Hard-working and
committed
are the values that inspire our work
Our beginnings
Back in 2009, Bill Liao and Marie-Noelle Keijzer founded WeForest with a clear ambition: to stop global warming “in our lifetime, so our children don’t have to”.
For the first three years we were all volunteers, and every euro received went to grow trees. We grew organically: persuading other NGOs to plant for us, then hiring our first local foresters.
Today WeForest is a team of more than 80 passionate professionals across the world, mostly based in our field offices in Zambia and Ethiopia and in our Brussels headquarters.
Our team
After 17 years working for large corporates, Marie-Noëlle Keijzer chose to align her work with her life’s purpose and make a real difference in the world. With her corporate background, MBA and master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, she took up the challenge to co-found WeForest.org in 2009 and turn it into a world leading sustainable reforestation movement, addressing the planet’s most formidable challenges: global warming, water scarcity and poverty. After a steep growth in the last years, WeForest now has the capacity to reach 100 million trees by 2024. She also joined Al Gore’s Climate Reality and the WEF 1t.org movement for a bigger outreach, as no one can do this alone.
Marie-Noëlle Keijzer
Co-founder and CEO
Aurélie is an impact strategy professional, and her role at WeForest is to implement initiatives that will scale up the impact of the organisation. She holds a Master in Information and Communication and has over 18 years’ experience working with startups, NGOs and leading companies in Europe and Asia.
Aurélie Dupont
Accelerator Director
Fundraising, Partnerships and Communications
Jessica has extensive experience in developing and managing corporate & donor engagement strategy, both from her previous role as Programme & Partnerships Manager of The Sustainable Agriculture Network (2016-19) and as a Senior Associate at Winrock International (2008-16). Prior to that, Jessica worked with the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership. Jessica holds an MSc in Environmental Technology.
Jessica Chalmers
Partnerships & Comms Director
With 15 years' experience in fundraising and NGO management, Dave leads the cultivation of a robust network of philanthropic and investment partnerships at WeForest while also building on strong corporate partnerships. Based in Paris, Dave's career has focused on cross-sector synergies with studies in business, public policy, and political science.
Dave Bircher
Head of Impact Partnerships
Liz is responsible for helping to develop WeForest's partnership strategy and plan and securing new global, high impact funding from companies with a focus on multi-year partnerships. Based in Manchester, UK, Liz holds a BA in Classical Civilisation and prior to joining WeForest has 15+ years experience in direct sales and partnerships in the corporate world.
Liz Oates
Partnerships Dev. Manager
Louise is advising existing sponsors and donors and bringing on board new partners. Prior to joining WeForest, she worked at the European Climate Foundation for several years and has done several traineeships, including at the EU Delegation in Beijing, China. Louise holds an LLM in international environmental law from the University of Edinburgh, UK. Originally from the Netherlands, she has been living in Brussels for nearly 5 years.
Louise Tideman
Sponsorship Manager
Vienna began her career in publishing and journalism in the UK. She then moved into science communication at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Heidelberg, Germany, after which she became the Head of Communications and Outreach at IBEC, a research institute in Barcelona. Her passion for the environment and animals brought her to Brussels for positions at Eurogroup for Animals and now at WeForest.
Vienna Leigh
Communications Manager
Graduated in applied communications and with a master’s degree in Advertising in 2018 he’s had experiences in sponsoring for several non-profit organizations and as consultant in social media content.
Gaetan Magrin
Sponsorships Officer
Programmes & Operations
Olivier coordinates our global programs. He holds an advanced master in rural and tropical forestry from the French Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Environmental Engineering. He worked 15 years in the management of projects' portfolios in Asia and Africa in the fields of environment, disaster risk reduction and community resilience.
Olivier Standaert
Global Programmes Director
As Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, Kenny assists the different landscape restoration and planting projects with their monitoring and evaluation. He holds a PhD in vegetation ecology from the University of Leuven in Belgium and has worked 8 years as a postdoctoral academic researcher on several field-based ecological research projects in Northern and Western Europe, Eastern Africa and Northeast Asia.
Kenny Helsen
M&E Manager
Natasha leads our new project development process. She holds a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Cambridge, UK. Prior to joining WeForest, she worked for four years for the UK government as an adviser on livelihoods, climate change, and environmental conservation programmes and policy in Tanzania and Zambia.
Natasha Watts
Head of Project Development
Rachel co-ordinates WeForest’s applied science research and policy engagement activities. Rachel’s background is in forest ecology, she holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, UK where she focused on advancing the methodologies for tropical forest biomass estimation.
Rachel Cohen
Research Officer
Based in the Netherlands, Marc coordinates the development of new projects and provides technical advice and support to the team on forestry. He holds an MSc in Tropical forestry and a PhD in Ecology and Resource Conservation and has worked as a consultant, expert in forestry in a very wide array of countries around the world.
Marc Parren
Projects Dev./Forestry Advisor
Michelle provides technical support for geospatial analyzes to assist project feasibility studies, project certification, and monitoring & evaluation. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Campinas and MSc in Remote Sensing from Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE). Her work involves land use mapping and monitoring, spatiotemporal data analysis, and big earth observation data to address challenges related to land use change and environmental impacts.
