Nicola Beynon has dedicated her career to protecting wildlife and advocating for a more sustainable world. Now Australian Campaign Director for Humane World for Animals, she leads efforts to influence legislation and international treaties, ensuring greater protections for animals and their habitats.
Nicola’s passion for environmental conservation was sparked in a geography lesson at Ellerslie School, where she first grasped the impact of human activity on the planet. Determined to make a difference, she studied Geography at Oxford University before completing a Master’s in Conservation at University College London. After moving to Australia in the mid-90s, she was captivated by the country’s vast wilderness and quickly found her calling, working first with the Wilderness Society before joining the Humane Society International, where she has spent much of her career.
From challenging deforestation to fighting for the protection of koalas and kangaroos, Nicola’s work has led to significant victories. She played a key role in taking Japanese whalers to court over whaling in Antarctica and successfully challenged shark culling in the Great Barrier Reef. Her team works at both national and international levels, collaborating with the UN to secure vital protections for endangered species. Nicola remains an inspiring figure for those passionate about environmental advocacy.