Natural Resource Professional

SOPHEIA EDGHILL

*** ********** *******, **** ***** Demerara, Guyana

Phone: +592-***-**** or +592-***-**** Email: **********@*****.*** PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Natural resource professional with over 14 years of experience in conservation management across Guyana's marine, coastal, and terrestrial ecosystems. Expertise encompasses biological assessments, ocean governance and stakeholder engagements. Proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders (local and international) to protect coastal and marine ecosystems and promote sustainable fisheries. A critical thinker and effective communicator with a global perspective, I bring a creative and agile mindset to developing innovative solutions for extant environmental challenges.

EDUCATION

• Master of Science (MSc) – Biodiversity Conservation & Sustainable Development

(Distinction)- University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Biology- University of Guyana, Georgetown, Guyana PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior Environmental Consultant Environmental Resources Management (ERM) Aug 2022

– Jan 2025

• Supported the development of technical reports for environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA), environmental baseline studies, and sustainability initiatives for mining, oil & gas, and infrastructure sectors.

• Conducted biodiversity assessments for the marine, terrestrial, and coastal environments.

• Supervised and mentored new staff and interns.

• Ensured compliance with health and safety protocols during fieldwork as a Field Safety Officer.

• Developed health & safety documentation.

• Supported quality control for client projects.

• Led stakeholder engagement initiatives particularly with fisher folks.

• Supported logistical activities for key clients. Marine Conservation Officer (Technical Officer) WWF-Guianas Nov 2012 – June 2022

• Managed WWF-Guianas Oceans Program activities focused on sustainable fisheries, marine wildlife conservation (sea turtles), and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). Key initiatives included:

- EU Project: “Promoting integrated and participatory ocean governance in Guyana and Suriname: the eastern gate to the Caribbean”,

- Oceans 5 Project: “Combatting Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana (the Guianas)”,

- WWF-Netherlands Project: “Developing and implementing a Regional Action Plan for North West Atlantic Leatherback Sea turtles, Dermochelys coriacea. (A regional approach in response to the decreasing numbers of Northwest Atlantic leatherback sea turtles).

• Supported the development and review of technical project proposals, project budgets, workplans, presentations and reports.

• Collaborated on the development and review of key marine legal and policy instruments, including

- Marine Fisheries Management Plan 2022-2027 (1st draft)

- Artisanal Fisheries Guyana’s Strategic Framework & Management Plan 2019 2024

- On-Board Guide for Identification of Marine ETP and Key Species of the Guianas, 2019

- Sea Turtle Conservation and Monitoring Plan 2016-2020

- SBPA, Guyana Beach Profile Manual, Shell Beach Protected Area, Guyana. Version 1. Final, 2015

• Managed and monitored the performance of local and international grantees and consultants.

• Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with consultants, regulatory bodies, community stakeholders, civil society organizations (CSOs), academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

• Coordinated over 10 multi-stakeholder workshops, training sessions/ meetings, and conservation initiatives related to sustainable fishing practices and sea turtle conservations.

• Coordinated and led Guyana’s first extensive marine wildlife survey within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

• Represented WWF-Guianas in working groups and conferences at the local, regional, and international levels.

• Provided technical support for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of the Guyana’s seabob trawl fishery.

• Collected data on by-catch from commercial and artisanal fisheries to assess it’s impacts on the ecosystem.

• Created content and participated in public awareness initiatives.

• Responded to and resolved several marine wildlife incidents. Project Research Assistant / Office Manager WWF-Guianas Aug 2010 - Oct 2012

• Contributed to all phases of the "Assessment and Prioritization of Wetland Ecosystems in Guyana" project, including site selection, comprehensive data collection for birds, mammals, insects, herpetofauna, fish and plants, and logistical support.

• Developed and maintained a field survey database, contributing to data management and the "Wetlands of Guyana" publication.

• Managed all office operations, financials, and logistics. Environmental Researcher & Consultant Ground Structure Engineering Consultants Feb 2010 to May 2010

• Conducted biodiversity surveys (herpetofauna, mammals, birds, fish, flora) for environmental impact assessments of major mining and hydroelectric projects

• Performed active searches, pitfall trapping, and taxidermy for reptile, amphibian, and bat surveys.