Michelle Picoli
Geospatial Data Scientist
As Agroforestry Program Advisor, Corrie supports the design and implementation of agroforestry and other sustainable agricultural approaches in our livelihood projects. She holds a masters in environmental science and policy and for the last 17 years has developed and directed government and NGO programs in landscape restoration, conservation, agriculture and agroforestry to increase rural community resilience.
Corrie Mauldin
Agroforestry Program Advisor
Cristina supports the implementation of the Global Programs Strategy and its translation into Country Strategies, benefiting from her 2.5 years experience as WeForest’s Country Manager in Brazil. Cristina also supports the M&E and quality assurance through learning and adaptive management of the projects. Her work experience is on Atlantic Forest restoration and conservation, both in academia and environmental consultancy. She holds a Plant Biology Ph.D. from the University of Campinas and a master’s degree in Forestry Resources from the University of São Paulo.
Cristina Yuri Vidal
Lead Advisor
Claire provides technical leadership/ assistance on the livelihoods and institutional components of WeForest’s projects. After a postgraduate degree in politics and international relations, she spent 10+ years working on community-based natural resource management, land rights and livelihoods programmes for a wide range of organisations in Asia, Africa and Haiti.
Claire Parfondry
Livelihoods Program Manager
Human Resources
Anne-Laure graduated from an International Business School in France and started her career in Finance. She quickly realised that her interests laid elsewhere and developed and perfected her training in communication, process management, human resources and organisational development, until she managed projects of cultural changes in large organisations. She has passion for people, diversity and Inclusion as well as collaborative approaches and is committed to making a difference for the planet and its communities.
Anne-Laure Cordier
HR Director
Alice joined WeForest as the assistant to the CEO and in 2020 she also joined the HR department, working in close collaboration with the HR Director. Alice holds a Master in Germanic linguistics and literature. She started her career as a teacher, and then moved to the corporate sector, working at a financial services company. As a nature-lover, she enjoys taking care of her garden in the countryside and her animals.
Alice Pirson
Executive Assistant/HR Officer
Finance & Administration
Michael is a seasoned finance professional overseeing the financial organization of WeForest. He holds a master degree in Economic Science from the Catholic University of Leuven and started his career as Auditor. During 15 years he developed international experience as Finance Director in different industries.
Michaël Tytgat
Finance & Admin Director
Alicia assists our Finance & Administration Director in the financial management of the organization. She holds a master degree in business administration and an advanced master in financial risk management. She started her career in a treasury center and has then worked for 5 years as a financial consultant in large multinational companies.
Alicia Brigger
Senior Finance Manager
Clarisse is a French and Brazilian professional with diversified professional experiences in the private and public sectors - particularly familiar with the UN SDGs having worked for 2y at the United Nations Development Programme before joining the WeForest team! With an academic background in Political Science and Finance, she is supporting our HQ Finance team as a Controller and contract expert.
Clarisse Boulay
Financial Controller
Laila is our accounting assistant and works closely with the rest of the finance team, but also with the Fundraising team. She trained as an IT systems administrator in Germany. In 2005 she moved to Belgium and worked for 5 years in customer service for an American company. As she has always been interested in accounting, she started to study Accounting in Brussels after a career break.
Laila El Abouti
Assistant Accountant
Brazil
Natalia is a biologist, with a Ph.D. in Science from the University of São Paulo. She ́s been working with landscape planning, improvement of techniques, and species selection for forest and savanna restoration, nursery management, and monitoring. At WeForest she is involved in the management of projects in Brazil and Argentina, supporting the activities of forest and landscape restoration, research, network, and communications.
Natalia Guerin
Brazil Project Manager
Ethiopia
Aklilu oversees the various landscape restoration and planting projects in Ethiopia. He holds a PhD in Bioscience Engineering from the University of Leuven (Belgium) and a master's degree in Tropical Land Resources Management from Mekelle University (Ethiopia). Prior to joining WeForest, Aklilu conducted research in Africa and Europe for 12 years in forest ecology, management science, ecosystem safety, invasive plant, agronomy, plant propagation, bioenergy-biofuel, forest entomology, and non-timber forest products and worked for two years as a Consultant at World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)
Aklilu Negussie Mekuria
Director Ethiopia
Simon provides technical support for the implementation of Forest and landscape restoration projects in Ethiopia. Prior to this, he has worked in the field of integrated watershed development, Forestry and Climate change adaptation and mitigation. Simon holds an Msc. degree in forest resource assessment & monitoring and BSc degree in Natural resource management from Hawassa University and a post graduate diploma in Environmental management from Technische Universitat Dresden.
Simon Berhanu
Forest Restoration Advisor
Meles is the project Assistant for the WeForest Ethiopian, in Tigray Region Desa’a project, Atsbi. Currently assisting and coordinating Forest landscape restoration and Livelihood improvement of the community in Desa’a (Desa’a forest restoration projects). Before joining WeForest he worked for Office of Agriculture and Natural resource development for 12 years as animal science expert and leading and coordinating in different hierarchy to improve the livelihood of the farmers. As a result, he is well in field, practical,agricultural extension approach, monitoring and evaluation and coordination experiences in his profession. Besides, he work for Wukro St, Marry College for two years as instructor of all animal production and Management courses. In addition, he has done as beekeeping assistant and expert in St. Marry project development and he has good experience and skill in beekeeping management and queen rearing methods. Meles has a Diploma in Animal science from Shire Endaslasie Agricultural Technica vocational Education and Training (ATVET) College. He has also BSc. in Animal Production and Technology program from Mekelle University. He also had started his MSc in Master of Animal Production and Pastoral development and complet course work while the research part is in a processes from Mekelle University (Ethiopia). He has a feeble spot for the people forest interaction.
