Our Team Driving Global Conservation
Dedicated to Protecting Biodiversity Through Science and Empowering Local Action
At Saving Nature, we believe that effective conservation stems from a deep understanding of ecological science, strategic leadership, and strong partnerships with local communities. Our team comprises world-renowned scientists, visionary leaders, and passionate advocates who are committed to reversing habitat loss and preventing species extinctions. We are proud to present the individuals who make our mission possible.
Saving Nature believes that a decentralized model for conservation is the most effective approach to achieving long-term sustainable results. Since each project is unique, the frontline teams who live within the community are best able to engage with stakeholders and address the project’s dynamic conservation challenges. Therefore, most of the staffing for our projects is at the local level, directly on the frontlines of conservation.
Our local partners own the land, manage the protected areas, engage local communities, work with government organizations, and participate in scientific research. Through this close collaboration, we actively build local capacity for conservation and develop future leaders. We have worked with many partners for over a decade, collectively improving the knowledge base for restoring habitat, saving species from extinction, recolonizing species, and protecting vital ecosystem services for local communities. This approach ensures that conservation efforts are deeply embedded and sustained by the communities they serve.
Our Science Board: Guiding Conservation with Unparalleled Expertise
As a science-driven organization, Saving Nature recognizes the indispensable value of experience, wisdom, and diverse perspectives in shaping our strategy and implementation. Our esteemed Science Board comprises leading conservation scientists, each possessing decades of experience and respected leadership in the dynamics of habitat loss and species extinctions. Their input ensures our projects have the highest merits in terms of urgency and importance. Our President and Founder, Dr. Stuart Pimm, has collaborated with the members of our Science Board for many years, advancing the field of conservation and applying its principles to practical action. We are fortunate to have a Science Team of true colleagues, whose significant contributions to conservation science and invaluable guidance we highly value.
Key Experts on Our Science Board:
Dr. Stuart L. Pimm is the Founder and President of Saving Nature, a world leader in the study of present-day extinctions. His extensive research covers the reasons why species become extinct, how fast they do so, global patterns of habitat loss, and importantly, the management consequences of this research. He is a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Heineken Prize, Tyler Prize, and International Cosmos Prize, underscoring his expertise and authority in conservation ecology.
Dr. Trevor Price is a leading authority on bird evolution and conservation, renowned for his book Speciation in Birds. His research, centered on the extraordinary bird diversity of the Himalayas, combines fieldwork and molecular biology to uncover how species evolve and adapt. His broader work explores how environmental change shapes ecosystems, a theme he develops in Ecology of a Changed World (Oxford University Press).
Dr. Peter Raven stands as one of the world’s leading botanists and conservation advocates. He serves as President Emeritus at the Missouri Botanical Garden and is the George Engelmann Professor of Botany at Washington University in St. Louis. His influence is recognized by his membership in numerous international academies, including the US National Academy of Sciences, and by major international awards such as the International Prize for Biology and the Tyler Prize.
Dr. Terry L. Root is a prominent climate scientist and conservationist, holding a Senior Fellow Emerita position at Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment. She was a lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, contributing to the team that notably won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, reflecting her significant expertise in the impacts of climate change on species.
Dr. Carl Safina is an influential ecologist and award-winning author, who serves as the first Endowed Professor for Nature and Humanity at Stony Brook University and is the founder of the Safina Center. His impactful writing explores human alteration of the living world, combining broad scientific understanding with a compelling call to action, earning him distinctions such as the MacArthur “genius” prize.
Dr. Patricia Wright is a leading expert on lemurs and their conservation, celebrated for her discovery of the golden bamboo lemur. This pivotal discovery led to her establishing a world-renowned conservation center in Ranomafana, Madagascar, and earned her a MacArthur Foundation “Genius Award.”
Our Management Board: Strategic Direction and Operational Excellence
Saving Nature’s Management Board is responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, and policies of the organization. Our board members are deeply passionate about our mission and bring invaluable insights to ensure Saving Nature executes effectively on our mission with transparency and integrity. The board serves entirely on a voluntary basis
Strategic Leaders on Our Management Board:
Dr. Stuart L. Pimm serves as President of Saving Nature. Please refer to his full summary above under the Science Board section for details on his world-leading expertise in extinction studies and conservation ecology.
