Carlos Drews

Carlos Drews has a diverse and extensive work experience in the conservation field. Carlos currently serves as the Executive Vice President, Conservation at Ocean Wise, a position they have held since November 2019. Prior to this, Carlos worked at The Jane Goodall Institute from March 2017 to November 2019, first as the Executive Director and then as a Special Advisor to the Founder.

Carlos also has a long history with WWF, starting in 2003. During their time at WWF, they held various roles, including Director of the Global Species Programme from 2010 to 2016 and LAC Regional Coordinator for Marine & Species from 2003 to 2010. In these positions, they provided strategic leadership, coordinated with conservation experts and global offices, engaged partners, represented WWF at international fora and drove advocacy efforts.

Carlos' earliest role was at the International Institute for Conservation and Wildlife Management, National University, Costa Rica, where they worked from 1995 to 2003 as an Interim Director and Academic Staff. In this role, they were responsible for teaching subjects related to behavioral ecology and biological conservation, mentoring students, conducting research on societal attitudes towards wildlife, and fulfilling senior management duties. Additionally, Carlos served as a government advisor on wildlife rescue centers, a member of the CITES Scientific Authority of Costa Rica, and a part of the Costa Rican government delegation at international conferences.

Overall, Carlos Drews has a strong background in conservation, with experience in leadership, strategic coordination, advocacy, research, and academia.

Carlos Drews received their education in the field of biology. Carlos obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Biology from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in an unspecified year. Carlos then pursued further studies at the University of Cambridge, where they earned a Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degree in Applied Biology from 1986 to 1987. Carlos later obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Zoology/Animal Biology from the University of Cambridge, which they completed from 1989 to 2004.