David Olson

Background

About David Olson

I am a senior conservation professional who has acted as Director for several conservation science and field conservation programs around the world. I have extensive experience in conservation strategy development, protected area management, biodiversity surveys, field research, community-based conservation, illegal wildlife trade and anti-poaching programs, and endangered species conservation. I have a solid track record in program management, stakeholder and partner engagement, publishing, and fundraising. I have broad experience in diverse biomes―from coral reefs and mangrove to tropical forests, rivers, and deserts―and diverse taxa, including elephants, tigers, cactus, parrots, and manatees, and issues, such as illegal wildlife trade, climate change, protected areas, and priority-setting. I have worked on conservation projects in over 50 countries around the world. My conservation work is notable for innovative approaches to challenging conservation issues. I took the lead on developing terrestrial and freshwater ecoregion mapping systems for the world. I have managed programs with budgets exceeding a million USD, managed over 30 staff, and have secured multiple grants, some over several million USD.