DR JESSICA LEE
ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT, CONSERVATION & RESEARCH, MANDAI NATURE
What drives you to do what you do?
I’m someone who loves a challenge and conservation is nothing short of a challenge. Furthermore, I believe that just because conservation is often an uphill battle, it’s not a reason or an excuse for us to stop. Being able to make real, positive impact for species, ecosystems and communities that depend on nature is what motivates me, and that is what Mandai Nature’s main goals are: The support of species recovery and habitat preservation by growing and strengthening our conservation partnerships in the region, as well as build their conservation capacities.
What are some of the more pressing issues that concern you?
We are no doubt amidst the sixth mass extinction and humans have regrettably contributed to this. Yet, for conservation to progress, the concerted effort of the very same species that contributed to the need for conservation is required: People; and also importantly, people beyond the conservation community. We need to understand the value of nature and see that we’re all intricately connected. Our very lives and future depend on the state of the planet, our oceans, forests and more. Removing one piece will make the entire puzzle crumble.
What are three ways that people can do their part?
To be conscious that we’re part of the global ecosystem and have a responsibility to live responsibly; to be concerned about why conservation matters, inform ourselves appropriately and to take action; and to be a part of the solution: Be constructive rather than the obstacle.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’ll be working with four regional conservation partners (mostly from Indonesia and the Philippines) on projects involving a plethora of birds across a whole range of different natural systems—from coastal zones to wetlands and forests. The aim is to work alongside our partners and see how we may better support and upscale the essential conservation work they do more effectively and towards a self-sustaining manner.