Meles Weldeabrha
Project assistant
Moges Tilahun is a Driver and Logistic Assistant in WeForest Ethiopia, in the Amhara Region Wof-Washa Project. Before he joined WeForest, he Worked at Amhara Forest Enterprise for more than nine years. He has a third grade driving license and more than nine years work experience in the area of driving and maintaining vehicles. In Addition, he has level 2 automotive servicing and repairing qualification and a level 4 accounting diploma.
Moges Tilahun
Driver / Logistic Assistance
Anteneh manages all financial, administration ,HR and logestic issue in Ethiopia . He holds MSC in Commerce from IGNU , BSC Information Sytem from Addis Ababa Universty and Diploma in Accounting from Unity Universty . Befor Joing WeForest , he worked for Medecins Du Monde-France (MDM-F) Ethiopia Mission as Finance and Administrative coordinator .
Anteneh Metiku Damte
Finance/Admin Manager
Birhane is Forest and GIS expert at WeForest Ethiopia. Before joining WeForest he has worked for 11 years at Tigray Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Development as forest ecologist at regional level. He graduated in natural resource economics and management from Mekelle University and has attended 6 months training on land restoration at the United Nation University of Iceland.
Birhane Etay Reda
Forestry expert
Nesibu is Data analyst/Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at WeForest, Ethiopia. He holds an MSc. degree in Life Sciences specializing in Applied Agricultural and Forestry Sciences from Bern University of Applied Science, Switzerland. Prior to WeForest, he worked for more than ten years as a researcher in the domain of forest ecosystem management. In addition, he has excellent skills in geo-spatial and ecological analysis.
Nesibu Yahya
Data analyst/ M&E specialist
Assefa Hdgot is Monitoring and Evaluation Expert at WeForest based in Mekelle,Tigray. Previously, he was employed and worked at Mekelle University for 16 years where he acquired skills of conducting research works on areas of socio-economics and environmental linkages. He also served as bureau deputy head for one and half years at the Tigray bureau of agriculture and rural development. He received his bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Economics and Management from Mekelle University, Ethiopia and master’s degree in Environmental and Natural Resources Economics from Copenhagen University, Denmark. Assefa Hdgot is experienced in conducting researches and impact assessments of livelihood and natural resources based interventions.
Assefa Hdgot Tekle
Monitoring and Evaluation Expert
Yemane is the Regional manager for WeForest Ethiopian, in Tigray Region. Currently managing WeForest projects in Tigray (Desa’a forest Restoration/conservation and Seret exclosure management projects). Before joining WeForest, he worked for Tigray Agricultural Research Institute for 7 years as researcher at different hierarchy and developed extensive experience in applied agriculture research focusing on improving agricultural practice of farmers to improve livelihoods. Besides, he worked as consultant in ICRAF for two years supporting the climate smart agriculture project in Tigray. He has also attached to CIFOR for his MSc work in one of the dryland forest product marketing, Frankincense. Yemane has a BSc Degree in Agricultural Resource Economics & Management and an MSc degree in Natural Resource Economics and Policy both from Hawassa University (Ethiopia). He has a weak spot for the people-forest interaction
Yemane Gebru Hagos
Tigray Regional Manager
Hailemarkos holds an MSc degree in Soil Science which from Debre Brhan University in 2017, BSc in NRM from Jimma University in 2007. He worked in different positions starting from Forestry and Agroforestry expert at agricultural development office, Productive Safety Net Program as Focal Unit coordinator and Natural Resource Management Specialist at Angolelana Tera district, a Project Coordinator in the Ethiopia Forest Development, Amhara Region REDD+ Investment Program. He has research experience in soil loss assessment and Watershed Management and experience in climate change and carbon stocking.
Hailemarkos Tilahun
Forest Expert Wof Washa
Asnake holds MSc in Environmental Science major on Climate and Energy and BSc in Soil and Water Conservation from Addis Ababa and Mekelle University respectively. Asnake has considerable experience in the areas of natural resource conservation and development spinning over two decades. Prior joining weforest, Asnake was responsible for handling Agriculture program includes providing trainings and supervising American volunteers at U.S Peace Corps Ethiopia. He has managed several projects in Christian Children’s Fund (CCF) now ChildFund International as community development worker, and at a local NGO as Deputy Director and Program Officer. Asnake took several professional development trainings - project design and management, coaching, training design and assessment are among others.
