Michele Thieme

Michele leads WWF’s work in protecting and building the resiliency of freshwater ecosystems. She brings the latest in conservation science to applied conservation projects, informing our actions in river and lake basins around the world.

Human communities have historically flourished along the banks of rivers and lakes. Clean and abundant fresh water is a pre-requisite for a healthy existence—both for humans and other species. Michele’s efforts help conserve freshwater ecosystems aims to ensure a healthy future for these systems and the life that depends on them.

Long driven by a genuine fascination with nature, Michele also feels an obligation to help save freshwater species. “It’s scary. We are losing the species and ecosystems that are the fabric of the natural world,” she explains. “These species have no advocate. As humans, we have the responsibility to advocate for their well-being and continued existence.”

She was a key contributor to the development of the Freshwater Ecoregions of the World and edited a book on the freshwater ecoregions of Africa and Madagascar.

Michele serves on the following committees: Special Advisor, Conservation, IUCN Freshwater Fish Specialist Group Member, WCPA Freshwater Protected Areas Taskforce.