COLLABORATORS

Abeer al Saud – Project & Expedition Partner, Policy Research

As an experienced polar explorer, Abeer Al Saud is part of theThird Pole Expedition sharing the WINGS Women of Discovery Flag Carrier with Expedition Leader Katie Conlon. Abeer’s dedication to scientific research and expedition activities is driven by her deep concern for preserving endangered communities and combating global warming. Her background in climate science, glaciology, and water resource management enabled her to systematically develop and carry out the expedition’s objectives. Global warming places significant pressure on the Third Pole region, which holds the most extensive freshwater reservoir within the polar ice caps. Theresearch concentrated on these drastically changing circumstances and their wide-ranging consequences.

Abeer’s expertise builds Third Pole collaborations and facilitates the development of adaptative strategies for the neighborhood communities and her region in MENA and GCC, which might seem distant, but also depend on the safeguarding of the Himalayan ecosystem.

Along with her scientific work, Abeer serves as a bridge to bring together ecological organizations, scientists, local governments, and tribal entities for the purpose of building relationships and commencing cooperative initiatives. This allows us to integrate the outcomes of our study into ecological strategies. As part of her participation, she will take part in multiple campaigns to highlight how the Third Pole carries possible risks to the environment and explains the critical importance of international cooperation in preserving this particular area, which is key for global ecosystems and hydrological processes especially with advocacy and awareness campaigns focused in the GCC area.

Abeer’s research, outreach and policy capabilities and commitment to environmental sustainability helps mold the expedition’s long-term objectives of climate adaptation and Third Pole sustainability. This expedition’s insights will affect global policies regarding the environment for years.

MIGUEL McCORMICK, PhD Candidate, Guadalajara, Mexico

“Volunteering with Ecoseva inspires me because it allows me to be an active part of the change I want to see in the world, helping to build more sustainable and resilient communities.”

Miguel McCormick is a geographer specializing in local development and digital geographies and a PhD candidate in geography and spatial planning. As the director of Facta Terrae Urban Lab, photographer, filmmaker, and podcaster, my passion for sustainability and community collaboration has defined my career for over 20 years. I have worked on geospatial projects in Mexico and teach postgraduate courses in Spain and Mexico, focusing on balancing human development with environmental preservation and regeneration.

My work in digital geographies and smart cities reflects my strong belief that sustainability is the core principle of being SMART. By leveraging technology strategically, I am dedicated to driving innovation that creates lasting positive impacts and helps leave the world better than we found it.

Proshakha Maitra – Sustainability Researcher

“Working with Eco Seva was an enriching experience that deepened my understanding of environmental sustainability. I conducted extensive research on the environmental changes in the Indian Himalayas and explored innovative solutions in water sustainability. This journey not only enhanced my expertise but also strengthened my commitment to addressing pressing ecological challenges.”

Proshakha Maitra is a dedicated consultant and researcher with expertise in policy analysis and environmental sustainability. She has served as a consultant to the Department of Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, where she assessed the impact of state policies and initiatives and provided strategic advice to the government. Proshakha has also worked with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on critical initiatives focused on wildlife protection and safety. She has contributed to timely and large-scale environmental projects in India, such as with the Government of West Bengal addressing fire anomalies in the region. Currently, Proshakha works with Harbauer India, and is focused on advancing water sustainability, and also continues research on socio-ecological initiatives to address environmental challenges.