Shannon Noelle Rivera

Wildlife Researcher · Consultant
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Shannon Noelle Rivera offers professional consulting services that center on technical expertise, research, communications, marketing, and project management for global conservation projects, as well as proficiency in public speaking and adept facilitation across a diverse range of themes and subjects.

Ongoing Roles...

United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime | Wildlife Crime Research Unit
UNODC Research and Analysis Branch, Wildlife Crime Research Unit 
Vienna, Austria | Bogota, Colombia
2021, 2023-present | Currently serving as an illegal wildlife trade specialist working to improve knowledge of illegal wildlife trade trends with a specific focus on the gender dynamics of the trade for several key species for South America. This work falls under a new partnership between UNODC and USAID on exploring the role that women can play in both facilitating and preventing wildlife crime. 
​Learn more about UNODC's Wildlife Crime Research Unit.
US Fish and Wildlife Service | Division of International Conservation
2021-2023 | Served 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 contributes 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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Support the Program:
Under the Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Act of 2010, the U.S. Postal Service® will transfer the net proceeds from the sale of these Save Vanishing Species stamps to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to support the Multinational Species Conservation Funds.

​Buy Stamps!
US Forest Service | ​Los Angeles Urban Research Center
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US Forest Service; 
​Los Angeles Urban Research Center
​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.
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​Services are conducted internationally through Shannoelle, Inc. a US-based registered entity.
To discuss opportunities, potential projects, and availability, please visit the contact page. 

Specializations...
Wildlife Crime & Trade
2021, 2023 | United Nations, Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC),  Research and Analysis Branch,  Wildlife Crime Research Unit
Tasked with conducting research work for the anticipated 2024 UNODC World Wildlife Crime Report. Specific focus on gender dimensions.
​2020 World Wildlife Crime Report
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2019 Y4WC Delegation, CITES CoP18
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2019 | Youth for Wildlife Conservation 501(c)3 
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. 
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2018| Society for Conservation Biology,  University of Winchester 
 Qualitatively analyzed disposal methods of live animal confiscations in Southeast Asia, grant provided by SCB; research conducted through University of Winchester 
​ Learn more about the research project here.
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2009-2014 | Mostly Monkeys 501c3
​Past volunteer for urban sanctuary. This rescue based 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.
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2013 | Confiscated Primate Rehabilitation
 Implemented conventional animal husbandry methods in a voluntary role at a rescue center in the Peruvian Amazon, providing care for six primate species seized from the illegal wildlife trade.
Science Communications
Contracted Speaker and Naturalist 
Since 2019 
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Onboard Biologist
​Onboard Lecturer
Onboard Naturalist

​Contracted with international cruise lines producing lecture materials and conducting oral presentations, television broadcasts, and informal workshops. 

Contracts and lecture series carried out in: Antartica, Argentina, Hawaiʻi, California, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Spain, Canary Islands, Bermuda, Florida
2023     Certified through International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)
2022     Certified in STCW Basic Safety Training (Fire Prevention; Fire Fighting; Sea Survival; First Aid)
Related TrainingS
2023    Trained on basic piloting of zodiac boats
2023   Certified in Crowd Management, Security Awareness, and Crisis Management and Human Behavior | STCW Regulation V/2 (8), A-V/2 (4),Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 as amended (including STCW 2010 Manila Amendments)
2022     Certified in Fire Prevention; Fire Fighting; Sea Survival; First Aid, STCW Basic Safety Training | STCW Regulation V/2 (8), A-V/2 (4),Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 as amended (including STCW 2010 Manila Amendments)
​2019      Public Relations Training, IKAIKA Communications
2018      Graduate of the TELE Program Training Series, Yale School of Forestry
2017    Science Communications Science-telling Training, National Geographic

