I am a conservation leader working across field conservation, research, institutions, and policy. For the past 15 years, I have led conservation programmes, built and managed conservation organisations and funding initiatives, and worked with governmental and international institutions.
My background as a conservation psychologist shapes much of this work, particularly my focus on human behaviour and the relationships between people and nature. Much of my practice has centred on birds and wetlands, with a broader interest in how these relationships can be translated into conservation that lasts.
Career
I began working in conservation 15 years ago through birdwatching and volunteer fieldwork while studying psychology. In 2015, I founded AvayeBoom Bird Conservation Society and went on to lead 14 conservation projects through the organisation, helping develop it into Iran’s leading bird conservation NGO.
After years of leading AvayeBoom, I stepped back from its day-to-day leadership and founded the Homa Environmental Grant, while expanding my work internationally. Since then, an increasing part of my work has involved advising and supervising conservation projects, organisations, and teams.
Today, I work across national and regional conservation initiatives with both governmental and non-governmental organisations, providing advisory and project supervision while usually continuing to lead one or two conservation projects directly.
Current roles
Deputy Director, AvayeBoom Bird Conservation Society
Director, Homa Environmental Grant
National Expert, BirdLife Middle East Technical Working Group
Board Member, Iranian Environmental NGO Network
Selected affiliations
IUCN SSC Bird Red List Authority
IUCN SSC Threatened Waterfowl Specialist Group
IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
IUCN Commission on Education and Communication
Selected recognition
Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award · Young Wetland Champions · 2025
IUCN World Conservation Congress · Young Changemaker · 2025
Environmental Education 30 Under 30 · North American Association for Environmental Education · 2022
Mehregan Award · Science category · 2023
Curriculum vitae
A fuller record of my professional experience, research, publications, projects and affiliations.