Leon Bennun

As Chief Scientist, Leon is TBC’s science and policy lead. His role focuses on innovating with new sectors and developing new approaches, methods and policy, all the while anchoring all of our work in science. 

Leon has three decades of varied experience in biodiversity research and conservation, with a particular focus on metrics and monitoring, the application of science to policy and decision-making, building partnerships, and developing the expertise and national content of organisations (especially in Africa).

His work at TBC has focused on the application of good practice standards, strategic environmental assessment and sensitivity mapping, brokering NGO-industry partnerships, writing industry-standard guidance, developing and testing new biodiversity metrics, designing and delivering training, and structuring national offset policies.

Before joining TBC Leon spent 12 years directing BirdLife International’s global work in science, policy and information, where he was at the forefront of key technical developments in biodiversity management. In Kenya, his home country, he built institutional capacity at the National Museums of Kenya and Nature Kenya. He was the first Director of the Tropical Biology Association and established its ongoing field training programme.

Leon is a skilled and experienced trainer, workshop facilitator, writer and presenter and has managed numerous biodiversity conservation projects. He has published extensively, including more than 100 scientific books and papers, and numerous technical reports. He has special interest and expertise in East African avifauna and in migratory bird ecology and conservation.