I’m a PhD student at the University of Birmingham in the UK, focussing on the use of participatory monitoring in Ghanaian community-based conservation initiatives. I’m interested in how environmental knowledge is generated and what kinds of knowledge ‘count’ in conservation. Through my research, I seek to understand the relationship between local / traditional environmental knowledge and scientific biodiversity / climate data collection. Theoretically, I orient myself in the fields of environmental anthropology, political ecology and Science and Technology Studies. 

I’m deeply committed to working in support of a bio-culturally diverse world in which the multiplicity of knowledge systems in existence are honoured, respected, and continually transmitted to younger generations. I see protecting the environment and protecting cultural heritage and expression as indivisible parts of a whole, and seek to form partnerships with artists and cultural custodians through my work. I am also passionate about research accessibility and often work freelance supporting researchers to find engaging and creative ways to reach wider audiences with their work. 

I grew up by the sea in Aotearoa New Zealand. After studying literature and philosophy at Auckland University, I moved to the UK where I’ve worked for over a decade on environmental, human rights and development issues for NGOs, think tanks and universities. I value openness, vulnerability, self-reflexivity and our continual capacity for change. I love bookshops, holy wells, panettone, miniature trains, saunas, keas and unusual musical instruments. I’ve already achieved my main goal in life – to swim with an otter – so everything else at this point is just a bonus. 

You can contact me via clairebracegirdle (at) gmail (dot) com.