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Els has a strong relation with Africa, as she was born and raised in Africa and went back after her Ecology studies to undertake projects with the Kenya Marine Institute and Kenya Wildlife Service. She worked at the Agency for Nature and Forests of the government of Flanders as coordinator for European and international nature and biodiversity processes. Through her wealth of experience, she is a strong advocate for succeeding nature conservation through the involvement of local communities and land owners and by educating the youth. An admirer of Dr Jane Goodall for her continuous commitment to nature conservation, Els appreciates the approach of JGI Belgium of combining forest planting projects in Belgium with reforestation actions in Africa. Honoured and excited she joined the multidisciplinary team in 2020 to keep supporting the understanding and commitment that is needed to preserve nature! She also represents JGI Belgium in the Belgian Biodiversity Alliance (a forum for voluntary actions for biodiversity), Biodiversa+ (European Biodiversity Partnership supporting excellent research on biodiversity with an impact for society and policy), and Grootouders voor klimaat (‘Grand parents for climate Belgium of which dr. Jane is ambassador since 2020). Personal quote: “Nature is our life insurance: if you protect nature, nature will take care for you”.