Adam Oswell
ADVISOR ON MYANMAR
An Australian conservationist and photographer specializing in wildlife trade and protection, I work with government and NGOs to manage conservation through communications, training, and logistics.
The Asian Arks Team
Key staff, advisors & trustees
Our model of direct management is a response to the current biodiversity crisis and allows us to re-build the foundations of conservation using a truly adaptive, transparent approach. This requires a team whose all-in commitment is matched by a significant breadth of expertise and depth of regional experience.
Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz
ADVISOR ON HUMAN-WILDLIFE COEXISTENCE
As an optimist, I believe conservationists should focus on finding solutions to present-day problems to build the future we want: one where elephants, tigers and other species continue to roam the forests of SE Asia.
Akchousanh Rasphone
TRUSTEE
I am a spatial landscape ecology and wildlife researcher and conservationist with extensive experience in Lao protected areas, most recently completing my PhD on interactions of felids and dhole.
Aloun Phonvisay
ECONOMIST & CONCESSIONS EXPERT - LAO PDR
I am a natural resource economist with over 20 years of experience in government, most recently with the National Institute for Economic Research. I believe that Asian Arks can support Laos' Green Growth Strategy.
Antony Lynam
ADVISOR ON WILDLIFE PROTECTION & SMART
I work at the interface between conservation science and applied wildlife management, combining fieldwork, statistical analysis, and technologies to support the conservation of wildlife.
Bounthavy Phommachanh
OFFICE MANAGER - LAO PDR
I have supported conservation organisations for the better part of my career and feel excited to be part of Asian Arks in Lao PDR. My strengths are navigating the administrative necessities of conservation.
Chanthasone Phommachanh “Olay”
PROGRAM COORDINATOR - LAO PDR
I am biodiversity survey specialist with extensive experience leading field-based biological monitoring teams in the forests of the Annamite range in Laos. I work with both Asian Arks and the Saola Working Group coordinating programs on the ground.
Eric Bairrão Ruivo
TRUSTEE
A strong supporter of in situ conservation, I have a particular interest in the Annamites and extensive expertise in wildlife reintroductions, active management of populations, and use of emerging technologies.
Erik Meijaard
TRUSTEE
As a senior conservation scientist and program manager with 25 years of professional experience, my strengths lie primarily on the interface between academic research and its application in the field.
Hannah O'Kelly
CONSERVATION DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER
Like most conservationists, I sometimes feel the odds are just too stacked against us. Asian Arks is a solution, a light at the end of the tunnel, and through it I can keep on making conservation happen.
Paul Eshoo
CHIEF TECHNICAL ADVISOR - LAO PDR
With over two decades of experience developing innovative ecotourism programs in South-East Asia, my main area of expertise is in using tourism to create direct linkages with conservation.
Simon Hedges
CEO & CO-FOUNDER
After more than 30 years working on wildlife conservation projects, primarily in Asia, I decided that a new approach to conservation was needed in Asia and especially South-East Asia.
Somphone Bouasavanh
TECHNICAL ADVISOR - LAO PDR
I have worked as both a professor and a director of a major conservation INGO and am excited to develop a new alternative strategy in response to the biodiversity crisis we are facing in Laos.
Thong Eth Phayvah
SENIOR NATIONAL ADVISOR - LAO PDR
I have over 30 years experience working in government, both at local and central levels. I hope to use my experience to help develop the first Asian Arks program in Laos.
Troy Hansel
ADVISOR ON LAO PDR
I have worked in wildlife conservation in SE Asia since 1990, with expertise in conservation planning and monitoring, protected area management and capacity building.
Viengphet Phengsavath
ADMIN & ACCOUNTING - LAO PDR
I studied veterinary medicine in China for my Bachelor's Degree. After returning to Laos, I worked for IUCN/SSC’s Saola Working Group on species identification before joining Asian Arks.
Will Duckworth
TRUSTEE
A wildlife surveyor and conservation advisor in Asia since 1986, I focus on understanding which birds and large mammals most need conservation assistance, why, and how they may best be conserved.