Damien Mander

Damien Mander is an Australian-born environmentalist and the founder and CEO of Akashinga, a groundbreaking conservation initiative based in Zimbabwe. Born on December 11, 1979, in Mornington, Australia, Mander has a notable background as a former Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver and Special Operations sniper. His military career included significant service in Iraq, where he was involved in training Iraqi police forces and protecting diplomats.

In 2009, after witnessing the devastating effects of poaching during his travels in Africa, Mander liquidated his life savings to establish the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF). This organization aimed to combat wildlife poaching through community-based conservation efforts. His vision evolved into Akashinga, which was founded in 2017 as an all-female ranger program. This initiative not only focuses on anti-poaching but also empowers local women by providing them with training and employment opportunities in conservation, thereby transforming gender roles within their communities.1234

Under Mander's leadership, Akashinga has grown significantly, with plans to employ 1,000 women by 2025 across a network of nature reserves. The program emphasizes sustainable conservation practices that benefit both the environment and local communities.34 Mander's work has garnered international recognition; he received the Winsome Constance Kindness Gold Medal in 2019 and has been featured in various media outlets, including National Geographic and documentaries like The Game Changers.25

Mander is also a sought-after speaker, having delivered talks at prestigious venues such as the United Nations and Harvard University. His TEDx talk on speciesism has reached millions globally and has been translated into multiple languages.15 Through his innovative approaches to conservation and community engagement, Damien Mander continues to make significant strides in protecting wildlife while fostering social change.