Teacher V’s College Sept- October 2004

• Taught Mathematics and Science to Forms 1 to 4 students. SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Technical Report Writing & Proposal Development

• Scholarly Research

• Data Analysis (Microsoft Excel, Access and R Programming)

• GIS & Geospatial Mapping (ArcGIS)

• Seasketch for marine spatial planning

• Experienced in a variety of Computer software programs including Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Publisher, Access and in computer repairs)

• Safety & Compliance (Certified in First Aid and Offshore Work)

• Policy Analysis

• Biological wildlife assessments (in the coastal, marine and terrestrial environments; includes bird surveys, mammal surveys, herptofauna (reptile and amphibians) surveys, fish surveys)

• Sea turtle patrolling

• Water quality sampling and testing (including dewatering sampling, sea water sampling) using multiparameter meters

• Critical Habitat Assessment

• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) & Baseline Studies Assessments

• Logistics Coordination and Project and Strategic Management

• Networking

• Mentorship and team collaboration

• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy working with marginalized groups such as fisherfolks and other local communities

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• KICKOFF ™: Basics of Project Management Badge (PMI) Feb 2025

• Basic of Data Science (Uniathena) Feb 2025

• Mentorship Principles- North Amerindian Division Leadership Certificate Program June 2024

• Certified fit for offshore work (OGUK) (expires 2025) April 2024

• Trained and Certified in First Aid by the American Red Cross Society Sept 2023

• Personal Effectiveness Tips (LinkedIn Learning) Nov 2023

• Driving Measurable, Sustainable Change (LinkedIn Learning) Oct 2023

• Fundamentals of Sustainable Supply Chains (LinkedIn Learning) Sept 2023

• Navigating Environmental Sustainability: A Guide for Leaders (LinkedIn Learning) Aug 2023

• Introduction to ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance (LinkedIn Learning) May 2023

• Being an Effective Team Member (2020) (LinkedIn Learning) April 2023

• Tropical BOSIET with CA EBS training (certificate) (expires 2027) March 2023

• Stakeholder Engagement Planning Training (WWF) February 2022

• Policy Considerations when Developing a Sustainable Blue Economy (Certificate) May/ June 2021

• The Blue Economy: Blue Resources- Online course - Virtual University for Small States of the Commonwealth (VUSSC) Feb 2021

• The Blue Economy- Creating an Enabling Environment- Online course - VUSSC Oct 2020

• Marine Spatial Planning and Seasketch Training - Part of an EU Funded project-

“Promoting Integrated and Participatory Ocean Governance in Guyana and Suriname: The Eastern Gate to the Caribbean” Sept 2020

• Regional Training Workshop Mangrove Ecosystems in the Guianas (Certificate) May 2019

• Reducing Bycatch of Endangered, Threatened and Protected Species in Fisheries of the Guianas Training (Species Identification) Nov 2017 and May 2018

• Organizational Development Planning Workshops (WWF- Guianas) Jan 2018

• Positive Transformation in Oil and Gas Sector: Developing a SEA Process Nov 2017

• Offshore Protected Species Observer Training- Training for Seismic Mitigation Under the BOEM NTL (Theory) Sept 2016

• Overview of the International Petroleum Business Nov- Dec 2016

• Caribbean Climate Online Risk and Adaptation tool (CCORAL) training Aug 2015 PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Member, IUCN-SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group- 2021 – Present

• Country Coordinator, Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Network (2017- 2025)

• External Supervisor & Assessor, University of Guyana (2019 – 2022) AWARDS & RECOGNITION

• ERM Global Recognition Award – Client Focus Delivery (2023) VOLUNTEER & OUTREACH

• Participated in at least 5 educational programs on marine conservation for schools & communities.

• Developed four marine turtle conservation exhibits and public awareness materials.

• Conducted sea turtle monitoring & patrol in Guyana, and French Guiana fuelling conservation efforts.

PUBLICATIONS

• Williams, P., & Williams, A. (2012). Wetlands of Guyana: An insight into the ecology of selected wetlands with recommendations from WWF-Guianas (Contributors: Charles, E., Bernard, C., Drakes, O., Prince, W., Edghill, S., Abraham, D., Maharaj, G., King, T., & Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], Guyana). WWF- Guianas Publication.

References available upon request.

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