PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR
PHOTOJOURNALIST

Mirali Shukla is an award winning researcher and photographer whose work focuses on the connections between people and nature, and the conflict and peace dynamics that are related to this interaction. She is currently the Deputy Chair of the IUCN CEESP Theme on Environment and Peace.

Mirali is on a number of working groups and task-forces focused on the joint welfare of wildlife and communities and holds advanced degrees in International Relations and Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation. She has written a number of articles, undertaken field research in several countries, worked as a photojournalist on relevant subject matter and worked with both communities and conservation organizations worldwide.

EXPEDITION FIELD LEAD

Gary Haskins is a renowned cetacean field researcher with decades of field experience in cetacean research. His work has taken him to countries around the world and provided him with a multifaceted skill set. Gary has spent years becoming a successful field sound recordist, photo-ID operator, and assistant videographer for creative short films.

In the realm of bioacoustics, Gary has made significant contributions, including presenting a groundbreaking conference presentation showcasing the first description of minke whale vocalizations in UK waters. His work has expanded our understanding of Northern Atlantic minke whale vocalizations, previously only documented off the coast of the USA.

IN-COUNTRY EXPERT

Dr. Alessandro Ponzo is a veterinarian specialized in marine wildlife conservation. He is the co-founder of the Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, an NGO dedicated to the conservation of marine megafauna in Southeast Asia. His work with LAMAVE focuses on designing and supervising research projects aimed to solve urgent conservation issues, spanning from marine turtle poaching and unsustainable fisheries to unregulated tourism practices and illegal wildlife trade.

Ale is a National Geographic Explorer and a Kinship Fellow. He is also the co-founder of the global Sea Turtle Rescue Alliance, and the Asia-Pacific Marine Turtle Genetic Working Group, both initiatives aimed at supporting the recovery of endangered populations of marine turtles in Asia.