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Five Conservation Heroes You Should Follow

September 2, 2016

As all eyes in the environmental scene turn to the IUCN World Conservation Congress this week, we are sharing the Twitter handles of conservation activists who have received international acclaim for their  efforts — from creating their country’s first national park to stopping destructive dams. While many Prize winners are active on Twitter, these five heroes (and ‘sheroes’!) have stood out as they share informative and inspiring content on the latest news in conservation: 

Ignace Schops (2008, Europe). Photo: Goldman Environmental Prize.

Who? Ignace Schops. Founder of Belgium’s first and only National Park and now President of Europe’s largest protected area network.

Tweets: Climate change, renewable energy and endangered species. He also gives tips for managing protected areas and will be attending the IUCN Congress.

Follow him at @ISchops.

Bob Brown (1990, Islands & Island Nations). Photo: Sea Shepherd Australia.
Who? Bob Brown. Stopped the damming of Australia’s last free-flowing river. He is now a steadfast defender of one of Tasmania’s last remaining temperate rainforests and an advocate for protecting Australia’s seas from oil exploration.

Tweets: Beautiful photos showing Australia’s biodiversity, reports environmental crimes and provides updates on his voyages with Sea Shepherd Australia.

Follow him at @BobBrownFndn.Ikal Angelei (2012, Africa). Photo: Goldman Environmental Prize.

Who? Ikal Angelei. Fought against the construction of the massive Gibe 3 Dam from encroaching on the largest desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana. She is now director of Friends of Lake Turkana which advocates for the rights of indigenous communities whose livelihoods depend on the lake.

Tweets: Climate change, indigenous rights, inequality, water governance and women’s empowerment. Also shares inspirational quotes!

Follow her at @Ikal_Angelei.

Howard Wood (2015, Europe). Photo: Goldman Environmental Prize.

Who? Howard Wood. Creator of Scotland’s first community-developed Marine Protected Area. He now educates and inspires the next generation to safeguard their precious marine resource.

Tweets: Stunning images of marine ecosystems, sustainable fishing and scuba diving. He is also a staunch advocate for ocean protection and stands in solidarity with environmental defenders at risk.

Follow him at @coastchair.Thuli Makama (2010, Africa). Photo: Goldman Environmental Prize.

Who? Thuli Makama. Environmental attorney who helped communities in Swaziland win the public right to participation in environmental decisions, including local people in conservation efforts. She now works to stop the exploitation of the country’s wildlife.

Tweets: Swazi politics and eco-tourism. Is also an advocate against poaching and the illegal wildlife trade.

Follow her at @b_thuli.

Don’t miss your chance to connect with these activists ahead of one of the largest conferences in the field of conservation!

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