Born in former Zaire, Charles Trout has spent his life in and around the protected areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Tanzania. He is the co-founder and chief program officer for African People & Wildlife. Charles brings his complex local knowledge, significant linguistic skills, and a lifetime of experience to the development and application of the organization’s unique programming. He specializes in East African wildlife conservation, working with rural communities, and managing a large, multicultural team. With multifaceted skills including team management, mechanics, green design, construction, carpentry, electrical engineering, and information technologies, Charles also ensures the effective functioning of the Noloholo Environmental Center while inspiring the creative design behind many of the organization’s technical innovations. Passionate about Africa’s diverse wildlife and wild places, Charles believes it is critical to work with rural communities if we are to ensure the future of much of the continent’s natural heritage.