Alex Hughes

Project Manager (International Engagement)

About me

Ever since I was young, I’ve had a strong interest in animals and nature. This led me to pursue a degree in Biology and Animal Behaviour, during which I spent much of my third year training bumble bees! In my Master’s degree, I focused on human stress levels after handling snakes, alongside volunteering in the herpetology department at ZSL London Zoo. My experiences with the Asian Turtle Programme in Vietnam exposed me to the challenges of the illegal wildlife trade, sparking my interest in human behaviour change and conservation education.

My career includes roles such as a presenter at Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts, where I honed my public speaking and engagement skills. Additionally, I worked as a project manager for the Brighton Dolphin Project, where I opened a visitor centre on Brighton beach and engaged the community in marine conservation. At Tilgate Nature Centre, I developed and delivered award-winning sustainability and educational campaigns, enhancing visitor engagement and awareness. I am also an active member of the BIAZA RAWG (Reptile and Amphibian Working Group) steering group, contributing to the advancement of herptile conservation.

My role

I am part of the international engagement team at WWT, delivering CEPA (Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness Raising) services to global partners. This includes working within the WLI (Wetland Link International) network to foster global conservation efforts. Additionally, I am the lead coordinator for the Wetland Engagement Advisory Service, where I oversee the development and implementation of advisory services tailored to wetlands and wetland centres worldwide. This involves providing expertise, managing budgets, strategic planning, and working closely with global partners to enhance their educational and engagement initiatives.

Experience and interests

• Communication: Skilled in creating engaging content and delivering compelling presentations and training to diverse audiences.
• Education and Engagement: Extensive experience in developing educational programmes for various age groups and professional levels.
• Written and Live Interpretation: Expertise in designing interpretation content and visitor centre experiences that inspire and educate.
• Visitor Centre Development: Proven track record of developing and managing visitor centres that enhance public understanding of conservation issues.
• Project Management: Strong background in managing conservation projects from inception to completion, ensuring goals are met on time and within budget.
• Strategic Planning: Experience in strategic planning and implementation, aligning with organisational goals and conservation targets.
• Evaluation and Monitoring: Proficient in developing and utilising evaluation techniques to measure the impact of educational programmes.