Asnake Atakure
Project Manager
Hailemariam Hagos is technical assistant for livelihood improvement activities at WeForest based in Atsbi for Desa’a forest restoration project. Before joining WeForest, he worked at the office of Agriculture and Natural Resource Development for more than 8 years at different level of responsibilities, from Development agent at village level to coordinator for livestock development core process at district level. Besides, he has been working for 1.5 years at St. Mary institute working to improve the livelihood of the farmers on top of serving as instructor at Wukro Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college for 7 years. He is well experienced in field level technical support including training beneficiaries, improved bee keeping management skill and queen rearing methods. Hailemariam has a Diploma in Animal Science from Shire Endaslasie Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) College. He has also BSc. in Animal, Rangeland & Wildlife Science from Mekelle University. Currently, he is attending an ongoing MSc program remaining only research study in Animal Production and Pastoral development from Mekelle University, Tigray, Ethiopia.
Hailemariam H Gebremedhin
Technical Assistant Livelihoods
Elsa is senior finance and administration officer in Tigray region with a responsibility of handling all finance, administration and logistics activities of WeForest Ethiopia in Tigray Region with close collaboration with finance and administration manager in Ethiopia. She has master degree in MBA. Before she joined WeForest she has worked for about 12 years in different private organizations. She started her career in Accounting and during her stay with those diversified organizations. She has accumulated multifunctional professional experience. She joined WeForest with the passion to contribute in forest conservation/restoration and then improve the wellbeing of local communities.
Elsa Ayele Nigatu
Tigray Finance & Admin Officer
As Agroforestry and Natural Resource Management Expert, Tadele holds an MSc in Tropical Land Resource Management and a BSc in Soil & Water Conservation, both from Mekelle University. He also has a Diploma in Agricultural engineering and technology from the Awassa college of Agriculture - AU (Ethiopia). Before joining WeForest in July 2019, Tadelle worked for NGOs using GIZ technologies for more than 14 years, and for the government agricultural office, implementing and coordinating development programmes.
Tadele G. Tedla
Agroforestry/Natural Resources Expert
Mr. Kinfe Gebresilassie Gebremedhin is a driver in WeForest Ethiopian, in Tigray Region. Before joining WeForest, he worked for a private tour company, Alfa Lucy, for 6 years. During his stay in the tour company he used to promote the aesthetic value of Desa’a forest which also adored the Afar’s tourist attraction sites such as the Danakil depression. Then he works with WeForest as private driver for more than one year before he fully become WeForest employee in June 2021. Mr. Kinfe Gebresilassie has third level driving license.
Kinfe Gebresilasie
Tigray Driver
Hailay Arefe G/yesus is technical assistant of NRM and community mobilization at WeForest Ethiopia, in Tigray Region, Desa’a project. Before joining WeForest, he has been working at office of agriculture and natural resource development for eighteen years and one month (18 years and one month) in a range of positions from as natural resource development agent to head of the office of agriculture and natural resource development at district level. Besides, he has been working as chief district of administration by delegation. He is also well acquainted with practical field works in agricultural extension approach. Hailay has a diploma in natural resource science from Shire-Endaslasie Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College and BSc in Natural Resource Economics and Management (NRE&M) from Mekelle University. He has a feeble spot for the people-forest interaction.
Hailay Arefe G/yesus
Technical Assistant NRM and community mobilization
Bahre holds an MSc in Rural Development. He worked for more than 10 years at the Relief Society of Tigray, an organization providing relief efforts to civilians. Bahre then had the opportunity to work in cooperation with HELVETA Swiss in the context of the Beles SUNRise Project, where he managed the project. He alsotook part in the Tigray Rural Future Initiative, a project focusing on natural resources management and livelihood development.
Bahre Embaye
Senior Livelihood Expert
Tinsae with eight years of work experience in different local and international companies in different positions. She accomplished for her first degree in Accounting, Addis Ababa University school of Commerce, and second degree in management of business administration in Debremarkos University. She enjoy using her skills to contribute to fast growing international non-profit organizations.
Tinsae Taye
Finance, administrations and logistics officer
Mr. Kiflom Haftu shiferaw is a driver in WeForest Ethiopian, in Tigray Region. Before joining WeForest, he worked for Wukro college of Agriculture for two years. This college is one of the higher institutions in the region engaged in production of skilled labor in Agriculture and environment. Then he joined Mekelle University and work for 5 years with NORHED project and he join WeForest in May 2019. Mr. Kiflom has third level driving license.
Kiflom Haftu Shiferaw
Tigray Driver
Malawi
Ruben’s WeForest journey started in 2017 as project assistant on the set-up of the Desa’a project in Tigray, Ethiopia. Since 2019, he provided technical support to the mapping and M&E processes across four projects, assisting project development and ad-hoc management support in Zambia. Ruben now leads the Malawi country operations and strategy, heading the Mulanje project team.
Ruben Foquet
Country Director, Malawi
Elias Gaveta is a climate-smart agriculturist—a researcher, anadvocate, and a practitioner. He holds a BSc in Forestry and a Master's in Transformative Community Development (food security and climate change). Elias is a seasoned environmental trainer and programmer, a 2021 Climate Ambassador for the Global Youth Climate Network, and a fellow for the Leadership in Environment and Development (LEAD).
Elias Gaveta
Mulanje Community Buffer Manager
Passionate about sustainable development, gender and natural resources management, my career experience has extended across various divisions of sustainable development and natural resources management including extension service provision, policy development, research, and programme management. I have a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology from Bangor University, United Kingdom, and I have worked for both local and international institutions including, UNDP_Malawi, United Nations University in Tokyo and the Malawi Government. At WeForest Malawi, I will support the Country Director in providing strategic direction of the organization and partnership development.
