Shannon Noelle Rivera

Environmental Consultant · Researcher
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Shannon provides professional consulting services focused on technical expertise, communications and marketing, public speaking, facilitation, and project management for global conservation projects. 

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​Services are conducted through Shannoelle, Inc. a registered US-based entity.

To discuss opportunities, potential projects, and availability, please visit the contact page. 


US Fish and Wildlife Service; Division of International Conservation
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Remote | Washington DC Headquarters
2021-Present | Currently serving
 as a technical expert with USFWS International Affairs' species program creating a project dataset of global conservation areas and wildlife strongholds that have received USFWS funding. Contracted to create an authoritative and comprehensive funding history for areas of programmatic importance.
This c
ontributes to new agency monitoring procedures to inform program strategy and decision-making, by advancing USFWS responsibilities under and aligning program practices with the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2016 and the 2018 Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act.


Learn more about USFWS International Affairs Division.
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Wildlife Crime & Trade
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United Nations, Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),  Research and Analysis Branch,  Wildlife Crime Research Unit
Vienna, Austria
2021 | Tasked with conducting research work for the anticipated 2023 UNODC World Wildlife Crime Report under the direction of Wildlife Crime Research Officer, Dr. Julie Viollaz. Specific focus on gender dimensions.

Learn more about UNODC's Wildlife Crime Research Unit.

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World Wildlife Crime Report

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2019 Y4WC Delegation, CITES CoP18
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Youth for Wildlife Conservation 501(c)3 
Geneva, Switzerland
2019 | Participated in the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora Conference of Parties (CoP18) in Geneva, Switzerland 16Aug-25Aug 2019. Extensive experience interpreting CITES and other international treaties related to wildlife trade and biodiversity conservation. 


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Society for Conservation Biology,  University of Winchester 
Southeast Asia
2018 | Qualitatively analyzed disposal methods of live animal confiscations in Southeast Asia. One of ten global recipients for the annual SCB Graduate Student research  fellowship award.
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 Learn more about the research project here.


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Mostly Monkeys 501c3
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Ramona, CA
2012-2013 | Past volunteer for Mostly Monkeys sanctuary. This sanctuary provides high quality, long term care for a variety of exotic animals species including New and Old World monkeys, North American carnivores, and a variety of reptiles and birds. Part of the sanctuary's goals is to promote public awareness of animal welfare and wildlife trafficking.

FOrestry
Related Certifications and Training
​2019  Arborist Training Certificate of Completion, International Society of Arboriculture
2019   Pacific Island Forestry Professional (PIFC) Certification, USDA Forest Service  

2018  
Tools for Engaging Landowners Training Series, Yale School of Forestry
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US Forest Service; 
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Los Angeles Urban Research Center
Remote, Los Angeles CA
​2020-Present | Contracted as a marketing and communications consultant to develop outreach strategies and online publications for the Los Angeles Center for Urban Natural Resources Sustainability, also known as the Los Angeles Urban Research Center. The Los Angeles Center for Urban Natural Resources Sustainability  operates through a partnership among the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region and Research Station, and the City of Los Angeles.

LA Urban Center Publications

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Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program; DLNR; Division of Forestry and Wildlife
Hawaiʻi, statewide
2016-2021 | Delivered the state of Hawaii’s urban and community forestry program’s strategic plan in collaboration with Federal, State, City, and community partners providing expertise in program management, communications, data collection & visualization, environmental research, partnership coordination, policy review, grant program management, and graphic design.
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Smart Trees Pacific 501(c)3
Honolulu HI; Pacific Region
2016-2022 | Contracted as a project consultant focused on improving the health and viability of trees in Hawai‘i communities and throughout the Pacific region. Responsible for partnership development, training expertise, project management, and communications & marketing.


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​Guam Department of Agriculture (DOAG)
2019-2021 | Served as a training and program development specialist creating a tailored training program for a citizen science project focused on inventorying and assessing urban trees. 

