Africa
Regional Vice Chair: Monipher Musasa | Deputy Regional Vice Chair: Emmanuel Lokpaka
Young Professional (YP) Regional Focal Points for IUCN CEESP are individuals with a deep interest and drive to help the activities of CEESP and enhance youth engagement in current topics. This network of YPs (18-35) will play an integral part in engagement in their region, with a focus on youth and young professionals' involvement. Reporting to the Regional & Deputy Vice Chair of their region, they will prioritize regional CEESP initiatives while facilitating communication and coordination within the region.
This is a voluntary position with an expected commitment of around 10 hours per month. Young Professional Regional Focal Points will serve for up to four years between World Conservation Congresses (WCC) and should be CEESP members under the age of 35 during their tenure. The next WCC will take place in the autumn of 2025.
YP Regional Focal Point Terms of Reference | Español | Francais
Current map of IUCN CEESP YP Regional Focal Points (2021-2025).
Regional Vice Chair: Monipher Musasa | Deputy Regional Vice Chair: Emmanuel Lokpaka
I am a dedicated environmental activist focusing on biodiversity conservation, youth advocacy, and gender equality. My educational background includes the successful completion of a master's degree in the Engineering of Ecology and Management of Biodiversity. Currently, I am actively pursuing my Ph.D. studies in the Department of Biology at the Laboratory of Ecology, Systematics, and Conservation of Biodiversity (LESCOBIO) under the URL-CNRST N° 1, within the University Abdelmalek Essaadi. My research endeavors are centered around the distribution patterns and state of conservation of terrestrial mammals in Morocco, aiming to contribute valuable insights to the field of ecology. By conducting in-depth studies, I am also actively engaging in advancing our understanding of the ecological dynamics in Africa region. My commitment extends beyond academia as I continue to advocate for youth empowerment and work toward fostering gender equality. Through my multifaceted efforts, I strive to make meaningful contributions to the sustainable coexistence of diverse ecosystems and the well-being of our planet.
I am a dedicated environmental activist focusing on biodiversity conservation, youth advocacy, and gender equality. My educational background includes the successful completion of a master's degree in ...
Regional Vice Chair: Pablo Crimer
I am a specialist in gender justice, human rights, international & community development, and environment. I actively promote dialogue and collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders with the aim of influencing the formulation and implementation of relevant policies, laws, and programmes. I am adept at organising effective processes and events and supporting the production of relevant knowledge products and materials.
With an unwavering commitment to promoting equitable and sustainable practices, I use my expertise and extensive networks to make a lasting impact on environmental and gender justice. By promoting inclusive decision-making and driving transformative change, I strive to empower underrepresented communities and advocate for a more inclusive and sustainable future.
I am a specialist in gender justice, human rights, international & community development, and environment. I actively promote dialogue and collaboration among a wide range of stakeholders with the aim ...
Regional Vice Chair: Michael Painter | Deputy Regional Vice Chair: Julia Whelan
Katia Pilar Carranza is a sustainability organizer and researcher focused on improving the reciprocal interconnections between people and nature while increasing equity for underserved and Indigenous people. Sustainability became her passion fifteen years ago when she learned that climate change is threatening the health of our people and environment. Since then, Katia became impassioned to take action, and she has directed transdisciplinary initiatives focused on advancing the environmental and social vision of her communities. As she worked to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Ecology, she organized campus diversity trainings, created a community-driven sustainability club, and established a reusable container program at her college. After graduating, Katia has advanced equity and sustainability through her career and community organizing. She created an equitable engagement plan for the climate department in San Diego as a USDN Equity Diversity Inclusion Fellow, and she developed recommendations for NRDC focused on advancing equitable sustainability in federal environmental programs as a Water Policy Fellow. Her commitment to equitable sustainability led her to serve as a UN Global Goals Ambassador for the SDG 15: Life on Land and to advocate for sustainable land management that benefits social and ecological resilience.
