Bangor University Alumna recognised in Top 100 Young African Conservation Leaders’ List 2021
A Bangor University forestry alumna has been listed in the African Wildlife Foundation’s Top 100 Young African Conservation Leaders List 2021.
Dr Sarobidy Rakotonarivo, achieved an MSc in Environmental Forestry in 2012 and a PhD in Forestry in 2016 from the School of Natural Sciences.
Dr Rakotonarivo is an African social scientist who conducts vital research on the social issues of forest conservation and restoration. The African Wildlife Foundation citation describes her as a thought leader, drawing attention to the social impacts of conservation, environmental justice and equity, and land tenure issues.
Her research highlights complex conservation challenges facing many African nations and showcases the work of the conservationists delivering essential solutions. She is passionate about the use of scientific evidence to inform policy making and has been engaging with high-level decision makers.
Dr Rakotonarivo has also delivered field-training courses on social safeguards for protected area managers, government authorities and people from the development sector.
Pride in Sarobidy's achievements
Dr Rakotonarivo, said: “My years at Bangor have been truly exceptional and have shaped my current research focus and career. I had a great set of dedicated mentors and also learned an awful lot from an international cohort of students. In Bangor, I learned to navigate both the mountains and breath-taking landscapes, and the human dimensions of environmental issues. My studies and research at Bangor always had a social focus, and that has served me really well.”
Julia Jones, Professor of Conservation at the School of Natural Sciences, said:
“I am delighted that Sarobidy has been recognized in this way. Sarobidy does such innovative and important research with real-world impacts. We are so proud of her achievements which are ensuring that local people and their needs are properly considered in forest and conservation policy.”
After a decade overseas studying and working in international research, Dr Sarobidy Rakotonarivo is back in Madagascar at her first alma mater, the University of Antananarivo, where she continues to collaborate with Bangor University on the Forest4Climate& People joint project.
This is the first-ever Top 100 young African conservation leaders list, a collaboration between the Africa Alliance of YMCAs, World Organization of the Scout Movement, African Wildlife Foundation, and WWF to empower the efforts of young, talented Africans and inspire other youths in leading the way to ensure nature and people will thrive for generations to come. These exceptional young men and women have proven to be leading lights for sustainable development of the continent.
In addition to being recognised in the first Top 100 Young African Conservation Leaders list, Dr Rakotonarivo will undertake a one-year leadership development programme.
Bangor University’s School of Natural Sciences conducts world-leading research and teaching across a diverse range of topics based around zoology, biology, forestry, geography, agriculture and conservation. With Bangor University being based in stunning North Wales the School is the obvious choice for students and researchers interested in the natural world and environment.
