. He is committed to
developing collaborative, science-driven solutions that protect threatened species and empower local communities.

Safeguarding of the Javan Endemic Endangered Shadowdamsel in Nusakambangan Island, Indonesia

Puji is a young conservationist from Indonesia. Her work focuses on dragonfly conservation through research, community engagement, and environmental education. She believes conserving dragonflies also helps protect the freshwater ecosystems that many species and communities depend on. Alongside her conservation work, she teaches biology at a senior high school, where she enjoys connecting classroom learning with real-world conservation and encouraging students to appreciate nature. Through the CLP training, she hopes to strengthen her leadership skills, learn from fellow conservationists, and build collaborations to advance freshwater biodiversity conservation in Indonesia.

Safeguarding Critically Endangered Warty Frogs in Mkingu Nature Reserve, Morogoro region, Tanzania

Sarah Mshanga is a wildlife conservationist dedicated to advancing evidence-based and community-led biodiversity conservation in Tanzania. She has contributed to ecological research, threatened species conservation, and community engagement through the Women in Conservation Organization, the Greater Mahale Ecosystem Research & Conservation Project, and Lion Landscapes Tanzania. Sarah has led a PADI Foundation-funded green turtle conservation project and contributed to research on rare amphibians in the Eastern Arc Mountains. She is a member of the 2024 Conservation Leadership Programme Award-winning team and is committed to bridging science, local knowledge, and practical conservation to safeguard Tanzania’s unique biodiversity.

Connected Skies: Bhutan’s First GPS-AI Study Empowering Communities to Protect Great Hornbills

Wangdi is a Senior Forestry Officer with Bhutan’s Department of Forests and Park Services, with experience in biodiversity conservation, forest management, ecological research, and community-based natural resource management. His work includes biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning, climate-responsive forest management, and the sustainable management of non-wood forest products. He applies GIS, remote sensing, ecological field methods, and species distribution modeling to support evidence-based conservation planning and decision-making. He
is particularly interested in integrating emerging technologies, scientific research,
and community participation to address conservation challenges and strengthen the
long-term protection of Bhutan’s biodiversity.