David Chiawo

• Senior Lecturer, Strathmore University
• Lead Scientist, Center for Biodiversity Information Development
• Founder and Lead, Climate Change Leadership for Africa,
Strathmore University Business School
• Dean, School of Tourism and Hospitality

A Ph.D. ecologist with extensive expertise in biodiversity conservation, climate change, land-use change, and ecosystem services. Possess a multi-disciplinary skill set focused on climate change and sustainability and actively engaged in multi-stakeholder projects, integrating ecological principles, local knowledge, community needs, and policy to promote sustainable solutions. His scholarly research utilizes innovative approaches and models to effectively communicate conservation and sustainability needs to policymakers, the public, and the private sector, driving positive change at all levels. His leadership in climate change adaptation projects has bolstered the resilience of communities, ecosystems, businesses, and developments. He advances climate change leadership in Africa through policy reviews, climate risk assessments, research, capacity building, carbon marker auditing, science communication, collaboration, and resource mobilization, while maintaining a commitment to ethical and inclusive climate leadership. He is well-equipped to address real-world climate challenges affecting communities, biodiversity, businesses, and developments promoting integrated and sustainable development across Africa. He is a member of the British Ecological Society and the Society for Conservation Biology. He contributed to IPCC sixth assessment report on climate change for COP26 and published widely on biodiversity conservation and climate change. International Foundation for Science representative in Kenya, a former Earthwatch fellow and a current grantee of Africa Oxford University Initiative (AfOx).