Charlie Bostwick is a dedicated conservationist and avid birder who brings his passion for environmental stewardship to the Saving Nature Board. As the founder of a sustainability-focused architecture and homebuilding company, he offers decades of organizational and business experience crucial for supporting our local partners.
Dr. Alex Dehgan, a Director on our board, is the CEO of Conservation X Labs and previously served as the Chief Scientist of USAID. He is a renowned conservation innovator and strategic leader, known for designing the US Government’s Grand Challenge for Development program and helping establish Afghanistan’s first national park.
Cassidy Horn, a Director, is a multifaceted tech entrepreneur and philanthropist with a deep passion for animals and nature. She brings her extensive experience from the tech industry and her long-standing commitment to environmental conservation, including serving on the board of the LA Zoo.
Dr. Clinton Jenkins, our Vice President, is an Associate Professor specializing in spatial analysis and remote-sensing technologies at Florida International University. His expertise is vital for identifying conservation priorities and directing efforts towards the most efficient places to save species.
Dr. Lucas Joppa, a Director, is a tech-focused sustainability leader and scientist currently serving as Senior Managing Director and Chief Sustainability Officer at Haveli. Previously, as Microsoft’s first Chief Environmental Officer, he led historic sustainability commitments and pioneered initiatives like AI for Earth, positioning him as a uniquely accredited voice for sustainability in the tech industry.
Dr. Gerald Post, a Director, is a board-certified veterinary oncologist and passionate conservation advocate. As co-founder of The Veterinary Cancer Center and founder of the Animal Cancer Foundation, he uniquely applies interdisciplinary research, drawing from the medical field, to evaluate the effectiveness of endangered species conservation efforts.
Brian Rodgers, our Secretary, is a commercial real estate investor and environmental activist based in Austin, Texas. He has dedicated much of his life to political and environmental activism, actively directing his energies toward acquiring critical habitat corridors in biodiversity hotspots around the world.
Erin Willigan, our Executive Director, holds master’s degrees in both Conservation Biology from Columbia University and Business Administration from Harvard Business School. In her role, she provides oversight and overall management, planning, vision, and leadership for all aspects of Saving Nature, ensuring effective execution of our mission.
Our Local Partners: Empowering Conservation on the Frontlines
As detailed in our decentralized conservation model, we firmly believe that partnering with local conservation organizations is the only way to ensure long-term success. These groups are closest to the restoration and management challenges of each project and are best positioned for lasting impact. We do not own land; instead, we provide resources, scientific and technological advice, funding for land purchases, mentorship, and guidance for monitoring and research to our dedicated partners. Together, we are improving biodiversity hotspots for global impact, working where it matters most.
Key Partnerships Across the Globe:
In Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, we collaborate with Associação Mico-Leão Dourado to connect isolated habitat fragments, crucial for protecting the Golden Lion Tamarin. We also work with Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçu (REGUA) on strategic reforestation efforts, restoring connectivity for a vital watershed that provides drinking water to 13 million residents of Rio de Janeiro.
In India’s Western Ghats, we partner with the Center for Wildlife Studies to find sustainable solutions for biodiversity and human populations in protected areas like Kudremukh National Park.
In Sumatra’s Leuser Ecosystem, we work closely with Forum Konservasi Leuser (FKL) to build essential wildlife corridors, while actively combating habitat loss, poaching, and destructive logging.
In Colombia’s Montane Forest of South Antioquia, alongside Fundación Bioconservancy, we are expanding critical habitats for hummingbirds and neotropical migratory birds through integrated research, community outreach, and the establishment of natural reserves.
In Colombia’s Magdalena Valley, Saving Nature has joined a coalition led by Fundación Biodiversa Colombia to protect this important biodiversity region from the encroaching threats of commercial logging and cattle-ranching.
In Ecuador’s Coastal Pacific Forest, we proudly support the Third Millennium Alliance (TMA) in their mission to preserve the last remnants of this unique ecosystem and empower local communities within the Jama-Coaque Reserve.
Why Our Team Matters for Conservation
The collective expertise of Saving Nature’s Science Board, the strategic guidance of our Management Board, and the invaluable local knowledge of our partners, operating within our decentralized model, create a powerful force for global biodiversity conservation. We leverage decades of experience, cutting-edge science, and a deep commitment to community empowerment to ensure that our efforts result in lasting, positive change for endangered species and critical ecosystems worldwide.