Linda Chinangwa
Deputy Country Director
Currently working as Community Outreach Officer with focus on co-management, Madalitso joined WeForest International in March 2022. With 10 years of experience in agricultural extension and community development, he has worked with a number of both local and international organisations in Malawi thus private and public domain.
Madalitso Lipenga
Community Outreach Officer
Previously employed at the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program at Mulanje District Council, Jones' role at WeForest is to provide vital support to various MEL processes, ensuring data quality and measuring progress. He also offers technical assistance to the project team, aiding in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Jones Matemvu
M&E Assistant
Holder of a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of Malawi, with over 9 years’ experience in forestry industry with solid background in the management of tree nurseries, indigenous forests and plantations for recreational, conservation and economic purposes. Develops and implements forest management plans, forest protection and restoration through fire prevention and Assisted Natural regeneration and community mobilization.
Richard Siwrah
Community Forest Manager
Lester has 3 years of experience in the non-profit and private sector, with a BSc Degree in Natural Resources Management. He has taken a leading role in building resilience for individuals, communities, and institutions to better understand, prepare for, and withstand effects of biodiversity loss and climate change and interrelated threats.
Lester Ray Nanjala
Community Outreach Assistant
Davie is a natural resources management professional with an academic background in forestry and landscape restoration. He brings multi-sectoral knowledge from his previous work as an agroforestry officer with Inter-aide Malawi as well as project field officer with CADECOM Lilongwe where he was implementing project interventions on sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, beekeeping and afforestation, amongst other interventions.
Davie Mussah
Agroforestry Assistant
As Finance and Administration Officer, Joana provides accounting, administrative and human resource management support to the programs team in Malawi for the Mulanje Project. She is an Accountant with a BAcc from the University of Malawi-Polytechnic and is currently pursuing a chartered accountant qualification with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Malawi (ICAM).
Joana Makwete
Finance & Admin Officer
Senegal
Germaine works with Weforest's partners on our reforestation projects. She has previously worked in the environmental field for a national park in the Amazonian forest and for a bilateral agency funding biodiversity conservation projects. She holds an engineering degree in international agro-development from ISTOM and an advanced master degree on innovations and policies for sustainable food systems from Montpellier SupAgro.
Germaine Neyra
Country Manager Senegal
Omar is an Agroforester/Environmentalist. He holds a master's degree in Sustainable Management of Forest and Agroforestry Ecosystems and a master’s degree in Environmental Sciences. Omar has 4 years of experience in landscape restoration in the Sahel. He is supporting WeForest with the Ferlo forest restoration project and the management of pastoral land
Omar Sall
Biodiversity Expert - Ferlo
Zambia
Fainess oversees the implementation of the Katanino Forest Landscape Restoration Project in Zambia. She holds a PhD in Animal Ecology from the University of Zambia and a MSc in Conservation Biology from the University of Cape Town (South Africa). She has worked in Biodiversity Conservation projects in Zambia for over 15 years.
Fainess Lumbwe
Zambia Director
Haggai is responsible for the implementation of the WeForest Copperbelt farm forestry Project in Zambia. He has 11 years of experience in forest conservation and environmental management with 7 years of hands-on experience in monitoring and evaluating forest carbon projects. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a Masters of Science in Environmental Management.
Haggai Mutale
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Manager
Sara is responsible for forest restoration and extension work in the Katanino Forest reserve and the buffer zone under the Katanino Forest Landscape Restoration project. She comes with 8 years’ experience in integrated natural resource management and community mobilisation and 4 years in forest restoration and law enforcement coordination. She holds a diploma in Forestry and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Forestry.
Sara Banda
Forestry Extension Officer
Dedicated and hardworking individual with more than 3 years of professional experience in agronomy, farm management, Agriculture extension, Animal and Crop husbandry. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Agroforestry from the Copperbelt University and am currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Environmental and Natural Resources management.
Estone Simachenya
Agriculture extensionist
I have over 6 years’ experience in driving with clean record. The purpose of my job is to support and work closely with the management to ensure that the activities of Chintumukulu and other WeForest projects in Mpumba chiefdom are running efficiently. My responsibility is to assist in data collection in Chintumukulu conservancy, organize law enforcement (deploy/pull out) patrol teams and support in managing Chintumukulu office on daily basis.
Lloyd Kantumoya
Operations Assistant, Chintumukulu
I am a market systems development practitioner with over 8 years' experience implementing private sector development initiatives aimed at improving broad-based economic growth using the market systems approach. My expertise and experience will effectively allow me to play a critical role in providing commercial market development support to forest and farm-based value chains that will reduce and reverse forest degradation.
Mwalye Susiku
Livelihoods & Enterprise Development Advisor
Since joining WeForest, John has ensured the safety of the field project staff, project vehicles are roadworthy and field activities are implemented on time
John Mwelwa
Support Driver Katanino
I joined WeForest Zambia in 2020 and currently work as Muchinga Regional Manager. In this role, I coordinate and oversee the implementation of the different ongoing projects, as well as support the development of new projects in the Muchinga Province. Before joining WeForest, I pursued a PhD in animal ecology in Kenya and gained hands-on experience with conservation in Zambia in Kasanka National Park. As a biologist, I am passionate about wildlife in general and a very keen birdwatcher in particular.
