Hugues is a conservation professional from Benin with over 17 years’ cumulative experience in conservation project management and leadership positions in Africa. Hugues started his career as a ranger in Benin and worked in various capacities in research laboratory, Government, national and international NGOs throughout Africa.  He combines that passion for conservation with professional experience including the coordination of M&E, project management, engagement with key funders. Hugues is a recent Obama Leadersship Programme fellow and found 2 associations working on nature conservation, poverty alleviation and food security. Hugues has directed and contributed to implementation of more than 25 conservation programmes and initiatives throughout the continent.  He believes hardly that nature is the basis of life today and for the future. His vision is to build a new generation of inspired African leaders who are innovatively shaping conservation in Africa.