LEADERBOARD

CURRENT DARWIN LEADERS

Heather O’Keefe

Heather, a dedicated Biologist and Ocean Science graduate, brings marine conservation to life through her role at the National Marine Aquarium and innovative coral research. Her inspiring journey is fueled by encounters with passionate conservationists and immersive nature experiences.

VIEW WORK
NATIONALITY:
LOCATION: Fernando de Noronha
STUDY: Coral reefs and reef fishes
SPONSOR: Ocean Conservation Trust

Isla Richards

Isla’s journey spans ocean conservation and safari park roles, contributing to education, research, and breeding efforts for endangered species. Her commitment to plastic-free living and clean-up initiatives highlights personal action for the environment. Inspired by family ties and a fascination with animal behavior, she aims to enhance marine conservation through the Darwin Leader program.

VIEW WORK
NATIONALITY:
LOCATION: Fernando de Noronha
STUDY: The octopuses of Noronha, behaviour, adaptation and protection
SPONSOR: Ocean Conservation Trust

Manuela Costa

Manuela, studying Environmental Management in Uruguay, is passionate about shark conservation and fostering sustainable practices. With a background in a family of fishermen, she seeks alternatives to shark fishing and aspires to protect marine ecosystems. The Darwin Project offers her a unique opportunity to enhance her marine insights and contribute to global conservation efforts.

VIEW WORK
NATIONALITY:
LOCATION: Fernando de Noronha
STUDY: Lemon Sharks behaviour and protection
SPONSOR: JRNYZ.io

Gabriel Leralta

Gabriel, a curious nature enthusiast from the Canary Islands, holds degrees in sports, renewable energies, and sociology. His work ranges from ecological conservation to teaching values through scout mentoring. Passionate about nature since childhood, he seeks to improve conservation strategies globally by learning from different national parks. The Darwin Leader program aligns perfectly with his goal to contribute and learn.

VIEW WORK
NATIONALITY:
LOCATION: Fernando de Noronha
STUDY: Turtle conservation and invasive species on Fernando de Noronha
SPONSOR: Redfern Natural History Productions

Tom Schildbauer

Tom, a Biology graduate with an Ecology specialization, excelled in tropical pollination biology research and is now taken interest in marine biology. Engaged with the Jane Goodall Institute Austria, he drives climate awareness projects. Tom’s passion for the natural world and cultural exploration, shaped by global travel, fuels his commitment to environmental preservation. The Darwin Leader Program is a chance for him to contribute ecologically and positively.

VIEW WORK
NATIONALITY:
LOCATION: Fernando de Noronha
STUDY: Spinner Dolphins and the impact of tourism and maritime traffic
SPONSOR: Fourth Element

DARWIN LEADERS

Gabriel Grellet
START DATE: 3rd September
LOCATION: Cape Verde
AREA OF STUDY: Rediscovered reptiles of Santa Luizia
SPONSOR: Millenium Capital
Alison Ashworth
START DATE: 3rd September
LOCATION: Cape Verde
AREA OF STUDY: Green Turtles
SPONSOR: Don Hanson Charitable Foundation
Nina Marcovaldi
START DATE: 3rd September
LOCATION: Cape Verde
AREA OF STUDY: Loggerhead sea turtles of Tarafal beach
SPONSOR: Ecoflix
Michael Binder
START DATE: 3rd September
LOCATION: Cape Verde
AREA OF STUDY: Endemic plant life of Raul Valley
SPONSOR: Artwork Platform Systems
Merlijn Hulsenboom
START DATE: 3rd September
LOCATION: Cape Verde
AREA OF STUDY: Seabirds of Raso island
SPONSOR: Settle Global Solutions
Larissa Vidal Melo
START DATE: 3rd September
LOCATION: Cape Verde
AREA OF STUDY: Sharks and rays
SPONSOR: TPP
Emmanuel Kudolo
START DATE: 3rd September
LOCATION: Cape Verde
AREA OF STUDY: Birds and Raso Larck
SPONSOR: Redfern Natural History Productions
Mirjam Schibler
START DATE: 14th August
LOCATION: Tenerife
AREA OF STUDY: Plantlife of El Teide volcano
SPONSOR: Redfern Natural History Productions
Tessina Strelow
START DATE: 27th August
LOCATION: Tenerife
AREA OF STUDY: Endemic Birds
SPONSOR: UC Investors
Elliot Connor
START DATE: 27th August
LOCATION: TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS
AREA OF STUDY: Coastal habitats under threat
SPONSOR: Trifin Partners
IRO TSARMPOPOULOU-FOKIANOU
START DATE: 27th August
LOCATION: TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS
AREA OF STUDY: Short finned pilot whale
SPONSOR: CCSL
LOTTE BATEN
START DATE: 27th August
LOCATION: TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS
AREA OF STUDY: Dragon trees and juniper forests
SPONSOR: IMC

IMAGE GALLERY

The DARWIN200 project is developing the world’s top young conservationists as they gain practical experience studying conservation subjects. These leaders are developing the skills and abilities to change the world of tomorrow, taking this experience into their future conservation careers.

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