Liz Bonnin

Biochemist and wild animal biologist Liz Bonnin has presented over 40 award-winning programmes, including *Drowning in Plastic* and *Blue Planet Live*, and leads *Our Changing Planet*, a seven-year documentary series tracking ecosystem restoration efforts worldwide. As the first female president of The Wildlife Trusts and a National Geographic Explorer, she was honoured with the Society's 2024 Wayfinder Award for her environmental storytelling.

Protecting the planet's most vulnerable ecosystems requires more than awareness: it demands urgent action, scientific rigour, and the ability to inspire meaningful change. Liz Bonnin is a biochemist, wild animal biologist, and one of the UK's most trusted environmental broadcasters, combining academic expertise with a rare gift for making complex science accessible and compelling. With a master's in wild animal biology, during which she conducted award-winning research on tiger diets in Nepal, Liz has spent two decades translating critical environmental issues into powerful storytelling that moves audiences from concern to action.

Her broadcasting career spans over 40 primetime programmes, including the BAFTA-winning *Blue Planet Live*, *Galapagos*, and *Super Smart Animals*. Her critically acclaimed documentary *Drowning in Plastic* won both RTS and Grierson awards, raising global awareness of the ocean plastic crisis and influencing policy change. More recently, *Meat: A Threat to Our Planet* examined the environmental impact of industrial farming, whilst her National Geographic special *Animal Genius* explored the extraordinary intelligence and teamwork animals employ to survive. As first female president of The Wildlife Trusts, Liz champions rewilding initiatives across the UK and has led delegations to study bold restoration projects in the Netherlands. Her leadership in conservation has earned her an Honorary Doctorate from the Royal Veterinary College, an Honorary Fellowship from the British Science Association, and National Geographic's 2024 Wayfinder Award, recognising her commitment to environmental storytelling and advocacy. She also hosts BBC Radio 4's *Inside Science* and has presented at prestigious platforms including the Natural History Museum's Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards and New Scientist Live.

Liz's ongoing work on *Our Changing Planet*, a seven-year documentary series, exemplifies her dedication to solutions-focused journalism. She has documented California's largest dam removal project, restoring the Klamath River's salmon populations, and explored how beaver habitats and indigenous cultural burning practices can protect forests from wildfires. Through her speaking engagements, Liz helps audiences understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the practical steps organisations and individuals can take to drive sustainability. Energetic, charismatic, and deeply knowledgeable, she equips audiences with the insight and inspiration needed to become active participants in securing a thriving future for both people and planet.