Urban Rewilding: Restore Your Local Ecosystem

Dr. Arend de Haas serves as Co-founder and Programme & Partnerships Director at the Rewilding Academy while simultaneously holding positions as Executive Director of the African Conservation Foundation and GEF-CSO Network Regional Focal Point for Europe. With over 30 years of experience in conservation ecology, he has established himself as a prominent figure in ecosystem restoration and wildlife conservation. His work spans multiple continents, including significant contributions to gorilla conservation through the Cross River Gorilla Program since 2004. His expertise encompasses protected area development, wildlife tracking, biodiversity mapping, and the application of advanced technologies like GIS and remote sensing for natural resource management. As Programme CTO at Restore Europe and through his role at the Rewilding Academy, he develops curricula and training programs focusing on ecosystem restoration, carbon credits, nature-based solutions, and wildlife management. His approach combines scientific rigor with practical implementation, particularly emphasizing community-led conservation initiatives and sustainable development. Through his leadership roles in various organizations, he continues to advance conservation efforts while building capacity for future conservation leaders through educational programs and partnerships with training institutions worldwide. His current interests include blockchain solutions for ecosystem restoration, carbon sequestration monitoring, and the integration of technology in conservation practices.