OUR TEAM
We are a group of Ivorian and German activists who have grown fond of the Comoé National Park and whose preservation for future generations is our common goal.
Prof. Dr. Judith Korb
(Freiburg i. Breisgau, Founder & Board Member)
"Since 1992, I have been researching the ecological relationships and biodiversity of Comoé National Park. During this time, we have been able to discover new species and demonstrate the importance of insects for the ecosystem. At the same time, however, I also became aware of how threatened the park is and that sustainable protection can only be achieved through the integration of the local population. Therefore, I wanted to establish this foundation for the sustainable protection of the park."
David Kouamé KOUASSI
(Kakpin, Research Assistant at the Comoé Research Station & DSCN Project Coordinator)
"Here's what I hope the foundation will achieve:
I want the foundation to help the villages bordering Comoé National Park while simultaneously ensuring the park's protection. I hope the foundation can help people like us who lack sufficient resources but want to contribute to the park's well-being.
When our children learn about the importance of the park and its flora and fauna, they will later be able to understand the research conducted there. I have learned a great deal through my work in the park, and there is still much to learn. The future of the park is closely linked to our own future, which is why it is important to shape that future in a positive way.
Dr. Volker Salewski
(2nd from left, Husum, auditor, biologist & researcher in the Comoé National Park)
"Preserving global biodiversity is a major challenge that must be embraced by everyone. It can only be mastered by working together, hand in hand, across all borders of countries, worldviews, and cultures. That is why I am involved with the German Foundation for the Comoé National Park."
Dr. Simon Kolotchèlèma SILUE
(Abidjan, biologist & DSCN Project Manager)
"I would like to actively participate in all measures for the conservation and management of protected areas, especially the Comoé National Park."
I have worked in several protected areas in Côte d'Ivoire, and my research has always focused on nature conservation. I therefore understand the importance of nature and ecological relationships for the survival of the local population. Helping these communities understand the significance of nature reserves and the necessity of protecting them will be crucial for them and for all of us in the future.
Furthermore, protected areas are the last refuges for the conservation of threatened species and their habitats.
I would like to commit myself to supporting all foundations, groups and individuals who are involved in this area as best I can."
Dr. Christian Hoisus
(Giesdorf, Founders & Board)
"Since my childhood, I have had a very positive connection to and perception of nature, both on an emotional and a rational level.
It's certainly only a tiny contribution I can make here. Perhaps it will still help and encourage others to do more.
I am certainly also influenced by the fact that my father has been actively involved in nature conservation for many years through his work in a foundation."
Prof. N'Golo Abdoulaye KONÉ
(Abidjan, Ivorian Director of the Comoé Research Station)
"I have a background in ecology and am committed to preserving biodiversity. I am also the director of the research station in Comoé National Park. Therefore, any activity or initiative aimed at protecting and preserving biodiversity as a whole deserves my attention and support. I have always been receptive to environmental protection in general. The DSCN Foundation, with its idea of a participatory approach to the park's natural resources through activities in collaboration with the local population – and especially with schoolchildren – is a welcome initiative that deserves support. I believe that managing biodiversity and ensuring sustainable nature conservation requires fundamental environmental education and raising awareness of environmental issues among the next generation."
Dr. Alexander Fuchs
(Hilpoltstein, Founders & Board)
"The abundance of species, the genetic diversity, and the multitude of habitats make Comoé National Park a biodiversity hotspot that must be preserved for future generations. Because 'what's gone is gone' and won't return for millions of years to come unless we work together with our Ivorian partners now to preserve the park."
Chiara Thomas
(Freiburg i. Breisgau, student & researcher in the Comoé National Park)
"When I first discovered Comoé National Park in 2015, I was captivated by its beauty and biodiversity. At the same time, I realized how quickly the balance in an ecosystem can shift and lead to the extinction of species. But the motivation and cooperation of the local population gave me courage, and the foundation is an important milestone in building long-term protection for the park, benefiting both the environment and the local communities. I am therefore very pleased to be able to contribute to the preservation of Comoé National Park through my work with the foundation."
Dr. Armel ASSO
(Abidjan, biologist & DSCN Project Manager)
"During my years working in Comoé National Park, I had the opportunity to appreciate the extraordinary beauty of this area, characterized by its great biodiversity, the complexity of its ecological relationships, the variety of its habitats, and a remarkable abundance of species. However, Comoé National Park continues to face numerous challenges that threaten its balance. Therefore, I am committed to working alongside the German Foundation for Comoé National Park to actively contribute to the park's preservation and the protection of this natural heritage."
Steffen Kreutzmann
(DSCN Ambassador & Fundraiser)
"For a long time, it has been my wish to do something meaningful through volunteer work. For many years, this wasn't possible due to my busy professional life. Now, in my semi-retirement, the perfect opportunity has arisen to volunteer and dedicate my time and skills to charitable causes."
I found this opportunity at the Foundation for the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Comoe National Park". It is undeniably important to advocate for nature and its preservation worldwide. Our help is particularly needed in Africa, specifically in Ivory Coast in West Africa, due to the limited financial resources available there. With my contribution, I want to ensure that the foundation can successfully carry out its charitable work.
Anant Sanjay Lokhande
(Biologist & Social Media Manager)
As a passionate student committed to wildlife conservation, I am dedicated to protecting the incredible biodiversity of Comoé National Park. Through my work with the German Foundation for Comoé National Park (DSCN), I strive to raise awareness and support for conservation efforts. In addition to my environmental activism, I manage the foundation's social media and digital outreach, utilizing online platforms to connect with supporters, share important updates, and inspire action. By combining conservation efforts with strategic communication, I aim to engage a global audience in the mission to protect Comoé National Park for future generations.