Neil Hinds

I am a dedicated environmental conservationist, educator, and project manager with extensive experience across a range of sectors, including community engagement, project coordination, education, research, and advocacy. My career spans work with local government bodies, non-profit organisations, and international initiatives, where I’ve developed strong professional networks and demonstrated the ability to adapt to diverse cultural and operational contexts.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Conservation and a PhD in Marine Science and Conservation Psychology. My academic background, combined with practical experience, has equipped me with robust project and financial management skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and strategically. My PhD focused on improving human interactions with coral reef environments, with a particular emphasis on SCUBA divers. I conducted in-depth research observing diver behaviour to assess its impact on coral reef health. Based on these findings, I developed behavioural interventions grounded in psychological theory to encourage more sustainable and environmentally conscious practices among divers.

A key highlight of my career was founding and managing Blue Temple Conservation in Malaysia—an international marine conservation initiative focused on coral reef research, education, and environmental protection. I oversaw all aspects of the project, including strategic planning, operations, stakeholder engagement, and financial oversight. Following the successful transition of this initiative to a partner organisation, I returned to the UK to work with a local government body on an EU-funded project. In this role, I led educational and community-focused woodland management efforts and built a thriving volunteer network, while also managing budgetary and reporting responsibilities aligned with EU funding criteria.

Since relocating to Italy in 2021, I have continued my commitment to environmental education as a science and nature educator. I work with both private and state schools, teaching science in English and promoting sustainability principles within educational environments.