The team
We are people who have a passion for nature and a desire to protect the natural world for future generations.
Our team is international and comes from diverse backgrounds: Conservation, Biology, Zoology, Commerce and Information Systems.
who we are:
the landscape care initiative
OUR TEAM
Nick Brown
Founder and Trustee
Nick Brown is the founder of Nikwax and Páramo, companies known for pioneering environmentally responsible approaches in the outdoor industry. In 2022, he transitioned both businesses into an Employee Ownership Trust, embedding a commitment to dedicate one percent of turnover to environmental and social causes.
Nick has served as a board member of the European Outdoor Conservation Association and as a trustee of the World Land Trust. As Founder and Trustee of Green Levers, he supports the charity’s strategic direction, drawing on decades of experience in sustainable enterprise, conservation, and long-term stewardship.
Luis Brown Castellanos
Trustee
Luis holds a BSc in Environmental Geography and International Development from the University of East Anglia and an MSc in Environmental Technology from Imperial College London.
He is CEO of Wadhurst Park, an 850-hectare farm and nature reserve in East Sussex where he leads long-term landscape restoration, conservation, and renewable energy initiatives. As a trustee of Green Levers, he contributes expertise in land management, digital mapping, and the use of technology to support conservation
Katie Vezia
Co-Founder and Director of Operations
Katie has played a central role in establishing Green Levers as an independent charity, supporting its governance, operational systems, and legal foundations.
She has more than ten years’ experience across international development and public services, working with grassroots organisations and public institutions on programme management, safeguarding, fundraising, and partnership development. Her work focuses on building ethical, locally led initiatives and long-term partnerships that support sustainable impact.
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Eduardo Rudas Burgos
Biodiversity Data and Technology
Eduardo has a degree in Biology. His work connects biological sciences with technology, supporting environmental data systems, GIS-based spatial analysis, and landscape-scale conservation tools. He has extensive experience in biodiversity informatics and biological data management.
He has a wide range of interests and skills, including server management, computer programming, and the design and implementation of sustainable green technologies such as rainwater harvesting systems, constructed wetlands, biofilters for wastewater treatment, ram pumps, and solar water heaters. He is also an avid DIYer, backyard mechanic, off-road driver, and hiker.
Daniel van der Post
Research and Ecology
Daniel holds an MSc and PhD in Theoretical Biology and Animal Behaviour from Utrecht University. His academic work explores complex ecological systems, animal behaviour, and the emergence of cultural dynamics in social species.
He has conducted extensive field research in Indonesia, Ivory Coast, and southern Africa and has managed biodiversity research projects across multiple regions. His work now focuses on biodiversity technology platforms and conservation initiatives in Colombia.
Fernando Arbaláez
Conservation and Community Engagement
Fernando is a biologist from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia with an MSc in Tropical Ecology from the University of Amsterdam.
For more than two decades he has worked with communities across the Colombian Amazon and other regions on conservation and sustainable land management. As General Director of Fundación Biodiversa Colombia and steward of the El Silencio Reserve, he supports community-based conservation initiatives and landscape restoration.
Value for money
Making the best use of resources
We are very aware of the desire in the industrialised world to invest in Nature, and the potential resources that are available.
However, we are also conscious of the inefficient value chain that exists via the voluntary carbon markets and how little value for money they represent. Often less than 10 per cent of money spent on carbon credits actually arrives to the Field Conservationists who are looking after the forest. That is not enough to cover operational costs.
We believe that a more direct relationship between conservation donors and field conservationists is possible.
Background Effects
The impact
we seek
We will contribute to:
Mitigating climate change
Conserving biodiversity
Raising awareness
MODUS OPERANDI
The methods
that we apply
We aim to deliver:
Facilitation of the relationship between Conservation Donors and Field Conservationsists, via our recording, measurement, consultancy, communications and funding channels.
A standardised model for the financial support of conservation of biodiversity and biomass carbon that can be used across multiple protected areas: nature reserves or indigenous areas and parks.
Assurance that our financial model delivers the majority of the donated funds to the people on the ground.
An accessible information system that records objectively, reliably and numerically biomass carbon reserves and biodiversity conservation.
Legal Status
A Green
Levers
PROGRAMME
The Landscape Care Initiative is a programme of Green Levers, a UK-registered charity dedicated to advancing environmental protection and sustainable development.
Green Environmental and Social Initiatives (GESI) is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity No. 1214357) and a company limited by guarantee (Company No. 15784474). Green Levers is its trading name
Join the Landscape
Care Movement
Together, we can fight climate change and biodiversity LOSS.
Here’s how you can join us:
Register your Reserve
Access tools to support your management and help to fund your conservation work.