Q&A with Wildlife Madagascar’s 500TH member: Marc Dupuis-Dexormeaux
Tell us a little about yourself and your career.
I am the CEO of the Turtle Survival Alliance, a nonprofit with a mission to protect and restore wild populations of turtles through science-based conservation, global leadership, and local stewardship. Please visit our website at www.turtlesurvival.org.
I started my career in international finance and worked for many years in the Eurobond market. However, I was always deeply interested in animal behavior and wildlife conservation, and eventually I decided to take the leap and dedicate my career to conserving wildlife. I re-tooled, i.e. I went back to school, and received a Master of Environmental Studies (Human-Wildlife Conflicts) and a PhD in Biology (Conservation and Ecology). I lectured in ecology and biology at York University in Toronto, Canada, and also worked closely with the research team of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya.
As my work became more focused on turtles, I was drawn to the Symposiums on the Conservation and Biology of Turtles hosted by Turtle Survival Alliance. These annual meetings of biologists and conservationists were a fabulous way to share our passions for conservation.
What do you love most about your work?
I truly enjoy working with teams of dedicated and passionate people. Wildlife conservation brings out the best in people, and I find myself surrounded by smart and caring people. I love hearing people’s journeys and seeing how their dedication is expressed in their everyday lives.
What subjects or people have you most enjoyed covering in your work?
I love seeing when conservation engages everyone from international organizations to local communities and children.
What draws you to support wildlife and conservation?
I believe that wildlife has a right to exist, and it is our duty to protect it from constant human encroachment. I am writing this after having just finished a week at the COP Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia. I was amazed at the number of people and efforts that are being deployed worldwide to protect biodiversity.
Who or what inspires you?
I am most inspired when I see communities rally around an issue and solve it. I worked with many volunteer groups that self organized to protect turtles. It is always inspiring to see people from all walks of life come together for a greater good.
What is one of your memorable travel experiences?
I have had the privilege to travel extensively for my work. My favorite places to travel are places of rich biodiversity, where I am constantly surprised and amazed by the richness of the flora and fauna.
Why did you become a member of Wildlife Madagascar? What about this organization is meaningful to you?
Wildlife Madagascar is one of the few organizations that work closely with communities to protect and conserve Madagascar’s extraordinary habitat and species richness. I am honored to be the 500th member!