Mike Skuja

About Mike Skuja

Conservation leader with 25 years of experience driving organizational growth and…

Experience

1. Conservation Strategy Advisor

   Non Profits

   Nov 2010 — Present · Africa, US

   Provide strategic advisory services at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, environmental justice, and sustainable livelihoods. Collaborate with international and U.S-based NGOs, government agencies, and grassroots groups to create rights-based, inclusive, and climate-resilient conservation strategies. Select clients: Organizational Growth & Governance:• Lion Guardians (Kenya, current): identifying new avenues for programmatic growth and associated fundraising strategies within the greater Amboseli ecosystem• Bonobo Conservation Initiative (DRC & U.S.): as Interim Managing Director, led cross-continental operations, restructured financial/reporting systems, improved board engagement, and expanded donor relationships.Sustainable Livelihoods & Climate Resilience:• Eco-Ventures International (Eastern Caribbean): Lead natural resource expert for USAID program. Designed green enterprise models in eco-tourism, agriculture, and fisheries; trained local NGOs in Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent.• Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (Rwanda & Uganda): Developed strategic plan that built out capacity-building tools and local leadership frameworks for ecological enterprise models in rural areas.Environmental Justice & Inclusive Conservation:• D&R Greenway Land Trust (NJ): Developed a multicultural watershed conservation initiative in partnership with social justice groups to address equity and access in regional land conservation.• California Water Impact Network: Conducted strategic analysis to integrate equity in statewide water policy and strengthen donor engagement.Wildlife Crime Prevention• Humane Society International (Central America): Led $1.8M State Dept. program to combat wildlife trafficking. Trained officials, expanded rescue centers, and launched El Salvador’s first state-supported rescue center. Created a regional e-learning platform for ongoing capacity building.

Education

• University of Oxford

  Msc, Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management

  2004 — 2005

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

  B.A, Geography and Zoology

  1998 — 2001

Skills

• Wildlife
• Policy
• Strategic Communications
• Wildlife Management
• Grants
• Policy Analysis
• Rural Development
• Program Evaluation
• Program Development
• Sustainable Development
• International Development
• Environmental Policy
• Poverty Reduction
• Environmental Awareness
• Natural Resources
• Research
• Conservation Issues
• Ecology
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Report Writing
• Gis
• Human Rights
• Endangered Species
• Marine Biology
• Science
• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Education
• Ngos
• Grant Writing
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Environmental Issues
• Climate Change
• Sustainability
• University Teaching
• Conflict Resolution
• Biodiversity