In 2019, the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Global Assessment identified human values and behaviours as at the root of all indirect drivers of threat to healthy functioning ecosystems and resilience in nature, but also central to the most critically needed transformative solutions. Since this time a number of initiatives have been attempting to bring the social and behavioural sciences into biodiversity conservation projects, and this webinar will update on the evidence, insights and policy links being generated.

Our Speaker

Gayle Burgess, Behavious Change Programme Leader,  IUCN/TRAFFIC 

Gayle is passionate about using persuasion to help people realize their role in achieving a sustainable future, bringing 25 years of experience in behavioural science solutions for conservation and environmental impact. She has worked at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and TRAFFIC since 2011, where she directs a portfolio applying social and behavioural science to ensure wildlife trade does not threaten nature conservation. Her role has taken her to Asia, though she now resides in the UK, working internationally. Gayle leads initiatives such as the World Bank-GEF Global Wildlife Program's Technical Support on Behaviour Change and engagements under CITES to reduce demand for over-exploited species. Her projects aim to influence consumer preferences, support governments, and combat wildlife crime, among other goals.

An extensively published author, Gayle has contributed to key works like the official Guidance for CITES Demand Reduction and the IUCN report on rhinoceros trade. Her work has been recognized by organizations such as Nature: Human Behaviour, the OECD, and academic institutions. She has led training for governments across several continents, with high evaluation ratings, and organized major conferences on behaviour change in conservation. Gayle is also an experienced speaker and educator, contributing to Cambridge University's MPhil in Conservation Leadership and serving as an Expert Advisor on numerous panels. A Chartered Environmentalist, Gayle is an avid outdoors enthusiast who combines her professional expertise with personal passions like wilderness trekking and fundraising for environmental causes.