My name is Sven Stadtmann, I am currently studying International Nature Conservation in Göttingen, Germany, and Lincoln, New Zealand. I am currently learning how to incorporate both development aid and conservation.

How did I get involved? Well I guess have to thank Douglas Adams for that, since I read his book "Last Chance to See". When I read his chapter on the Kakapo, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, it got me. We have 130 birds of this species left. If they die, it's over. It was a growing awareness of what extinction truly means, which prompted me to enter the field of conservation and sustainable development.

To all the volunteers around the world: I wish you all the best for your work, we may have never met, but we are in this together. I'm so proud of you!

Sven