Photo courtesy of Francis Asamoah
Francis Asamoah is a Ghanaian student focused on wildlife habitat ecology, urban ecology, ecosystems and human well-being, and protected area management. This week, he is participating in the UN Convention to Combat Desertification’s CRIC23 meetings as a GEF-sponsored youth delegate. In a GEF Voices interview, he shared life lessons from his work to elevate and communicate conservation science, including guidance for young people aiming to get into this field: “Start where you are, with what you have.”
What do you do for a living? What does your work entail?
I work as a principal technician and researcher at the University of Energy and Natural Resources in Ghana. My work combines wildlife research with science communication. Currently, I'm focused on a few exciting things: completing my master's thesis on spider communities’ ecology in the transition zone of Ghana. I am also leading a study on urban birds and working with international teams on amphibian and pangolin conservation. A significant amount of my time is dedicated to communicating conservation science.
How did you get into this line of work?
I grew up in a rural area in the western region of Ghana and studied natural resources in university simply out of curiosity. I later became involved in two organizations in the conservation field – Save the Frogs, and A Rocha Ghana. I quickly learned that just having good natural resources data was not enough – people need to know, understand, and be able to care about it. I was especially motivated to focus on communicating more about conservation science after seeing Racing Extinction, a documentary film directed by Louie Psihoyos. I began volunteering in photography, graphic design, and content creation for United Nations Volunteer assignments and local conservation groups. This led me to where I am now: at the intersection of field research, advocacy, and global conservation communication, trying to bridge the gap between data and action.
Is there a GEF-funded project or program that is close to your heart?
My first pick will be the Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management Plus project in Ghana. Persistent agrochemical use destroys soil health and drastically reduces mushroom yields. This isn't just an ecological concern; it's a livelihood and food security issue. Fewer mushrooms mean less food for important wildlife like snails and tortoises, disrupting local ecosystems. It also takes income and protein off the table for rural families. This is personal for me: during my high school years, the money my parents earned from selling wild mushrooms and snails was used for my upkeep when they were in season. This project’s work to reduce this chemical burden helps protect both biodiversity and the well-being of communities like mine.
Second, the GEF’s Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Program, with its aims of promoting green recovery and securing local livelihoods globally, aligns directly with my core belief that human and ecological health are inseparable. There is this quote by Carl Sagan that I love using: “Anything else you're interested in is not going to happen if you can't breathe the air and drink the water. Don't sit this one out. Do something.”
Has anyone you have met through your work made a lasting impact on you?
This is difficult because several mentors and colleagues have greatly shaped my path.
From my academics, Emmanuel Danquah, my M.Phil supervisor, has provided more than just expert guidance. In the field, Prosper Antwi Boasiako of A Rocha Ghana gave me a life-changing opportunity early on: the freedom and trust to try my hand at conservation communications when I had no formal experience. That leap of faith has defined my career. And Richard Obour, my direct boss at the university, has been a constant source of wise life advice and unwavering support, for which I’m deeply grateful.
More recently, in my global biodiversity communications work, Gina Della Togna and Candace Hanson of the Amphibian Survival Alliance have become my biggest inspirations. Their leadership, their belief in young professionals like me, and their constant motivation keeps me going. I am continually grateful for their support and for the example they set every day.
What life lessons has your job taught you?
First, everything is connected. You can't protect a species without understanding its habitat, the people who depend on the landscapes, and the larger policies at play.
Second, you need to start by listening. Lasting solutions, whether in community ecology or global policy, come from listening to local communities, to other scientists, to Indigenous knowledge.
Third is persistence. Conservation work is full of challenges and slow progress. The ability to stay focused on the long-term goal, celebrate small wins, and keep going is the most important skill you can develop.
The state of the global environment is concerning. What gives you hope?
In my small time in this space, I've seen how even small restored habitats can quickly make a change. Nature wants to heal if we give it a chance. If we stop the destruction, nature will take its course. We saw this during the lockdown.
I am also inspired by the growing, interconnected movement of young people dedicated to this process – from local community members becoming citizen scientists to the global youth networks I work with, who are persistently advocating in United Nations spaces. I have seen on numerous occasions young people spending sleepless nights in negotiations, fighting for a better environment! We are not starting from scratch, but building on generations of knowledge and uniting like never before. That collective action is my greatest source of hope.
What advice would you give a young person who is interested working in this field?
I’d say: start where you are, with what you have. You don't need to wait for a perfect degree or job. Volunteer for a local environmental group, start a nature blog or social media page to practice communication. Build both your scientific skills as well as skills like communication, networking, and project management – they are all important. Be curious and ask for help when you need it. Never stop learning. Finally, find your community, both locally and online. The friendships and collaborations you build with like-minded people will support you, teach you, and sustain your passion through difficult times.
