Environmental leader driving science, policy, strategy, and partnerships across Canada and internationally

Trained as an ecologist, I have more than twenty years of experience in research, strategy, and consulting across North America, East Africa, and Latin America. My work includes ecological connectivity, recovery of endangered species, and nature-based climate solutions, as well as communication and policy outreach.

As Director of Science & Research and the Weston Family Senior Scientist at the Nature Conservancy of Canada, I oversee ~200 research partnerships and help to ensure that conservation decisions are grounded in strong evidence. I also lead a national fellowship program that supports emerging conservation leaders.

Previously, I led the science program at the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, where my work influenced conservation practice and land-use decisions across a 1.36-million-km² region of western North America. Earlier work included tropical forest ecology and restoration, and evaluating the social, economic, and environmental trade-offs in coastal planning.

I am active in public speaking, media engagement, and advising governments, funders, and NGOs. My contributions have been recognized with awards and fellowships from the Society for Conservation Biology, Liber Ero Program, and Wilburforce Foundation. I serve as Chair of the MakeWay board, an Adjunct Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia, and on the policy committee for the Society for Conservation Biology North America.
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Here are some videos about my work. 
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Contact: aerin . jacob @ natureconservancy . ca | LinkedIn