Past Speaking Engagements
2024        Spain, Canary Islands, Bermuda - Wild Planet Lecture Series - Carnival Cruise
2023        Antarctic Peninsula  & Ushuaia, Argentina - Naturalist, Viking Expeditions
2022         Gold Coast, Australia - Invited Presenter, Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists
2021         Invited Presenter,  IUCN World Conservation Congress, Green Status of Species Session
2021         Invited Panelist, WCISA Annual Arboriculture Conference, Adapting to COVID19 Symposium
2020         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 - Carnival Cruise Lines
2019         Colombo, Sri Lanka - 2019 Global Dialogue on Wildlife Trafficking International Symposium 
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 - Presenter, 5th International Ecosummit Congress 2016, Endangered Species Management & Conservation
2016          Honolulu, Hawaiʻi - 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
Interested in hosting the WildPlanet Lecture Series? Get in Touch.
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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Since 2020 | US Forest Service; 
​Los Angeles Urban Research Center
Contracted as a marketing and communications consultant for the LA Urban Research Center, a partnership between the USDA Forest Service and the City of Los Angeles.
Developed outreach strategies and online publications.
2016-2021 |Kaulunani Urban and Community Forestry Program; DLNR; Division of Forestry and Wildlife
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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2016-2022 | Smart Trees Pacific 501(c)3
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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​2019-2021 |Guam Department of Agriculture (DOAG)
 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. 
Gender
2016 | Bachelors Degree in Gender and Conflict Resolution, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
2016  | Gender & Social Justice Certification, CSS-IUCN 
Women and Wildlife Crime Research Project, UNODC | Since 2021
Contracted specialist working to improve  knowledge of illegal wildlife trade trends with a specific focus on the gender dynamics of the trade for several key species for South America. This work falls under a new partnership between UNODC and USAID on exploring the role that women can play in both facilitating and preventing wildlife crime. 
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2016 | International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Global Gender Office
Evaluated gender responsiveness and existing gender sensitive strategies of international conservation programs focused on wildlife trade issues and community-based conservation management. 
2018-2020 | Oʻahu’s Women’s Community Correctional Center Environmental Education Program
 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. 
2021 | Collaboration with Female Ranger Unit, Kariega Game Reserve | Bring the Elephant Home 501(c)3 
Eastern Cape, South Africa
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
​MA, International Affairs and Diplomacy
Red List Assessor Certification, International Union for the Conservation of  Nature (IUCN)
Multinational Work
Since 2021 | Program Evaluator, US Fish and Wildlife Service, International Affairs, Division of International Conservation
Evaluated and supported the USFWS Multinational Species Conservation Funds. The funds include:
  • African Elephant Conservation Fund
  • Asian Elephant Conservation Fund
  • Great Ape Conservation Fund
  • Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Fund
  • Marine Turtle Conservation Fund
International Affairs coordinates domestic and international efforts to protect, restore, and enhance the world’s diverse wildlife and their habitats with a focus on species of international concern.
Oceania:
  • Regional: Elected board member of an international conservation organization representing Australia, New Zealand, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia.
  • Regional: Pacific Island Forestry Professional Certification, US Forest Service
  • Wollongong, Australia: Pre-Congress Workshop Facilitator, Ecological Society of Australia & Society for Conservation Biology Oceania Conservation Congress
  • Gold Coast, Australia: Invited Presenter, 2022 Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists
  • Wellington, New Zealand: Conference planning committee, 2018 Society for Conservation Biology Oceania Congress “Conservation in a changing world” 
  • Guam: Contracted program development specialist, Guam Department of Agriculture (DOAG), created a tailored training program for a citizen science project focused on inventorying and assessing urban trees.
  • Hawaii: Project consultant, State of Hawaii, Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Kaulunani UCF Program
  • Hawaii: Sustainability Program Coordinator, Ocean Legends Dive Center
  • Hawaii and Pacific Islands: Student Researcher, Hawaiʻi Wildlife Ecology Lab, UH Manoa, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, examining the perceived and existing barriers to the use of Assisted Colonization for climate-sensitive species in the Pacific.
Latin America and the Caribbean:
  • Ecuador, Peru, Colombia: International Wildlife Trade Specialist, UNODC. Eight months of data collection in the Amazon region; Duty Station in Bogota, Colombia 
  • Saint Vincent and Grenadines: Lead author, Collaboration with Oxford University & FFI | led project on research assessing the risk of overexploitation to a Caribbean tarantula species in the pet trade.
  • Argentina: Spanish Language Immersion Program, University of Buenos Aires.
  • Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, Chile: Guest Lecturer, Wild Planet Lecture Series, Celebrity Cruises & Carnival Cruises.
  • Argentina: General Naturalist, Viking Expeditions
North America:
  • California: Education Volunteer, Ocean Discovery Institute 501(c)3, San Diego Unified School District.
  • California: Certification in Fundraising and Non-Profit Development, University of California, San Diego.
  • California: Communications & Marketing Specialist, US Forest Service (USFS); Los Angeles Urban Research Center.
  • Canada and Mexico: Guest Lecturer, Celebrity Cruise Wild Planet Lecture Series, Celebrity Cruises
  • California: Animal husbandry volunteer, Mostly Monkeys Wildlife Rescue Center 501(c)(3).
Southeast Asia:
  • Thailand and Philippines: MSc Researcher, Disposal of Illegally Traded and Confiscated Live Animals.
  • Thailand: Volunteer Researcher, Kaeng Krachan National Park, Bring the Elephant Home 501(c)3, assisted PhD researcher in behavioral studies using the 'One Welfare' approach while employing species identification for Kaeng Krachan wild Asian elephant population.
  • Sumatra, Indonesia: Conservation storytelling assistant, Project: Conservation 501(c)3
  • Borneo, Malaysia: Volunteer, 1StopBorneo, reforestation and species identification field work.
Antarctica:
  • 2023 International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) Certification.
  • General Naturalist, Viking Expeditions, , led interpretative Zodiac cruises and engaged in various onboard scientific activities, fostering guest interaction, and sharing expertise to enhance comprehension of the Antarctic region.
Europe:
  • Vienna, Austria: International Wildlife Trade Specialist, United Nations, Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Research and Analysis Branch
  • Geneva, Switzerland: CITES Delegate, Youth for Wildlife Conservation (Y4WC) at CITES Conference of Parties (COP18).
Africa:
  • Kigali, Rwanda: Conference planning committee, 31st International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB 2023)
  • Eastern Cape, South Africa: Volunteer Researcher, Kariega Game Reserve, Bring the Elephant Home 501(c)3, 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.
Marine
Related Training & CERTIFICATIONS
2022            Open Water Diver Certification
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 
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
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
2022         Wollongong, Australia - Pre-Congress Workshop Facilitator, Ecological Society of Australia & Society for Conservation Biology Oceania Conservation Congress
​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

Board of Director / Committee Roles
Project: Conservation
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
Society for Conservation Biology
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2017 SCBO Board of Directors
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Society for Conservation Biology Oceania (SCBO)
Elected Board Member, 2017-2023
​Affiliate Director, 2023-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,  2016-2020
2020-Present, Adjunct Board Member
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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​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
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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 2025 |  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED