100 WATER HEROES: RICH GILMORE

The Nature Conservancy’s Australia Program Director

Rich is the Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Australia Program, where he leads the team in their mission to combat climate change and protect the Australian environment. From restoring Southern Australia’s shellfish reefs, to establishing sustainable cities throughout the country, Rich is leading a dynamic and effective team of environmentalists.

Prior to his involvement in conservation, Rich was a stockbroker at the Sydney Future Exchange. In 2005, he career path shifted and he was awarded an Earthwatch fellowship that landed him in Kenya and opened his eyes to the positive environmental impact he could have on the world. Reflecting on this expedition, Rich stated:

“Going to Kenya was literally a life-changing experience for me. I was struck by these capable, intelligent and articulate people. They could have done anything they wanted to do anywhere in the world but here they were in East Africa spending their time in the mud, solving problems for other people.”

Rich continued on to obtain a degree in Environmental Management and later became the Director of Operations and Programs for Earthwatch Australia, eventually being promoted to CEO. During his time at Earthwatch Australia, Rich was awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for Australian Environmentalist of the Year.

Rich is one of our #100WaterHeroes for his impactful career in conservation, and for committing himself to creating an environmentally sustainable future.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/richgilmore