Episode releases Wednesday morning December 31st, Pacific Time.

Global Conservation Force is excited to introduce a powerful new voice joining our mission: Anna Dimitriadis, BAFTA-nominated wildlife filmmaker, presenter, and storyteller, and now, GCF’s newest Conservation Ambassador.

In this week’s episode of Coffee & Conservation, we sit down with Anna to explore the journey that shaped her passion for wildlife and people, and why she believes storytelling is one of the most important tools in conservation.

From childhood curiosity to global expeditions

Anna’s love for the natural world traces back to a childhood fueled by curiosity and imagination.

She laughs as she remembers wanting to be a spy, sneaking through gardens and beaches with a backpack full of “secret gear,” convinced she was uncovering hidden worlds. That curiosity never faded. Instead, it evolved into a deep fascination with observing animals, documenting their stories, and sharing them with the world.

By her teenage years, filmmaking had become her lens into nature, literally and figuratively.

“I’m still that seven-year-old, peering into the wild with wide eyes — I just happen to have much better equipment now.”

A moment that changed everything

At age 12, a diving trip off the coast of Greece shifted Anna’s path forever.

Expecting vibrant coral reefs like the documentaries she admired growing up, she instead found damaged, empty seascapes. The contrast between what should have been there — and what was left — stayed with her.

As her career took her deeper into wild places, the pattern repeated: the human footprint was everywhere.

“It stopped being just a love of wildlife — it became a responsibility.”

That sense of responsibility now guides every project she takes on.

A career built on impact, not just images

Anna’s filmmaking has taken her to corners of the planet most people only dream of:

• Diving beneath Antarctic icebergs

• Tracking pumas through Patagonia

• Filming cheetahs in the Okavango Delta

• Working with thermal, drone, and underwater systems to capture wildlife behavior

Her work has earned her credits on series such as Big Cats 24/7 for BBC2 and PBS, along with a BAFTA nomination.

But awards aren’t what matter most to her.

While filming forest elephants in the Central African Republic, Anna met a former poacher turned eco-guard — a moment that reshaped how she viewed conservation entirely.

“Conservation isn’t only about protecting wildlife. It’s about supporting people before desperation forces their hand.”

Championing women on the frontlines

Anna is also committed to highlighting the women who protect ecosystems every day, often without recognition.

“Female conservationists and rangers are still underrepresented — and yet they’re leading patrols, driving research, and standing on the frontline with incredible resilience.”

Representation matters, because it changes who feels invited into the mission.

Why Anna chose to join GCF

So why partner with Global Conservation Force?

One word: action.

“So much of conservation exists in words and intentions. GCF is out there doing the human work — training rangers, supporting communities, and protecting wildlife every single day.”

As a Conservation Ambassador, Anna is especially excited to amplify:

• Ranger training and field support

• Community-driven conservation projects

• Programs that empower women in conservation leadership

Her voice, field experience, and storytelling work align powerfully with GCF’s mission to protect wildlife and support the people safeguarding it.

A message for every listener

Anna wants supporters, new and lifelong, to know that conservation is not reserved for scientists or filmmakers.

“Real impact comes from tangible action. Volunteer. Share stories. Support ranger programs. Learn. Speak up. You don’t need a degree — you just need to choose to act.”

Her belief is simple: change begins when ordinary people decide to show up.

Tune in Wednesday

This episode is inspiring, honest, and full of powerful stories from the field and it shines a light on why ambassadors like Anna are so essential in connecting people to conservation work.

Episode drops Wednesday morning, Pacific Time.

Grab a coffee, settle in, and get ready to meet Anna and hear why the future of wildlife depends on all of us choosing to take action.