'I truly fell in love with crocodiles'

Obakèmi Jean-Pierre Olofindji is an environmental scientist from Benin who specializes in wetland ecosystems and has been awarded a Fonseca Leadership Program grant with the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. In a GEF Voices interview, he shared the origin of his work to protect the habitat of the West African slender-snouted crocodile and promote community engagement around species conservation. 

What do you do for a living?  

I am a conservation professional working in biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and sustainable development in Benin. I'm currently the Program and Community Development Manager at Together for Environment and Community Wellness, a local non-governmental organization in Benin, where I contribute to the design and implementation of conservation initiatives, community mobilization, and the development of locally driven solutions to environmental challenges. My work focuses on wetland ecosystems, especially crocodile conservation. I am committed to understanding the challenges facing crocodile populations, protecting their habitats, and promoting community engagement in conservation efforts. 

How did you get into this line of work? 

I have been passionate about the environment for as long as I can remember. I have always been fascinated by animals, wildlife, and biodiversity. After high school, I knew I wanted a career that would allow me to be outdoors, explore nature, and work directly on environmental issues rather than spend all my time within four walls. This led me to pursue a bachelor's degree in environmental management, followed by a master's degree in natural resource management. 

My connection with crocodiles began during my bachelor's degree, when I conducted my thesis research in the Sitatunga Valley, a wetland area where crocodiles are present. The organization that hosted my research also kept crocodiles, giving me the opportunity to observe and learn more about them. My research explored the feasibility of establishing a crocodile farm as a way to reduce pressure on wild populations. Although the project proved too costly to implement, the experience sparked a lasting fascination with these remarkable animals. That was when I truly fell in love with crocodiles.

After completing my master's degree, I began my professional career in conservation with a local NGO. My passion for crocodiles stayed with me, and I started developing conservation project proposals and working towards implementing activities dedicated to their protection. What began as a personal fascination during my university studies has gradually become an important part of my professional commitment to biodiversity conservation. 

What makes crocodiles special to you? 

I feel connected to crocodiles in general, and especially to the West African slender-snouted crocodile. What makes this species so important to me is the urgent need to protect it. In the Lower Ouémé Valley in Benin, observations of this species have become very rare, raising concerns about its future in the country. I am concerned that, without effective conservation action, the species could disappear completely from Benin. This is what motivates me to contribute to its conservation, improve our understanding of its status, and support efforts to ensure its survival in its natural habitat. 

West African slender-snouted crocodile. Photo credit: Roger de la Harpe/Adobe Stock

Is there a GEF-funded project or program that is close to your heart?   

The Fonseca Leadership Program and the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund are particularly meaningful to me because they support my commitment to crocodile conservation and give me the opportunity to turn my passion into concrete action. Receiving this grant is an important milestone in my journey as a conservation professional, as it represents not only recognition of my potential but also practical support for my efforts to conserve crocodiles in Benin. 

I also appreciate the opportunity to be part of a program that supports emerging conservation leaders and gives greater visibility to threatened species such as the West African slender-snouted crocodile. For me, this support represents not only an opportunity to advance my work but also a responsibility to contribute to meaningful, long-term conservation outcomes for crocodiles and their habitats. 

Has anyone you have met through your work made a lasting impact on you?  

Rather than one particular person, several people I have met throughout my journey have had a lasting impact on me. Through international training programs outside Benin, I have had the opportunity to meet conservation experts, researchers, and practitioners who shared their experiences, their work, and the challenges they face in protecting biodiversity. 

What inspires me most is seeing professionals who are not only passionate about conservation but also actively working on the ground, engaging local communities, and making a real difference for biodiversity. Listening to their experiences and seeing their commitment has motivated me to keep learning, strengthen my own work, and find practical ways to contribute to conservation in Benin. These encounters have reminded me that conservation is a collective effort and that meaningful change is possible when knowledge, dedication, and community engagement come together. 

What life lessons has your job taught you? 

My work has taught me that meaningful things take time, and that patience and perseverance are essential when pursuing something you truly believe in. Not everything goes as planned, and I have learned that setbacks should not be seen as reasons to give up, but as opportunities to learn, adapt, and find new ways forward. I have also learned the importance of staying humble and being open to learning from others. No matter how much knowledge or experience we gain, there is always something new to learn from the people we meet and the experiences we share. 

The state of the global environment is concerning. What gives you hope? 

What gives me hope is seeing that, despite the many challenges facing our environment, there are still people who care about nature and are willing to take action to protect it. I am also encouraged by the opportunities available for young conservation professionals to develop their skills, share their experiences, and contribute to biodiversity conservation, with the support of organizations such as the Global Environment Facility, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, UNESCO, and many others. Being part of this community reminds me that we are not alone in this effort and that individual actions, when combined, can lead to meaningful change. 

What advice would you give a young person interested in a career like yours?

My advice to any young person interested in a career in conservation is to follow their passion, remain curious, and be willing to learn. You do not need to have everything figured out from the beginning. Start by exploring the areas that interest you, acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills, and taking every opportunity to gain practical experience. I would also encourage young people to be proactive, connect with people working in the field, participate in training opportunities, and not be afraid to take initiative. The journey is not always easy, and opportunities may not come immediately, but perseverance and an open mind can open doors. 

Photo courtesy of Obakèmi Jean-Pierre Olofindji