Subject Matter Expert on Community Engagement Odonata Academy
Co-author & Presenter (ongoing)
The Odonata Academy helps landholders and farmers protect threatened species and restore ecosystems through its Saving species: For landholders and farmers program.
I was invited to co-author and deliver the Community Engagement module with the Odonata team, designed to help participants connect people and purpose in their conservation work.
My contribution:
Co-authored the module content with Odonata’s team
Designed tools and templates to help participants plan local engagement
Facilitated group discussions and live sessions
Brought in real examples from Banyula Conservation Reserve, Wildlife Preservation Clarence Valley, my own private land conservation and community campaigns
This module focuses on how to engage neighbours, Government, NGO’s, First Nations orgs and community, build networks and create collective impact. This course has seen participants develop tangible community plans that strengthen on-ground conservation.
Working with the Odonata Academy aligns perfectly with my work through Oceans Eco Motive – building strong, community-led action for nature.
It’s been rewarding to see landholders realise that conservation is not only about protecting species but also about connecting people.
Jen Oceans is a conservation consultant and community engagement specialist who co-authored and delivers the Community Engagement module for Odonata Academy’s Saving Species course. Through her business, Oceans Eco Motive, Jen helps landholders and farmers connect people, land and purpose to achieve lasting biodiversity outcomes.