Team Bio

First and foremost, we would like to thank you for taking the time and effort to read more about our project. We are honored and glad you're interested in our masterthesis.

Secondly, this project is unique by bringing together three young scientists who already worked together for almost five years, which has shaped our bond. By knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, we could say that we are a well-adapted team to tackle emerging problems.

Thibaut Vandervelden

Hi everyone! I'm Thibaut, a biology master student from the Free University of Brussels (VUB) and one of the team members who's planning to go to the Dimonika Biosphere Reserve in Congo-Brazzaville.
Probably you all wonder 'why you?', 'why this project?'

Well, I would say that I am an anti-fragile person, by which I mean that I thrive in circumstances that not always go as planned, I adapt and try to work the current situation. I could say that I gain experience from these kind of events, and don't we all need that? Furthermore I regard myself as a valuable asset to this team because of the theoretical knowledge acquired during my study period at the VUB about social-ecological systems, forests and agroforestry systems and social and cultural transition strategies for sustainable development. So, I am really thrilled to put all these insights into practice in this new and exciting environment.

For almost five years we have been swamped in books, papers, lectures... You name it. But, this project finally provides us with the opportunity to put our theoretical knowledge into action. My main goal is to actually make a positive impact for the local communities and raise awareness among our scientific peers about the current state of our study site.

Frieda Van Roy

In my leisure time I try to surround myself as much as possible with nature. This was already the case when I was a child. You could always find me outside, while others were focused on computers and social media. From a young age, I was fascinated by nature and this fascination has continued to grow. For me, nature is resplendent with beautiful fauna and flora that are a source of inspiration for us and reveals the wonders of evolution. They are not only indispensable to keep nature in balance, but also our well-being.

Now as a young adult, I extend my passion in my studies. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Brussels (2017). Now I’m completing my Master of Science degree in Ecology and Biodiversity with a focus on Human Ecology. I also gained experience in tropical fieldwork through a specialized herpetology trip in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Through exploring and learning more about conservation and sustainable development, I continue to develop a strong desire to work in the field and to be aware of the local context and the needs of differing stakeholders. When trying to protect a landscape or region, it is important to work with the locals, to understand and address their different viewpoints and respect their indigenous rights.

Iliana Janssens

Hi there! I'm Iliana, a Biology master student at the Free University Brussels (VUB).

Personally I have always been intrigued by the human impact on nature and vice versa. I broadened my horizons at 16 as I embarked on solo backpacking trips to wildlife areas all over Europe, and later also in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico and Belize to experience current challenges in conservation firsthand. My engagement in nature conservation was not passive. I also decided to take action. From the age of 18, I worked three summers as a fundraiser for Greenpeace on the streets in Belgium. Being confronted with the prevalent apathy towards conservation however, did not leave me disappointed but sparked my motivation even more.

To be more effective as a change maker, I decided to educate myself and personally contribute to the active protection and conservation of the fragile ecosystems we have on this planet. I understood the need to alleviate poverty, and to involve and educate local communities to reduce human impacts on the environment. These needs are highest in the tropics where concentrations of biodiversity are in constant conflict with growing populations. This is why this project is so important to me as I hope to have, in cooperation with the local people, a positive impact on the current situation in Dimonika.