Kerllen da Silva Freitas Costa
Ethnobiologist & Environmental Anthropologist; Angola Country Director, National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project
To uncover, understand and protect Angola’s natural and cultural heritage has been Kerllen’s passion for the past 15 years. After earning degrees in Natural Resources Engineering in Angola and Environmental Sciences in South Africa, Kerllen joined the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project in one of their first river expeditions in Angola.
Traversing thousands of kilometres throughout the years in traditional canoes, bicycles, motorbikes and on foot, Kerllen led the way for dozens of world renown scientists to conduct ground-breaking scientific research in the most remote rivers and landscapes in Africa, whilst becoming the project’s director for Angola. Whilst doing so, Kerllen delved deep into the culture, tradition and indigenous ecological knowledge of the communities of Angola, which resulted into his push to advocate for people’s voices and the immense value of traditional knowledge in conservation.
Kerllen’s work with National Geographic and the Okavango Wilderness Project resulted in the production and narration of the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival Best Non-Fiction Podcast award, Guardians of the River, as well as the ground-breaking documentary Kwando. More recently, Kerllen had a dedicated episode on The Brookings Institute Podcast and contributed an article to their newly released Foresight Africa 2024 report. Since 2010, Kerllen has also spearheaded The Great Angolan Escarpment Project, which has resulted in the creation of two conservation areas in that country. When not immersed into the remote landscapes and communities of Angola, Kerllen is passionate about football and motorcycle overland exploration.
