Peter Damerell – coordinator of the project “Building a collaborative foundation for evidence-based saiga antelope conservation” (funded by USFWS):
I first became aware of Saiga and their conservation story through my Masters degree in 2008-2009 where my course director was EJ Milner-Gulland, Chair of the SCA. EJ, of course, was keen to inject a little Saiga conservation into our teaching whenever possible. Through this course, my interests shifted somewhat away from my background in zoology and towards questions of how to better engage people within effective conservation initiatives. In the 14 years or so since I’ve applied that interest to a wide range of conservation scenarios across a wide range of geographies including environmental education programs in Seychelles, the sustainability of natural resources use and ecotourism development in West Africa and, especially, human-wildlife conflict scenarios in South America, China, Armenia and Europe. I have also been fortunate to work with the SCA previously, both in the UK where I was involved with establishing the Saiga Resource Centre and in Uzbekistan where I explored the effectiveness of alternative livelihood schemes and environmental education initiatives. These days I try to maintain a diverse portfolio of projects and I’m thrilled that for the next five years Saiga and their conservation will be a part of my work once more through my role as the USFWS project coordinator.
David Hill – SCA Projects Administrator:
After five and a half years at Save the Rhino International I join Saiga Conservation Alliance, as Project Administrator, in the hope of developing my experience and skills to conserve another mammal with a strange nose
I am a conservation programme manager, fundraiser and communicator. For the past five and a half years I have worked as Events Manager, and for two years as ForRangers Programme Manager.
This role has focused on fundraising for and raising awareness of rhino conservation issues, and on working with conservation partners to disburse, report on and monitor the impact of funds raised. Through this work I have developed a strong skillset in objective-focused project management, team leadership and people management, and budget management. I have also contributed to overall organisational strategies on both conservation and operational issues.
My passions in life are simple: I love wild places, environmental conservation, and adventure sports.
For me, wild and scenic places – and the flora and fauna that live in them – are the most valuable natural resources. These places should be protected for their biological importance and cultural heritage. Recreation, memories, photographs and stories should be the only extractives. Outdoors enthusiasts make for great conservationists; we need the natural environment to practice our sports.
When not at my desk, you can find me kayaking the rivers of North Wales, Dartmoor and Exmoor. When the rivers aren’t running, I hike the National Parks and AONBs of England and Wales, as well as my original home of County Antrim. I’ve travelled throughout Europe, USA, South America, Southeast Asia and Australasia.
I intend to travel more to learn more about aboriginal cultures – Patagonia and the Himalayas are top of my list. So too is the Steppe
In September 2019 I completed my first ultra-marathon, the ForRangers Ultra, covering 230 kilometres over five days, through wildlife conservancies in the shadow of Mt. Kenya. I also completed several domestic events and I raised over £4,500 for ranger welfare and rhino conservation.
I’m open to a challenge to raise funds and awareness for Saiga. Ideas are welcome.