Katia also mobilized her underserved communities to transition a coal plant polluting her hometown, and she organized immigrant people to advocate for their rights. Last year, she founded the Together for Nature nonprofit in her hometown that is working on connecting underserved people and youth to nature and sustainability leadership. As a UC Davis Environmental Justice and Equity Fellow, she is supporting the organization in developing engagement and strategy plans for advancing the social and environmental priorities of underserved and frontline communities. Katia is now pursuing a Master of Science in Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln because she wants to better prepare for advancing the vision of her communities in sustainability planning. She is currently collaborating with Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance in conducting research that supports the socioecological resilience of Indigenous people. She is also serving as a Conversation and Justice Fellow through the American Bird Conservancy to support grasslands Indigenous Working Group in compiling their priorities into strategy and implementing equitable engagement across North America. Katia is committed to continue collaborating with her underserved, migrant, and Indigenous communities to advance their vision for equitable sustainability that heals our social and environmental relationships.
Katia Pilar Carranza is a sustainability organizer and researcher focused on improving the reciprocal interconnections between people and nature while increasing equity for underserved and Indigenous ...
Regional Vice Chair: Dr. Elise Huffer | Deputy Regional Vice Chair: Ann Singeo
Daphney Leola Kiki has been very fortunate to immerse herself in the worlds of ecology, youth, indigenous knowledge, and theology. With deep roots in Papua New Guinea and has been living in Fiji for half her life, her journey involves advocating for ecological justice, championing youth empowerment, and preserving indigenous wisdom. Her work with the Reweaving the Ecological Mat with the Institute for Mission and Research (PTC) and the Regional Ecumenical Youth Council (PCC) also includes promoting sustainable ocean practices and fostering awareness around the delicate balance of nature and culture in the Pacific. While not a prominent figure, she's had the privilege of sharing insights on these topics, as she firmly believes in the quiet power of preserving our environment and nurturing the next generation. She is also the secretary for the Nature Culture Working Group.
Daphney Leola Kiki has been very fortunate to immerse herself in the worlds of ecology, youth, indigenous knowledge, and theology. With deep roots in Papua New Guinea and has been living in Fiji for ...
Regional Vice Chair: Dr. Ritu Dhingra | Deputy Regional Vice Chair: Dr. Swayamprabha Das
I am an Indonesian spatial ecologist currently studying at the National University of Singapore with four years of professional experience in research on landscape management in the Southeast Asian region. I received my M.Sc. in Geography from the University of British Columbia after my undergraduate degree in Biology from Bandung Institute of Technology. My research interests range from space occupation by the endangered dholes (Cuon alpinus) at a national park scale to utilizing multiple remote sensing technologies to monitor human-induced changes in Southeast Asian landscapes.
I am an Indonesian spatial ecologist currently studying at the National University of Singapore with four years of professional experience in research on landscape management in the Southeast Asian ...
Regional Vice Chair: Mahnaz Kadhemi | Deputy Regional Vice Chair: Kai Miethig
Sara Albanna, the spirited 22-year-old sustainability-focused entrepreneur from the island of Bahrain, possesses an exceptional drive to mitigate waste management in a way that truly serves and gives back to the community and the environment through her visionary venture, "Upcycled". With a marketing background and a track record of collaborating with startups and industry giants alike, Sara brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to her mission. Not only is she a trusted Basadur profile consultant, but she also holds a prominent role as a member of IUCN CEESP, serving as the West Asia region's young professional regional focal point. Hosting Bahrain's largest Eco-summit conference and captivating audiences as a speaker at numerous environmental and entrepreneurship-focused events, Sara's influence extends far beyond her credentials, inspiring others to join her in making a profound and lasting impact.
www.linkedin.com/in/saraalbanna
Sara Albanna, the spirited 22-year-old sustainability-focused entrepreneur from the island of Bahrain, possesses an exceptional drive to mitigate waste management in a way that truly serves and gives ...