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Dr. Steve Boyes is a South African conservation biologist and National Geographic Fellow with a deep passion for wilderness and ecological restoration. He is the founder and Chairman of The Wild Bird Trust and leads the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project as well as the Great Spine of Africa expeditions.
In 2015, Steve initiated the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project to create community-based protection systems through comprehensive ecological surveys and long-term environmental monitoring across the Okavango Basin in Angola, Namibia, and Botswana. His research team has discovered over 143 new species, and they are collaborating with local communities and government leaders to develop innovative solutions and narratives that raise awareness and funding for these vital wilderness areas.
Tara has dedicated two decades to journalism and wildlife conservation, driven by a deep commitment to crafting complex nature stories that challenge stereotypes and highlight the connections between human and non-human species. Over the past nine years, she has worked with and provided consultancy for various conservation organizations across Africa, including WildAid, Maliasili, and Unearthodox, focusing on behavior change media. Tara has led campaigns across several African nations, addressing issues such as curbing illegal bushmeat demand in urban areas of West and Central Africa and building support for lion conservation in Tanzania. In 2018, she participated in an expedition down the Kembo River in Angola.
Rainer earned his honours and master’s degrees in nature conservation while also working part-time as a freelance guide in South Africa. In 2002, he relocated to the Seychelles, where he developed security protocols, trained marine rangers, authored conservation management plans, removed invasive species, established long-term monitoring programs, and mentored scientific researchers. He completed his doctoral degree in nature conservation in 2012 and has since been focused on establishing river baselines for the early 21st century.
David brings extensive expertise in economics, development, and business strategy, combined with considerable sector-specific knowledge in water, renewable energy, and waste management.
He has spearheaded policy initiatives related to water management, agriculture, and trade. In addition to founding and expanding several companies in renewable energy, waste management, and retail, David has a profound understanding of the operations and challenges faced by small to medium enterprises.
Dr. Steve Beissinger is a professor of Ecology and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. His career focuses on generating ecological insights to aid biodiversity conservation and to explore fundamental behavioral and population processes in nature.
He has published more than 200 scientific articles and serves as a senior editor for three books, including Science, Conservation and National Parks. His current research addresses two major challenges in conservation and society: wildlife responses to global changes and species extinction.
Shoham Arad is a designer and cultural curator with a diverse background in creating both practical items and transformative systems. For a decade, she led the TED Fellows Program, a prestigious fellowship with a global network of 500 Fellows from diverse fields such as medicine, astrophysics, contemporary art, and poetry. In her role, she supported thought leaders in developing, expanding, and sharing their innovative ideas across various platforms, affecting sectors ranging from art to healthcare. As a communication strategist, Shoham has assisted over 350 speakers in reaching millions worldwide. She also teaches systems and speculative design at Parsons, Pratt, and RISD, and collaborates with, advises, and serves on the boards of international arts and social impact organizations.
Brooke Runnette is the founder of Change Agency Collective, a creative agency dedicated to fast-tracking exceptional talent—those ambitious game-changers striving to build a better future more quickly. She currently serves as a Senior Advisor to the Fellowships team at Emerson Collective, is a founding board member of Solving for Science, and sits on the board of the DC Environmental Film Festival, where she has been a director since April 2023.
John Hilton is the CEO of The Wild Bird Trust network of non-profit organizations and serves as the Regional Director for the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project. After transitioning from the corporate sector in 2009 to immerse himself in the African wilderness, John joined The Wild Bird Trust Board of Trustees in March 2013.
John’s focus is on localization to create sustainable, long-lasting programs. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded with the founding of the Botswana Wild Bird Trust in 2018, the Wild Bird Foundation of America (now The Wilderness Project) in 2019, and Fundação Lisima in Angola in 2023. He is also working on establishing the Kavango Wilderness Project in Namibia.
In addition, John spearheads outreach initiatives with government officials, NGOs, community-based organizations, and transboundary secretariats across Angola, Namibia, and Botswana to promote the protection of the Okavango River Basin.
Dr. Steve Boyes is a South African conservation biologist and National Geographic Fellow with a deep passion for wilderness and ecological restoration. He is the founder and Chairman of The Wild Bird Trust and leads the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project as well as the Great Spine of Africa expeditions.
In 2015, Steve initiated the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project to create community-based protection systems through comprehensive ecological surveys and long-term environmental monitoring across the Okavango Basin in Angola, Namibia, and Botswana. His research team has discovered over 143 new species, and they are collaborating with local communities and government leaders to develop innovative solutions and narratives that raise awareness and funding for these vital wilderness areas.
David brings extensive expertise in economics, development, and business strategy, combined with considerable sector-specific knowledge in water, renewable energy, and waste management.
He has spearheaded policy initiatives related to water management, agriculture, and trade. In addition to founding and expanding several companies in renewable energy, waste management, and retail, David has a profound understanding of the operations and challenges faced by small to medium enterprises.
The Wilderness Project is incorporated in the United States of America in Delaware. It is a recognized 501(c)(3) corporation which holds Public Charity Status.
EIN: 83-1279703.