People

Jay has more than 22 years’ experience in teaching, researching and building capacity for natural resource management with local communities. After achieving a BSc in Biology and PhD in Geography, she taught at the School of Oriental and African Studies, the London School of Economics and Birkbeck College. Jay is currently a Professor of Geography in the Geography Department at Royal Holloway University of London. Her particular interests include supporting local livelihoods and biodiversity conservation, local environmental governance, action research … Read More

Matthew is a consultant with over 20 years experience in delivering natural resource management and community related projects. He has managed projects in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and North America. Matthew’s expertise includes community engagement techniques and the design and management of natural habitats and resources to deliver multiple benefits such as livelihood support, biodiversity conservation, flood defence and water quality improvements. He is currently a manager of 35percent Ltd that delivers wetland related projects around the world for … Read More

Andrea has more than 20 years’ experience in teaching, researching and building capacity for enabling sustainable communities. After achieving qualifications in ecology (BSc), nature conservation (MSc) and environmental science (PhD), he has taught at the London School of Economics, University College London, Royal Holloway University of London, and The Open University. His work has engaged communities from the Borneo and Amazonian rainforests; the floodplains of the Mekong and the Guianas; the savannas of East Africa and Latin America; and the … Read More

Dr Geraud de Ville de Goyet is a Fellow of the Institute for Environmental Security and holds a PhD in international development from the Open University (2016), which focused on the impact of information and communication technologies on Indigenous communities in Guyana. He uses his interests in social technology, design and systems thinking to support community participation and empowerment in the UK and around the world. He has recently worked in public policy and strategy for a local government in … Read More

Lakeram Haynes has 15 years’ experience in community development and environmental management. He speaks Makushi and English fluently, and has strong skills in community facilitation and engagement, visual methods, environmental monitoring, and sustainable Indigenous resource management. He has had senior management and researcher roles in several projects, and his work experience and traditional foundation provide a strong base for continued leadership and commitment in the area of community-based natural resource management in the North Rupununi, Guyana. He aims to see … Read More

Elisa has more than 15 years’ experience in researching and teaching in the field of development geography and in the use of participatory research methods with local communities in the Global South. After achieving a BSc in Economics and PhD in Local Development and Territorial Planning, she focused on Development geography working extensively in international aid projects in Africa and Latin America. She’s currently senior lecturer at the Department of Cultures, Politics and Society, University of Torino, Italy. Her particular … Read More

Odacy has 15 years of experience working with government and conservations organizations focused on protected areas management, sustainable development and community-based conservation. Over the years she has managed several conservation projects and provided consultancy services to indigenous and mining communities in the areas of conservation outreach and biodiversity impact assessments. Odacy has been working with the Iwokrama Centre for Rainforest Conservation, coordinating the Cobra Project for three years. She holds a BSc in Biology and is currently pursuing an MPhil … Read More

Claudia is a professional photographer with a Masters Degree in photojournalism from Naples’ Academy of Fine Arts (Italy). She has extensive knowledge in Participatory Photography (PP) and Participatory Video (PV) techniques and has been involved in several projects as a facilitator in Italy, Palestine and South America. She cooperates with different organisations and research projects which promote the use of photography and video to give voice to marginalised groups. Over the past two years, she worked mostly with young people … Read More

Deirdre Jafferally has 17 years’ experience working in community based wildlife management and conservation. Deirdre first started working at the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development, Guyana in the area of environmental monitoring. This has transited to a broader interest in community resource management issues. She was able to explore this interest during her extensive engagement with communities of the North Rupununi, Guyana in managing and conserving their resources especially in the area of fisheries management. Recently, Deirdre … Read More

Grace Albert has 5 years’ experience in community development and visual methodologies. She speaks fluent Makushi and English, and has strong skills in community facilitation and engagement, visual methods, and her local Makushi traditions. Following a strong grounding in further education courses of natural resource management, wildlife management, agriculture , information technology, leadership and culture, she has worked for the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), a local Indigenous community-based organization, in several roles. This includes as a radio broadcaster, a community film maker and most recently as a Community Research Assistant. With these experiences, Grace hopes to remain as a resource person for her community and is committed towards development of her homeland.

Rebecca Xavier is a proud Amerindian woman, a descendant of the Wapishana nation. She has a sound primary school education, followed by experiences in the Wowetta Youth Environmental Club, and then further education at the Bina Hill Institute, Annai where she trained in ICT, agriculture, basic maths, English and leadership skills. She is fluent in Wapishana, Makushi and English, and has worked for the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), a local Indigenous community-based organization, in different roles over the … Read More

Rebecca is a consultant with over 19 years’ experience undertaking a wide range of marine and wetland-related projects balancing environmental protection with sustainable livelihoods and economic development. She has delivered projects in mainland USA, the Hawaiian Islands, China, Japan, Philippines, India, Middle East and Europe. Rebecca is a highly experienced ecologist who has worked on a diverse range of integrated wetland assessment and management, ecotourism and wetland creation, restoration and enhancement projects. She provides a unique understanding of the relationship … Read More