Team

Aida is an Associate professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Her research interests lie at the interphase between natural and social sciences, focusing on tropical forest dynamics & carbon stocks, forest ecosystem services, ethnobotany and local communities’ adaptation to climate change. She enjoys being in the rainforest talking to forest peoples.

Lea is a PhD candidate on the AFRIFOR project at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on sustainable harvesting of wild edible and medicinal plants in tropical forests, with a particular interest in forest ecology, ethnobotany, and traditional ecological knowledge. Lea is generally happiest in the forest (especially in rainforests) and fascinated by trees and the diversity of life.

Rodrigue is a PhD candidate on the AFRIFOR project, based at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. His research focuses on the ecology and conservation of wildlife, forest dynamics & carbon stocks, ethnobotany, forest ecosystem services, and local communities’ adaptation to climate change. He integrates both social science and natural science methods to address challenges within these fields. Rodrigue especially enjoys spending time with local and Indigenous communities, learning from their knowledge systems and collaborating on sustainable solutions.

Ben is a Liberian conservation biologist dedicated to protecting biodiversity. Ben’s research interests span conservation biology, forestry, ornithology, and restoration ecology, with a focus on using biodiversity informatics to drive decision-making in conservation. In his free time, you can find him in the garden or out birdwatching. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Liberia, an M.Sc. from the University of Jos, Nigeria, and a PhD. from the University of Kansas.

Felicity’s research focuses on applied conservation science in tropical forest ecosystems. She is particularly interested in understanding ecological trends, the impacts of human activities, and how working with local communities can strengthen conservation outcomes. She has a special passion for entomology and the rich biodiversity of rainforest environments.

Deemie is the Biodiversity and Conservation Science coordinator at SCNL in Liberia. His work focuses on biodiversity research, forest conservation, and community-based natural resource management in Liberia, with particular interest in linking science to policy and local conservation action.

Abraham Flomo is a Research Technician, working with SCNL. He supports ecological field research and data collection, with experience in forest inventory, biodiversity assessments, and community engagement.

The Wild Chimpanzee Foundation’s mission is to enhance the survival of the remaining wild chimpanzee populations and their habitat, thereby participate in saving the behavioural diversity of this fascinating species. The philosophy of the WCF is threefold: Implement projects of Education, Conservation, and Research for and by the African people. 

WCF implements projects in 4 countries: Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea and Sierra Leone. In Liberia, WCF works closely with the Liberian Forestry Development Authority and local communities, focusing on effective management of Proposed Kwa, Sapo and Grebo-Krahn National Parks, as well as national and transboundary conservation initiatives that are benefitting key biodiversity species, such as the West African chimpanzee and sustainable livelihoods and development for local communities. 

Gérard is an environmental and climate change specialist with expertise in forest ecology, forest governance and REDD+ processes. He has extensive experience in forest carbon stocks, institutional support, and multi-stakeholder coordination in research and development. His work focuses on sustainable forest management, climate policy implementation, and development programmes in Central Africa.

Averti Suspense Ifo works at the Université Marien Ngouabi in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. His research focuses primarily on understanding the response of tropical forest ecosystems to environmental factors, tropical peatlands, drivers of forest loss, and human-forest interactions.