Dries Van de Loock
Muchinga Regional Manager
Mulako is passionate about working with the local communities towards forest conservation and restoration efforts. She has over 6 years of experience in forest conservation and environmental management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and a Certificate in Monitoring & Evaluation. Mulako coordinates and implements M&E activities on the Copperbelt Farm Forestry Project.
Mulako Muimui
M&E Officer
I am a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow Member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (FZICA), a Certified Expert in Climate Adaptation Finance (CECAF) and I also hold a Master of Business Administration in Finance (MBA-Fin) Degree. I have over twenty (20) years practical work experience in busy finance and accounting functions covering a wide scope of duties in financial management, financial reporting, budgeting, auditing, and grants management. I will be responsible for legal, control, financial and HR related matters of WeForest Zambia and will play a coordinating and connecting role between the Implementation teams and Finance and HR teams at country level.
Diwell Siwakwi
Director of Operations
I work with Weforest Zambia under copp project. I have over 9 years working experience in agriculture professional, and I have a craft certificate in general agriculture. I am an Assistant Extensionist under Copp project and I help out in field activities such as; GIS and Combo verification or spot checks, farm mapping, beekeeping, ANR and Beekeeping trainings to the farmers. Etc.
Innocent Kasanda
Assistant Extensionist, Copperbelt
Paul coordinates the nursery team to grow good quality tree seedlings for Katanino Forest Landscape Restoration Project. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from Copperbelt University and prior to joining WeForest he worked for Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation Limited (ZAFFICO) where he gained vast experience in agroforestry for over 3 years.
Paul Mwale
Nursery & Agroforestry Coordinator
I have over five years of professional experience leading and coordinating conservation initiatives at national and local levels. I hold a B.A.D. in Public Administration and Mass Communication, a P.D. in Human Rights Law, a Cert. in Entrepreneurship: from Ideation to Action, a Cert. in Market Planning, a Cert. Storytelling, and Cert. in Costing and Pricing. I am currently working on my dissertation for an M.A. in Development Studies and a PgDip in M&E. I will be responsible for leading and managing the Copperbelt project, a noble but rigorous and systematic effort to restore farm-forest landscapes and make the earth cooler for sustained life and prosperity.
Bornface Katite
Project Manager Copperbelt
Hinji coordinates and implements M&E activities across Katanino Forest and Landscape Restoration Project in Zambia. Before that, he worked as Agriculture Research Associate (2016-21) where he gained extensive experience in applied agriculture research with a focus on improving rural livelihoods from his previous role. Hinji holds a BSc in Land and Water Resources Management, Cert. M&E and Cert. Teaching Methodology.
Hinji Mutondo
M&E Officer
I have over 7 years’ experience in Finance and Administration. I have worked for the Government of the republic of Zambia, private organizations as well as non-governmental organizations. I strive to share my knowledge and skills to contribute to the fight against climate change and to help cool the Earth.
Joel Mwewa
Finance & Admin Officer
Mike Cheeka is a hard working Individual with passion in natural resources and demonstrated 3 years work experience in Beekeeping, poultry production and market research. Mike holds a certificate in Agricultural Marketing development from ZTCA Katete College of Agriculture
Mike Cheeka
Beekeepking extensionist
Morton is a passionate community development and environmental sustainability professional. As an enthusiastic rural community development practitioner with 5 years experience, Morton provides expert technical support, advice, hands-on strategic guidance and technical oversight for community capacity building aimed at improving natural resources management across projects in the Muchinga province. He holds A Diploma in Agro-studies, a bachelor of science in Forestry, and a master’s degree in Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
Morton Shanzi
Lead Community Officer
I am a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow Member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (FZICA), a Certified Expert in Climate Adaptation Finance (CECAF) and I also hold a Master of Business Administration in Finance (MBA-Fin) Degree. I have over twenty (20) years practical work experience in busy finance and accounting functions covering a wide scope of duties in financial management, financial reporting, budgeting, auditing, and grants management. I will be responsible for legal, control, financial and HR related matters of WeForest Zambia and will play a coordinating and connecting role between the Implementation teams and Finance and HR teams at country level.
Gift Mazimba
M&E Officer Muchinga
I have bachelor's degree in wildlife management from the Copperbelt University with work experience in beekeeping, agro forest, landscape and forest restoration, data management and community engagement.
Fagness Zimba
Beekeeping Extensionist
Catherine is passionate person committed to applying extensive knowledge of conservation practices to protect natural resources. She is responsible for the coordination and implementation of Weforest Chintumukulu project. Catherine holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Wildlife Management and has 5 years’ hand-on experience in Wildlife Management.
Catherine Zulu
Project coordinator, Chintumukulu
Deborah oversees the financial management of WeForest Zambia. She started her accounting career with the international NGO Oxfam-GB in 2006. Deborah holds a degree in Accounting, and a degree in Business studies and Education. She is currently studying a Master’s of Business Administration and Finance.
