Global Perspective Workshops

Oliver Hillel

Oliver Hillel is Programme Officer for the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an international treaty (entered into force in December 1993) to sustain the rich diversity of life on Earth. Prior to joining the Secretariat, Oliver Hillel was Project Team Leader in Palawan, the Philippines, producing a provincial master plan for sustainable tourism development and building capacity of local governments and business. He was Tourism Programme Coordinator, United Nations Environment Programme (2000-2003) and Ecotourism Programme Director, Conservation International (1996-2000).

Jenny Gray

Jenny Gray is the Chief Executive Officer of Zoos Victoria, which operates three zoos in Melbourne Australia. Zoos Victoria has embarked on an ambitious, new strategic direction, which will see the organisation transform into a conservation organisation. Zoos Victoria is committed to ensuring that every undertaking will bring about net conservation gain; through working with animals, both in captivity and in the wild and empowering visitors and communities to take actions that will assist wild life. Jenny has a varied background in transportation, banking and zoos. Anyone who has seen the majestic, quirky and down right bizarre creatures that make up life on this planet will share Jenny’s passion and commitment to making sure that we all have a sustainable future.

Dr. Wallace J. Nichols

Dr. Wallace J. Nichols is co-founder of SEE Turtles, and has been a leading ocean conservationist for over 15 years. He is a Research Associate at the California Academy of Sciences, former President of the International Sea Turtle Society, and Eastern Pacific co-chair for the IUCN’s Marine Turtle Specialists Group. He co-founded Ocean Revolution and WiLDCOAST, two international advocacy groups, as well as the Grupo Tortuguero, an award-winning coalition of fishermen, local residents, and conservationists spanning Mexico’s Pacific coast. Dr. Nichols was a Fulbright Fellow, a Bradley Fellow at Duke University, and is a member of numerous advisory boards including Oceana, Sea Turtle Restoration Project, and Save Our Shores.

Rob Holmes

Rob Holmes is the Founder and President of Green Living Project™ (GLP) and has a diverse background in international conservation, sustainable tourism, media production, and business. He has built and managed GLP to be the leading media production and marketing company showcasing global sustainability-related initiatives. To date, he has established over 50 global media production partnerships; executed media expeditions across 14 countries throughout Africa, South America, Central America, and North America; and developed event-marketing strategies (150+ events per year) across North America. Key partners include Earthwatch Institute, Rainforest Alliance, African Wildlife Foundation, R.E.I., L.L.Bean, AFAR Media, The North Face, Patagonia, and Sierra Designs. An award-winning photographer for over 20 years, he also received a BA from Hobart College in Wildlife Management and an MBA from the University of Washington in International Business and Environmental Management.

Melanie Ghannoudi-Courbet

Melanie Ghannoudi-Courbet a cultural projects and business development consultant who recently joined the Tribe Wanted team for its second Eco-Village project on the shore of Sierra Leone in West Africa. Born and raised in Paris, she received her education in the University Paris 8 where she double majored in Anthropology-Sociology and Sciences of Information and Communication. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2005 Melanie has curated and coordinated numerous shows and exhibitions. She has developed a substantial portfolio of clients both in the US and abroad. Ms. Ghannoudi-Courbet has also developed and completed projects with international organizations such as Love and Art for Children Foundation and Shine on Sierra Leone.
 

Tiffany Persons

Tiffany Persons is the founder and director of Shine On Sierra Leone, an innovative non-profit organization that implements successful programs in Sierra Leone to accompany the country in developing self-sufficient platforms for Health, Education and Economical growth. In its efforts to empower the community and open their horizon of possibilities, the organization creates rich cultural exchanges between Sierra Leone and the United States. The underlying philosophy of Shine On Sierra Leone is about change and not charity. Naturally, the mission grew into creating sustainable businesses and economies that will enable the local communities to support and generate profit themselves. Tiffany has been recognized as a Woman of The World by the United Nations and has been featured in numerous high-profile publications for her contributions to Sierra Leone.

“Tribewanted Sierra Leone is your chance to play a part in kick-starting the right kind of tourism in a country that needs it. It will be an amazing adventure, so don’t miss this opportunity to be one of the pioneering visitors.”
– Ben Keene, Founder, Tribewanted