Science Communications
Related Training
​2019      Public Relations Training, IKAIKA Communications
2018      Tools for Engaging Landowners Training Series, Yale School of Forestry
2017    Science Communications Science-telling Training, National Geographic

Web and Visual Design Competencies:
Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, Canva, Wordpress, Adobe Creative Cloud
(Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Sketch, InDesign)



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Contracted Speaker and Wildlife Lecturer,
Various Locations
2019-Present | Contracted as an onboard biologist with international cruise lines producing lecture materials and conducting oral presentations, television broadcasts, and informal workshops. 
Contracts carried out in Hawaiʻi, California, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, Chile. Contracts past March 2020, postponed due to COVID-19.
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Other Speaking Engagements
2021          Virtual - Presenter,  IUCN World Conservation Congress, Green Status of Species Session

2021          Virtual - Panelist, WCISA Annual Arboriculture Conference, Adapting to COVID19 Symposium


2020          Virtual - Presenter, 27th Annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference, Urban Tree Species Identification

2019         Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Presenter, SCB’s 29th International Congress for Conservation Biology, Disposal of Confiscated Live Animals in Southeast Asia

2019          Honolulu, Hawaiʻi - Presenter, 26th Annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference, Urban ʻĀina Symposium

2019         Mexico, Hawaiʻi, California - Lecturer, Wild Hawaiʻi Lecture Series Onboard Carnival Cruise Lines

2019         Colombo, Sri Lanka - 2019 Global Dialogue on Wildlife Trafficking International Symposium (Abstract Only)

2017          Cartagena, Colombia - Presenter, SCB’s 28th International Congress for Conservation Biology, Barriers to Assisted Colonization

2017          Honolulu, Hawaiʻi - Invited Presenter, 24th Annual Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference, Barriers to Assisted Colonization

2016          Montpellier, France - Invited Presenter, 5th International Ecosummit Congress 2016, Endangered Species Management & Conservation

2016          Honolulu, Hawaiʻi - Undergraduate Presenter, CTAHR Student Research Symposium, Endangered Species Management & Conservation

2016          Honolulu, Hawaiʻi - First Place Presenter, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa UROP Undergraduate Showcase, Barriers to Assisted Colonization
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Interested in hosting the WildPlanet Lecture Series? Get in Touch.
Gender
Related Training & CERTIFICATIONS
2016 Bachelors Degree in Gender and Conflict Resolution from the University of Hawaii
2016  Gender & Social Justice Certification, CSS-IUCN 


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United Nations, Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),  Research and Analysis Branch,  Wildlife Crime Research Unit
2021 | Drafted a methodology for integrating gender sensitive strategies into wildlife crime research for UNODC consultants/employees. Drafted typology and various crime scripts for women's role in wildlife crime.

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International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Global Gender Office
Honolulu, HI; Washington DC
2016 | Evaluated gender responsiveness and existing gender sensitive strategies of international conservation programs focused on wildlife trade issues and community-based conservation management. 


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Oʻahu’s Women’s Community Correctional Center, Smart Trees Pacific 
Kailua, HI
2018-2020 | Developed gender sensitive strategies and professional development goals for a 6-month educational training series and environmental vocational program at Oʻahu’s Women’s Community Correctional Center. 

Kariega Game Reserve, Bring the Elephant Home 501(c)3 
Eastern Cape, South Africa
2021 | Worked with Kariega's all female ranger unit, the Matriarchs, to organize a nature-based educational program at three schools in Asohx villages in Eastern Cape with the objectives of increasing awareness of elephant conservation and promoting women empowerment.
International Conservation
Related Training & CERTIFICATIONS
2021       Wildlife Detection Dog Training, Conservation Dogs Hawaiʻi
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2018      Waterbird Banding Training, US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)
2018    Red List Assessor Certification, International Union for the Conservation of  Nature (IUCN)
2016     Sustainability Certification, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Outreach & IUCN
2016      Peace Studies Certification, The Matsunaga Institute for Peace & Conflict Resolution 

2017       USFWS Conservation Career Symposium, US Fish & Wildlife Service
2013      Fundraising and Non-Profit Development, University of California, San Diego
2011       
Spanish Language Immersion Program, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina


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Kariega Game Reserve, Bring the Elephant Home 501(c)3 
Eastern Cape, South Africa 
2021 | Conducted behavioral studies using the 'One Welfare' approach while employing species identification for Kariega Reserve's African savanna elephant population. Investigated ethical considerations for a community based conservation program. Assisted Kariega Veterinary Team in rhino translocation.