Deborah Munsanje
Finance and Admin Manager
I am Lawrence Chilambe Mutunwa Katuta working for WeForest Zambia, Katanino Project in Finance Department as Finance and Administration Officer for three years now. I have vast experience in Financial management and Reporting, Auditing, Cash management and Communication skills. I switched to Climate change mitigation and adaptation because I want to contribute to strongly conserve natural resources.
Lawrence Chilambe
Finance/Admin officer, Katanino
I am passionate about the environment and conservation hence I feel it is more of a way of life for me than it is a career. I am an avid birder with so much love for raptors, in particular owls and eagles and the forests in which they live. My role as the conservation officer working to restore the home of the rich biodiversity that exists in forest bridging the gap between forest conservation and community forest management groups engagement in the sustainable management of the community forest area thereby working on restoring their ecological integrity.
Akeelah Mwale
Conservation Officer Muchinga Province
Since joining WeForest, Bruce has ensured the safety of the field project staff, project vehicles are roadworthy and field activities are implemented on time.
Bruce Muyenu
Support Driver
I have over 3years experience in the forestry sector. I hold a diploma in Forestry and currently pursuing a degree in business administration with a vision of acquiring a masters in project management. I have vast experience in extension works, managing exotic forest plantations and natural forest. I will be working hand in hand with the people of Mwenda community in fostering forest sustainable activities.
Richard Mulenga
Community Extension Officer, Muchinga Province
Rachel has 4 years working experience in Sustainable Forestry, Fisheries, Wildlife Management and general Community based natural resources management (CBNRM). She holds a bachelor's degree in Wildlife management and Biology and a Master's degree in Climate Change and sustainable development. Currently, she is supporting the WeForest Zambia team in implementation of the beekeeping program in the North Luangwa Landscape.
Rachel Ndabala
Project Manager, Mukungule
I have over 5 years’ experience in community extension, cooperative coordinating, ruminate and horticulture production. I hold a diploma in crop science. I am responsible for linking the organization with the community through information dissemination to the community and vice versa
Carmen Malupande
Community Extensionist
Alex has extensive work experience with Weforest in transport and logistics. Since joining WeForest, Alex has ensured the safety of the field project staff, project vehicles are roadworthy and field activities are implemented on time.
Alex Mwape
Driver / Office assistant
Anthony is a professional accounting personal with experience both in the public and in private sectors. Holder of a degree in accountancy, he is currently pursuing his final level qualification as a Chartered Accountant.
Anthony Musanse
Finance and Admin Officer - Copperbelt
I have over 13 years of experience in Human Resource Management and I hold a Masters in Human Resource Management. I will be responsible for the Human Resource and related administrative matters of and will support the different teams so that we have an organisation with like-minded professionals.
Patricia Funda
HR Manager, Zambia
I have 4 years’ experience in management of established and natural forests. I have a diploma in natural resources management. I will be offering extension services in modern beekeeping techniques and conservation farming. I look forward to being the best change agent in the fight against deforestation
Rector Mimbululu
Community Extension Officer, Muchinga
WeForest HQ
Bill is a social networking pioneer, author, speaker, engaged in not for profit work. Among his non-profit endeavours he is a CoderDojo mentor and he has participated as an investor and volunteer in The Hunger Project. He has also been appointed as a special diplomatic envoy for St Kitts and Nevis for sustainable development and the environment, role which was at the source of the WeForest movement.
Bill Liao
Co-founder and Chairman
With more than 20 years of experience in finance, Helena is a strategic business partner in the fast-changing environments of global multinational companies. Helena is passionate about supporting businesses with financial insights and process improvements, including in operations, sales, legal and HR. At WeForest, Helena supports us by providing us with guidance to ensure sound business decisions, financial integrity and and rigorous governance.
Helena Michielsen
Treasurer
Marie Noëlle provides strategic guidance to the organization. As a multilingual social entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in senior corporate leadership in Supply Chain, CSR and business transformation, she offers expertise in business development, strategy, marketing, communication, advocacy and public speaking. She holds a master's degree in Environmental Science from the ULB, Belgium, a master's degree in Business Administration from IADE, Spain and is a member of Al Gore's Climate reality Corps.
Marie-Noëlle Keijzer
Co-Founder, Vice-Chair and CEO
Dr Laurent Durieux is board member and head of the WeForest scientific committee. He holds a PhD and is specialized in satellite remote sensing and GIS to study the impact of the deforestation on the convective clouds. His 20 years of international expertise in environmental satellite monitoring and his vision to associate it with artificial intelligence processing capabilities, are instrumental in increasing global environmental reporting and monitoring. Knowing the issues is already partly resolving them. Author of more than 100 international scientific publications, he is actively engaged through transdisciplinary research and thanks to an extensive international network in the reconciliation between peoples and the biosphere. Laurent is based at the House of Remote Sensing in Montpellier, France.
Laurent Durieux
Science & Research Trustee
Olivier has developed a wide range of expertise by leading or supporting organisations undergoing deep repositioning in various environments (government, private and public firms, start-ups and NGOs). As Chairman of the Board for various NGOs and environmental organisations, including Plan International, Climact, and the Agroecology Europe Association, Olivier's expertise in governance contributes to the development of sustainability activities and projects.
