Salamatu Fada

Dr. Salamatu Fada is a Nigerian British Conservation Scientist, Educator, Climate Action Specialist, with over 20 years of research and practice experience spanning academia, the third sector, and consultancy roles for governments and businesses in Africa and the UK. She has conducted pioneering research funded by the International Foundation of Science and the Nigerian Government, exploring vegetation change drivers in West and East Africa. She consults globally for businesses, governments, institutions, and individuals on conservation and environmental management through her company JAVS Environmental Care Ltd., operating in Nigeria, the UK, and Ghana. She has been involved in uniting biodiversity conservationists in Nigeria to drive sustainable interventions for preserving Nigerian biodiversity. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to her field, Fada was honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Bangor University

Early life and education
Fada is from Balanga LGA in Gombe State, Nigeria. Her educational journey commenced in the late 1970s when she embarked on her academic pursuits. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Jos, Nigeria, ultimately earning her PhD in Conservation Biology from Bangor University in the United Kingdom. She was a Research Fellow at Centre for Evidence Based Conservation

Career
In the United Kingdom, Fada serves as a Councillor for Bangor City Council, and is the Vice Chair of Adult Learning Wales, where she also leads the Learner Experience Committee.

Fada is on the Advisory Committee of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in Wales.

She is an ambassador and member of the steering committee of Climate Cymru in the UK, advocating for sustainable environmental practices and policies in Wales.

Fada is a member of the Expert Assessment Group for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List, with a focus on conservation efforts in Nigeria.

She established the North Wales Africa Society, which works to promote cultural exchange and collaboration between North Wales and African communities.

Through Tallafi UK, an organization she founded and leads as chief executive officer, Fada works to promote education and sustainable development.

Fada initiated and convenes the Coalition of Biodiversity Conservationists in Nigeria, bringing together experts and organizations to advocate for biodiversity conservation.

As a member of the CEEDER Review College within the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence in the UK, Fada contributes to the advancement of sustainable practices and informed decision-making in the realm of environmental conservation and policy development by synthesizing scientific literature, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and guiding policy to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable solutions.

Awards and honors

 * Honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) by Bangor University, UK (Ceremony in July 2023): In recognition of her outstanding achievements and substantial contributions to the field of conservation biology and services to education
 * 100 Change Makers in Wales, UK 2023: Fada was named among the "100 Change Makers in Wales" in 2023, a testament to her transformative influence on environmental and community initiatives within Wales, United Kingdom.
 * North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Award, UK: 2022: Fada was the recipient of the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Award in 2022, in recognition of her substantial efforts in promoting community well-being and safety in North Wales.
 * Outstanding Leadership Award by Gwynedd Council at Black History Awards: In 2021, Fada was presented with the Outstanding Leadership Award by Gwynedd Council at the Black History Awards.