From cloud forests to coral reefs - how Opwall blends science, education and conservation impact with Dr Tom Martin, Head of Research at Opwall

Did you know that Operation Wallacea has taken more than 50,000 students into the field over the past 30 years.

But what actually happens on an expedition? How does the science work? And how can an experience like this shape an entire conservation career?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Tom Martin, Head of Research at Opwall, to unpack how their unique model combines rigorous academic research with hands-on field training across nine countries worldwide.

We talk about long-term biodiversity datasets, climate change in cloud forests, marine research programmes, and why practical field skills are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s conservation job market.

If you’ve ever considered gaining field experience overseas - or wondered how organisations like Opwall contribute to global conservation science - this episode will give you clarity and insight.

It’s an expeditions, ecology, and research podcast. Enjoy.

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1. Join CC – www.conservation-careers.com/join
2. Opwall website - https://www.opwall.com/
3. Opwall Instagram site - https://www.instagram.com/operation_wallacea/?hl=en
4. Opwall webinars - https://www.opwall.com/free-webinar/
5. Opwall jobs - https://jobs.opwall.com/jobs/

How to build a meaningful career protecting the ocean by working with people, communities, and partners, with our guest Lissa Batey.

If you’re interested in building a career in marine conservation, this episode is for you.

Today’s guest is Dr Lissa Batey, a marine conservation professional whose work brings together communities, partners, and organisations to deliver meaningful change for marine ecosystems.

In our conversation, we explore what a marine conservation career really looks like. Lissa shares her own career journey, what her role involves day-to-day, and how working with people - rather than just species or habitats - is often the key to protecting our oceans in the long term.

We talk about the skills needed to succeed in marine conservation beyond technical science, including communication, facilitation, and collaboration.

Lissa also offers practical advice for students, early-career professionals, and career switchers who want to work in marine conservation but aren’t sure where they fit, or whether they need to follow a traditional scientific pathway.

It’s an honest, grounded conversation about marine conservation careers, the realities of working in the sector, and how to build impact by working with people, not around them.

It’s a thoughtful, practical, and people-powered episode.

Enjoy.

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Join CC - www.conservation-careers.com/join

Lissa Batey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lissa-batey-b2538567/

How the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon is combining science, education and community action to keep the forest standing, with Johana Reyes.

If you’ve ever wondered what a sustainable Amazon looks like in practice – how local livelihoods, science and education can work together to protect one of the most biodiverse places on Earth – this episode is for you.

Today’s guest is Johana Reyes, Founding Member and President of the Board for the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon. Johana joins us from the south‑eastern Peruvian Amazon – a region rich in Brazil nut forests, scarlet macaws and community‑led conservation.

We unpack the Alliance’s mission and model – from long‑term biological research and reforestation with local families to education programmes that connect children and students directly with the forest.

Johana shares what life is really like leading a small, field‑based team in the Amazon, the insights her work is revealing, and practical ways that you can get involved through internships, volunteering and research placements.

Whether you’re a student, career switcher or professional looking to make a greater impact, you’ll come away with grounded career advice – from experimenting early and translating your skills, to building confidence through hands‑on experience.

It’s a field‑based, hopeful, and practical episode. Enjoy.

Join CC - www.conservation-careers.com/join

ASA - www.sustainableamazon.org