Milan de Haan

I am a Master’s student in Ecology, Environmental Management, and Restoration at the Universitat de Barcelona, with a background in Wildlife Management and Conservation. My professional experience spans various roles in conservation and animal welfare project management, where I have worked on rehoming and reintroduction projects for rescued wildlife, coordinated sustainable development funding initiatives, and developed strategic conservation projects. These experiences have strengthened my ability to manage interdisciplinary projects, engage stakeholders, and apply science-driven approaches to conservation challenges.

Over time, I recognized that addressing biodiversity loss requires a broader, ecosystem-level approach, leading me to focus on restoration ecology. My Master’s thesis integrates this perspective by investigating the role of refuge pools in intermittent rivers (IRES) as resources for terrestrial wildlife. Using camera trapping and habitat assessments, I explore how species interact with these temporary water sources throughout the drying cycle, studying their role in sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem functions. This research supports my broader goal of developing science-based restoration strategies that enhance ecosystem resilience, bridging my background in conservation with applied ecological restoration.