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.

April 2018