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Mireia (Mia) Villalonga
Impact Communications & Behaviour Change Consultant
Nationality:
Spanish
Countries I Worked for:
United States
Canada
Tanzania
Kenya
Botswana
Angola
Namibia
Mozambique
A Bit About Me
Mireia is a dedicated conservationist with a profound love for wilderness and an unwavering commitment to protecting the last wild places on Earth. With extensive experience in Eastern and Southern Africa, Mireia has made significant contributions to conservation and community empowerment through various impactful projects and organizations, including the Okavango Wilderness Project, Kope Lion, and the National Geographic Society.
Specializing in impact communications, behavioural change science, and knowledge management, Mireia employs behavioural-centred design and impact thinking to develop interventions that shape community behaviours and mindsets. These efforts foster structural shifts, build resilient communities, and promote the stewardship of our planet.
Mireia’s approach to conservation prioritizes collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and local ownership. By engaging with diverse stakeholders—governments, scientists, decision-makers, and local communities—Mireia drives collective positive change. This inclusive method addresses challenges and provides sustainable solutions for protecting our natural world.
Throughout Mireia's career, she has facilitated the creation of corridors of tolerance for human-lion coexistence within the greater Serengeti ecosystem and developed knowledge products for decision-makers in the lead-up to the Ocean Treaty. Additionally, Mireia has helped champion traditional knowledge and culture to sustain livelihoods and protect the delicate ecosystem of the Okavango Delta. This work not only enhances our understanding of the natural world but also empowers Indigenous communities to become stewards of their environment, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.
With a deep commitment to protecting the last wild places and a Master in Communication with Honors in Advocacy, Mireia focuses on initiatives that drive behavioural change, foster community resilience, and promote sustainable livelihoods. By continuously engaging with local communities and stakeholders, Mireia strives to ensure the protection and preservation of our planet's most vulnerable ecosystems.