I am Ridwan Jaafar
About me
I'm an applied ecosystem ecologist passionate about bridging science and practice to tackle some of our world's biggest environmental challenges. Currently, I lead strategy for a community-run conservation initiative in Nigeria, where I spearhead a sustainable agribusiness enterprise that empowers local youth and women through job creation, economic and financial inclusion, and forest restoration.
Alongside my applied work, I am completing a PhD at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, where I study how large herbivores 🦓🦬🦒🦏🐘 shape ecosystems stability and resilience. My goal is to provide actionable insights that inform environmental policy and climate resilience strategies.
My vision is to connect ecological science with development outcomes, from policy reform and nature recovery to inclusive growth and the Sustainable Development Goals. I'm always open to collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities in ecological research, conservation, environmental consulting, and sustainable development.
Resume
Sumary
Ridwan Jaafar
Applied ecosystem ecologist and PhD researcher with expertise in conservation biology, ecosystem ecology, and sustainable development. Passionate about bridging science and practice to tackle environmental challenges and drive conservation outcomes.
- Location: Brussels, Belgium
- Institution: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Email: ridwan.jaafar@vub.be
Education
PhD in Biology (In Progress)
Nov 2022 - Present
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
Researching how large herbivores shape ecosystem stability and resilience. Focus on providing actionable insights for environmental policy and climate resilience strategies.
MA Biology, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree
Jan 2019 - Aug 2021
Tropical Biodiversity and Ecosystems (TROPIMUNDO)
MSc thesis on environmental stoichiometry in African savannas. Collaborative research project with 30+ researchers across 10 African countries. Focus on data analysis, R programming, and scientific writing.
Bachelor of Technology (First Class Honours)
2013 - 2018
Applied Ecology, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Nigeria
Co-founder of Ecology Students Forum (ESF) and Chairman of Biological Sciences Students Association (BIOSSA). Specialized in applied ecology, environmental conservation, and wildlife ecology.
Professional Experience
Lead Strategist
June 2025 - Present
Nigerian Montane Forest Project
- Leading strategy for flagship community-run montane forest restoration and conservation initiative
- Championing community-centred Nature-based Solutions (NbS) enterprise through honey processing agribusiness
- Integrating conservation with economic development and co-designing value chains
- Supporting scientific research, community education, and training programs
Doctoral Student
Nov 2022 - Present
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
- Researching how large herbivores shape ecosystem stability and resilience
- Focusing on environmental policy and climate resilience strategies
- Conducting field research and data analysis using R programming
- Collaborating with international research networks
Scientific Researcher
Oct 2022 - Nov 2022
Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Germany
- Conducted research using imaging flow cytometry, elemental analysis, and microscopy
- Specialized in biogeochemistry and laboratory analysis techniques
- Maintained high standards of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
- Contributed to environmental research publications
Guest Researcher
Nov 2021 - Sep 2022
German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Germany
- Assessed impacts of terrestrial pollen subsidies on algal productivity and water quality
- Conducted research in urban ponds in Leipzig Park
- Used advanced analytical techniques including FTIR and elemental analysis
- Collaborated on international research projects through Erasmus+ program
Research Associate
Jan 2018 - Sep 2019
Nigerian Montane Forest Project, Nigeria
- Led research on animal-mediated seed dispersal and plant recruitment in Afromontane landscape
- Supervised by Dr Biplang Yadok and Professor Hazel Chapman
- Used R programming for data analysis and scientific research
- Contributed to conservation biology and sustainable development research
Skills
Specialized expertise in ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, and environmental research
Ecosystem Ecology
Comprehensive ecosystem analysis, ecological modeling, and research on how large herbivores shape ecosystem stability and resilience for environmental policy.
Conservation Biology
Forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and community-centered conservation initiatives that integrate ecological restoration with sustainable livelihoods.
Data Analysis & R Programming
Advanced statistical analysis, ecological modeling, and scientific data management using R programming for environmental research and conservation projects.
Community Development
Community-centered conservation initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable livelihood programs that empower local communities through conservation.
Sustainable Development
Integration of ecological science with development outcomes, policy reform, nature recovery, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation.
Environmental Consulting
Environmental impact assessment, ecological restoration planning, and scientific consulting for conservation and environmental policy development.
Countries
Research Papers
Years Experience
Scholarships
Research Papers
Published research and scientific contributions in ecosystem ecology and conservation biology
- All
- Ecology
- Conservation
- Research
- Publications
Contact
Let's collaborate on conservation research, ecosystem studies, or discuss opportunities in environmental science
Research Base
Brussels, Belgium
PhD Institution
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Get In Touch
me@rifwanjaafar.com