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The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™
We're working with you to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States and your backyard. Support our work
Meet Our Experts
Africa: David Banks
David Banks
Regional Managing Director of Africa
David Banks leads The Nature Conservancy’s Africa team. After earning his Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Natural Resource Management at the Indiana University School of Public & Environmental Affairs (SPEA), David held leadership positions for the Conservancy in Indiana and Alaska before being named Africa director in 2007. See the links below to read articles by and about David.
Read David Banks's Full Biography
David in the News
The Forgotten Coast
David recalls the wonders and occasional horrors of a scientific survey in Africa's newest and largest marine reserve. Read post
David's Dispatches
Africa program director David Banks shares his experiences in the field and views on conservation in his ongoing column. Hear from David
Going Holistic
David Banks and Pathfinder International's Caroline Crosbie discuss integrating human health with conservation in Tanzania. Read post
Don't Look Back
Running across Africa's grasslands tends to result in hungry animals chasing you, so why is David planning to do just that? Read post
Two Weeks: Zambia
The second leg of David's two-week journey takes him to Zambia's Kafue National Park and to visits with tribal elders. Read post
Two Weeks: Tanzania
On the first leg of a two-week project tour, David travels to the Mahale Mountains and visits villagers along Lake Tanganyika. Read post
Laikipia National Park
Kenya’s first new national park in 25 years will provide long-term benefits to wildlife and people. Read post
When People Matter
Stark contrasts between Tanzania and Ethiopia convince David that conservation must connect with people. Read more
Powwow in the Yaeda Valley
David reflects on the first gathering of elders from Tanzania's Hadza people and their imperiled lands and culture. Explore
A Visit to China
David visits China to learn more about its operations in Africa and discovers a land oozing with contrasts. Explore
The Elephant Collar
David Banks joins Iain Douglas-Hamilton of Save the Elephants to capture and collar an elephant for tracking. Explore
Catching Up with David Banks
Director David Banks discusses the Africa program's progress since launching in 2006, and where it still needs to go. Read the interview
Publications
David Banks leads The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to protect wildlife and wild places in Africa, the cradle of humanity.
David traces his career path from Texas, where he grew up exploring his grandfather’s ranch by foot and on horseback. His roots in nature inspired him to serve others and do his part to leave the world a better place.
As a Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana, David worked with communities to help restore forests in the West African Sahel. He joined the Conservancy in 1994 as an intern in Indiana, where he was finishing his Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Natural Resource Management at the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA). He went on to lead the organization’s work in Alaska, spending time “in the bush” with wolves and grizzlies and cementing his love of untamed nature. He was named Africa director in 2007.
For David, Africa represents Earth’s last best chance to protect vast landscapes that still function much as they have for millions of years. Twenty years after first discovering the wonders of Africa’s landscape and people, David returned to the continent where he feels most at home. He lives with his wife and two sons in Arusha, Tanzania.
Read More
Whether scary or exciting, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. See stories
Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos
Contact
Blythe Thomas
Media Contact
Phone: 703-841-8782
E-mail: bthomas@tnc.org
Areas of Expertise
- Africa
- Land Deals
- Building mountain bike trails
- Alaska
