I recently had the opportunity to speak at the Business of Conservation Conference (BCC) 2026 as part of a panel of young professionals working in conservation. What stood out most was the energy in the room – the audience was deeply engaged and curious, asking thoughtful questions that pushed the conversation further. It was clear that there is a real appetite for understanding how conservation can deliver meaningful, measurable impact.

Each panellist brought a unique perspective, shaped by different experiences across the conservation space. Yet, despite our different paths, there was a strong sense of alignment: we are all committed to staying in this field and contributing to its future. More importantly, we are not only working in conservation – we are actively measuring its impact and questioning how to improve it.

In my own journey, I work at the intersection of conservation science, rural development, and real-world implementation. My background in Agricultural Economics shaped how I see the world: agriculture, in any form, is one of the few sectors where you build something tangible – you plant, you grow, you multiply. But in building systems, farms, and businesses, you also build people. That thinking led me naturally into the wildlife economy, where conservation and economic development meet.

The discussions at BCC highlighted an important point: youth are not just the future of conservation – we are already shaping it. Through research, on-the-ground work, and critical engagement with policy and practice, young professionals are helping redefine what conservation looks like.

I am proud to be part of that generation – and excited for what lies ahead.

The conference as a whole was a massive success. The networking opportunities were invaluable, bringing together passionate individuals from across the conservation space. And beyond the conference itself, Nairobi was an incredible city to host the BCC 2026 – vibrant and inspiring, and Kenya was a fitting country for such an important conversation.