Prof . Julia Fa, a native of Gibraltar, began her academic journey with a first degree from the University of Wales. She went on to earn a D.Phil. in Animal Ecology from the University of Oxford in 1984. With over 30 years of experience in the field of conservation science, she has made significant contributions in both research and education.

After completing her education, Julia spent several years working at the Mexican National University in Mexico City, followed by a role as an environmental expert in the Gibraltar Government.

Since 1993, Julia has held various positions at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey and served as the organisation’s Chief Conservation Officer until January 2014.

Currently, Julia is a Professor of Biodiversity and Human Development at Manchester Metropolitan University. She also collaborates as a Senior Associate with the Center for International Forestry Research in Bogor, Indonesia. Julia continues her academic connections as a Visiting Professor at the Universidad de Malaga in Spain and is a Research Fellow at the University of Gibraltar.

Julia’s research spans several disciplines, including biology, economics, anthropology, and development. Her work focuses on pressing issues such as deforestation in tropical regions, the impact of wildlife loss on local and indigenous communities, climate change, and the dynamics of diseases affecting wildlife and humans. Throughout her career, Julia has strived to advance scientific knowledge and its application, being involved in training practitioners to lead global biodiversity conservation and human development projects.