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Hawaiʻi Wildlife Ecology Lab, UH Manoa, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management
Hawaiʻi
2016-2017| First student researcher of the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Ecology Lab under the direction of Dr. Melissa R. Price. Conducted research qualitatively examining the perceived and existing barriers to the use of Assisted Colonization for climate sensitive species. Read more on this research here.


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La Isla de los Monos 501(c)3
Iquitos, Peru
2013 | Employed standard animal husbandry techniques to care for six species of primates confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade at a volunteer capacity.

Marine
Related Training & CERTIFICATIONS
2016               Operation of underwater Depth Proportion Vehicle Training
2016          Trained in free diving, open water rescue procedures, and tactical skills related to working on a small crew catamaran.

​2016                Registered Protected Species Observer (Marine Mammals) Certification, Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)
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Ocean Legends Dive Center 
Honolulu, HI
2014-2016 | Developed and implemented a sustainability program focused on responsible tourism practices and conservation while facilitating collaborative partnerships with research-based institutions.


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Ocean Discovery Institute 501(c)3
San Diego, CA
2010-2012 | Assisted classroom instructors in providing hands-on scientific lessons, field experiences and community service projects  to under-served elementary and middle school students in San Diego Unified School District. 
The educational non-profit uses ocean science to empower young people from underserved urban communities to transform their lives, their community, and our world as scientific and conservation leaders.

Facilitation
2021 Facilitator and Organizer, "One Welfare Approaches to Elephant Conservation" World Cafe Event, Eastern Cape South Africa, BTEH
2020  Judge, Young Champions of the Earth Contest UN Environmental Programme / CoalitionWILD
2017  Facilitator and Organizer. Citizen Forester Training and Certification, Kaulunani UCF Program
2017  Facilitator and Organizer, ‘Learning at Lunch’ forestry lecture series, Kaulunani UCF Program
2017  Facilitator, Next Gen Kaʻikaʻi Iwikuamoʻo Workshop, Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference
2016  Facilitator and Organizer, Assisted Colonization Workshop, US Fish & Wildlife Service


SUBMIT CONSULTANCY INQUIRY

Board of Director / Committee Roles


Society for Conservation Biology
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2017 SCBO Board of Directors
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Society for Conservation Biology Oceania (SCBO) | Member of the Board of Directors, 2017-Present
www.SCBOceania.org
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Currently serving as a member of SCBO Board supporting conservation work in Australia, New Zealand, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia.​


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2019 HISCB General Business Meeting, Waiwai Collective
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​Society for Conservation Biology, Hawaiʻi Chapter (HISCB), CoFounder & Board Member,  2016-Present

Co-Founder and first president for the statewide Hawaiʻi Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology. Learn more and join the chapter here: www.HISCB.org

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Project: Conservation
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Project: Conservation 501(c)3, Board Member 2015-Present
Board member for nonprofit organization supporting global conservation through visual storytelling and digital campaigns. Learn more and get involved at www.ProjectConservation.org
​Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance Foundation
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 Nāhululeihiwakuipapa Next Generation Committee  2016-2020
Supported the professional development of the next generation of conservation leaders in Hawaiʻi through the leadership of Hawaiʻi Conservation Alliance.

2020 Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference Planning Committee  2018-2020
Key member of the 2020 regional conference planning committee.

 
​Learn more and get involved at www.HawaiiConservation.org



Please contact for Full CV
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"In the end we will conserve only what we love; 
we will love only what we understand;
and 
we will understand only what we are taught
."
​-Baba Dioum
Shannon Noelle Rivera
© COPYRIGHT 2022 |  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
  Shannon N. Rivera
  • Home
  • ABOUT
  • RESEARCH
  • CONSULTING
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  • Home
  • ABOUT
  • RESEARCH
  • CONSULTING
  • PUBLICATIONS
  • CONTACT