Dr. Jimmiel Mandima

Jimmiel has spent many years working at the intersection of wildlife conservation and community well-being across sub-Saharan Africa. His frontline experience spans collaboration with government agencies, civil society, local communities, and private-sector stakeholders at national, regional, and continental levels. He later transitioned to government relations and strategic partnerships in Washington, DC. A firm believer in elevating African voices, Jimmiel is a strong advocate for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities and for applying free, prior, and informed consent, alongside robust environmental and social safeguards, to advance equity and justice.

Jimmiel currently serves as Conservation International’s Senior Vice President and Chief Field Officer for the Africa Region. In this role, he leads strategy development, program delivery, and sustainable financing initiatives in partnership with governments, local communities, and other NGOs to deliver outcomes for people, nature, and climate. He is a member of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) and the Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group (CCSG). Jimmiel holds a BSc Hons in Biological Sciences, and a MSc in Applied Zoology and PhD in Biology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Eastern Finland.