Guest Bio

Stefano Tricanico is the Expedition Director and Founder of Driftr, bringing over twenty years of experience in leading expeditions and managing field operations in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments, including the Arctic and Antarctic regions. His background spans expedition leadership, maritime operations, and field safety systems, with extensive involvement in frontline conservation efforts. Stefano’s work focuses on verifying conservation projects in difficult-to-access areas, ensuring accountability and transparency where enforcement is scarce or absent.

Show Summary

In this episode of the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast, host Jason Elkins speaks with Stefano Tricanico about his unique approach to conservation verification through his company, Driftr. Stefano explains how many conservation projects claiming to protect vulnerable species and environments often lack measurable results or even a real presence on the ground. He offers an independent field verification service for donors, helping ensure that funds go to projects that genuinely deliver impact.

The conversation dives deep into the complex realities of conservation in remote regions like the Arctic, touching on the controversial topic of polar bear hunting and the contradictions between public messaging and actual practices. Stefano shares insights from his frontline experience working with organizations like Sea Shepherd and discusses the challenges of protecting wildlife amid geopolitical, cultural, and traditional pressures. The episode also explores the practical difficulties of enforcing conservation laws in isolated marine and wilderness areas.

Later, Stefano reflects on his personal journey from growing up in South Africa to becoming an expedition leader and maritime professional, emphasizing the importance of competence, independent thinking, and confronting uncomfortable truths in conservation and adventure travel.

Big World Made Small guest features are invitation-only and selected based on story, experience, and fit with the show. Guest support helps make the episode possible, but it does not determine who is featured. This helps keep the show free of third-party ads and interruptions while keeping the focus on real, story-driven conversations.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Adventure Travel Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates & special access to our guests.

Are you a tourism expert with a story to share? Let's connect.

bigworldmadesmall.com