Dr Michael Riffel

With passion and conviction

In 2014, Michael Riffel founded Luambe Conservation Ltd. in the southern-central African country Zambia, which is involved in ecotourism and operates the Luambe Safari Camp in the Zambian Luambe National Park.

Born and educated in Bruchsal, North Baden, Michael Riffel became actively involved in the German Youth League for Nature Observation (DJN) as a youngster with the native flora and fauna and their protection. Studying biology was the logical option.

After completing his studies at the University of Heidelberg and a doctorate in zoology, he founded the company RIFCON GmbH in 2000, which today employs around 200 scientists.

RIFCON GmbH is primarily concerned with the implementation of national and European law in the context of consumer protection, environmental protection and nature and species conservation. Areas of work include the authorisation of chemicals, especially pesticides, scientific literature research, life cycle assessments, management consultancy on sustainability, and the preparation of species protection reports.

RIFCON GmbH is the leading provider of GLP studies with free-living birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles in Europe. The company has several locations in Germany and permanent staff in Italy and Spain. More information on the work of RIFCON GmbH can be found on the company website .

In 2014, Michael Riffel founded Luambe Conservation Ltd. in the southern-central African country of Zambia, which is involved in ecotourism and operates the Luambe Safari Camp in the Zambian Luambe National Park.

The establishment and operation of the safari camp made Dr Riffel aware of the various, sometimes massive problems of the small national park and finally prompted him to found C4C Fund gGmbH.

Tom Riffel

Motivated by his training in ecology and conservation, Tom is involved in advancing conservation measures and research in Zambia, especially in Luambe National Park.

From an early age, Tom was able to share his father's passion for animals and nature. During his childhood, he travelled with his family to various national parks and protected areas around the world, where he developed a deep interest in plants and animals.

After graduating from high school, Tom made his way to Zambia to work as an intern in various safari camps, gaining insights into the safari industry and prevailing conservation issues. The following year, he completed FGASA-approved field guide training in South Africa and Botswana and then worked again in safari camps in different national parks in Zambia.

In Germany, Tom was involved in various projects with the company RIFCON GmbH and learned a range of field biology techniques such as mammal and reptile telemetry and bird trapping and ringing as part of various field studies.

In 2019, Tom studied Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation Science at the University of Suffolk. As he began his studies in England, he also began to develop a strong interest in ornithology.

Furthermore, he joined the board of the Luambe Conservation Project in 2020. Motivated by his scientific education, Tom is involved in advancing research in Luambe National Park and initiated a monitoring project for giraffe conservation, and coordinates the Zambian Vulture Conservation Program.

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