Olivier Lefebvre
Compliance Trustee & Secretary
Soumaya is a dynamic leader with a strong legal and business background and has successfully driven large-scale growth for leading global organizations in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Currently Legal Counsel and Project Lead at ENGIE, she provides strategic leadership, legal and business counsel, working with business development teams and M&A teams. Her role as Legal & Ethics Trustee at WeForest is to advise on contracts and be the reference person for Ethics questions and act as our ombudsperson.
Soumaya Graine
Legal & Ethics Trustee
Louise is a passionate Commercial Director with 15 years' experience in international trade and development, banking and professional services. As a skilled communicator, Louise excels in negotiating, organizational change mgmt., people leadership, accounting, contract management, business risk and internal controls. Louise supports WeForest in the search for diversified funding opportunities.
Louise Quy
Partnership Trustee
WeForest Malawi
Malidadi Langa is an economist, community leader and passionate conservationist who is actively engaged with community based natural resource management both in Malawi and the SADC region. Malidadi is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for KAWICCODA, National Coordinator of the National CBNRM Forum, and founding member of the Community Leaders’ Network for Southern Africa. He currently coordinates post-APAC efforts to set up a Pan-African Alliance of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) organisations working to make biodiversity conservation work for local communities and nature.
Malidadi Langa
Chair
Olivier coordinates WeForest’s global programmes. He holds an advanced master in rural and tropical forestry from the French Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Environmental Engineering. He worked 15 years in the management of projects' portfolios in Asia and Africa in the fields of environment, disaster risk reduction and community resilience.
Olivier Standaert
Vice Chair
Ruben’s WeForest journey started in 2017 as project assistant with the Ethiopia team, assisting the set-up of the Desa’a project in Tigray. Since 2019, he provides technical support to the mapping and Monitoring & Evaluation processes across four projects, assisted project development and ad-hoc management support in Zambia. Currently, Ruben leads the Malawi country operations and strategy, heading the Mulanje project team.
Ruben Foquet
Director
Tiwonge is a Lecturer in Ecology in the Biological Sciences Department at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST). She is an ornithologist by training and an activist by passion. Tiwonge is passionate about biodiversity conservation, ensuring that communities are included in decision making that is founded in scientific evidence.
Tiwonge I Mzumara-Gawa
Director
WeForest Zambia
Dr. Tasila Banda is a Sustainable Land Management and Ecosystem Restoration Specialist in the Nature, Climate and Energy Team of the UNDP, where she provides oversight to multiple GEF projects in Africa. Tasila holds a PhD in Conservation Ecology from the University of California, Davis, a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Studies from Arizona State University, Tempe (both USA) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Zambia.
Dr. Tasila Banda
Chair
Olivier coordinates WeForest’s global programmes. He holds an advanced master in rural and tropical forestry from the French Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Environmental Engineering. He worked 15 years in the management of projects' portfolios in Asia and Africa in the fields of environment, disaster risk reduction and community resilience.
Olivier Standaert
Vice Chair
Ina-Marlene Ruthenberg is a Development Economist with broad experience in policy as well as operational work in several multilateral organisations (World Bank Group, Inter-American Development Bank and European Union) and bilaterally with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). She holds a Masters Degree in Economics from Georg August University Goettingen and is a Graduate of the German Development Institute (GDI) in Germany.
Ina-Marlene Ruthenberg
Treasurer
Fainess oversees the implementation of the Katanino Forest Landscape Restoration Project in Zambia. She holds a PhD in Animal Ecology from the University of Zambia and a MSc in Conservation Biology from the University of Cape Town (South Africa). She has worked in Biodiversity Conservation projects in Zambia for over 15 years.
Fainess Lumbwe
Director
Louise is a passionate Commercial Director with 15 years' experience in international trade and development, banking and professional services. As a skilled communicator, Louise excels in negotiating, organizational change mgmt., people leadership, accounting, contract management, business risk and internal controls. Louise supports WeForest in the search for diversified funding opportunities.
Louise Quy
Partnership Trustee
AMW & Co. Legal Practitioners is one of the leading firms in Zambia offering a comprehensive array of legal services to clients from all industries, including construction, mining, energy, banking, manufacturing, real estate, agriculture, telecommunications, retail, tourism, and information technology.
AMW & Co.
Legal Practitioners and pro bono Company Secretary to WeForest Zambia
Bart’s professional life has revolved mostly around b2b sales and marketing. Starting his career at a small ERP firm, Bart held senior positions as GVP at Gartner and Expedia. In his passion to elevate the image of sales he founded a boutique consulting firm Quercus Associates who deliver the world class ValueSelling sales method and help accelerate growth.
Bart van Eijck
Associate at ValueSelling
DLA Piper is a multinational law firm with offices in over 40 countries throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
DLA Piper
Legal Practitioners and pro bono lawyers to WeForest HQ for Europe and the US
Fons Feekes has 40 years of experience in development of people, teams and organizations, combining his background as economist with specialization in corporate curriculum development, management consulting, leadership development, team and executive coaching. He is certified Insights Discovery coach, Gestalt coach, NLP Practitioner and climate coach with over 1000 hours of experience.
Fons Feekes
Executive & Team Coach