Conversation with Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Entomologist, Conservation social scientist, and Vice President of Conservation at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

About this episode

Dr. James Danoff-Burg discusses the intersection of human behavior and biodiversity preservation, emphasizing community-led conservation and the role of education.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. James Danoff-Burg , an Entomologist, Conservation social scientist, and Vice President of Conservation at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens , to explore the critical intersection between human behavior and biodiversity preservation. Dr. Danoff-Burg shares powerful insights on how community-led conservation is reshaping the future of environmental sustainability. From his work with the Center for Species Survival: Behavior Change (CSS–BC) to global partnerships with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) , he emphasizes how social science and behavioral change are essential to protecting ecosystems worldwide. We discuss inspiring examples like the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa—an unarmed, all-female team redefining conservation through education—and The Living Desert’s initiatives in Southern California that promote sustainability and environmental awareness among youth. Join us as we dive into the power of collaboration, the role of education in conservation, and the importance of hope in protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species. https://www.livingdesert.org/

People in this episode

Guest: Dr James Danoff-Burg

Topics covered

• biodiversity preservation
• community-led conservation
• environmental sustainability
• social science
• behavioral change
• education in conservation

Keywords

• conservation
• ecosystems
• hope
• Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit
• The Living Desert

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Center for Species Survival: Behavior Change, International Union for Conservation of Nature

Places: South Africa, The Living Desert’s, Southern California

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