Damien Mander
Damien Mander is a former Australian Royal Navy Clearance Diver and Special Operations Military Sniper turned anti-poaching crusader, environmental and animal welfare activist.
Following a 9 year military career, 3 years in Iraq and 12 tours of duty, Damien used his life savings and liquidated his investments to fund the start-up and running costs of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF).
With the mission statement "To protect and preserve wildlife in volatile regions," the IAPF focuses on ranger training, operations, and integrating modern technology and solutions (such as drone/UAV technology) for conservation.
Mander is outspoken about the priorities of mankind in an increasingly challenged society and advocates the use of military equipment and tactics for the purpose of protecting animals.
A public speaker, Mander is a vegan who actively encourages his audience to hold back the tide of human encroachment and correct the imbalance between dwindling wilderness areas and rapidly increasing human populations.
Damien is the founder and CEO of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation, and a director of the Conservation Guardians.