Rachel D'Silva , Jamaica

Biography

Rachel D’Silva grew up between Belize and Jamaica, noticing how two similar islands treated nature so differently. That contrast inspired her calling to protect the environment while ensuring local communities thrive. Now a Senior Environmental Scientist at CL Environmental, she has spent the last two decades navigating the delicate balance between development and conservation across the Caribbean. Whether conducting marine research, mentoring young professionals, or fighting for stronger policies, Rachel believes nature isn’t a barrier to progress, but it’s the foundation of it. A free diver and adventurer at heart, she works to ensure future generations inherit a planet worth exploring. One Love, One Planet.

Q. What personal experience has shaped or inspired your journey?

As a child, I was struck by the differences between Belize and Jamaica. The two places felt so similar, yet the way they treated their animals and environment was vastly different. I wanted better for Jamaica. 

At UWI (the University of the West Indies), my passion for conservation deepened. My undergraduate thesis, which focused on the reefs of Lime Cay, solidified my love for science and nature, reinforcing that this was where I belonged. At the time, there were very few of us in coral science and conservation. My first exposure to consulting was as an undergraduate student, which introduced me to the real-world challenges of balancing conservation and development. 

That early experience shaped how I see my role in environmental work, not just as a scientist, but as someone who needs to bridge the gap between conservation, development, and the communities affected by both. Too often, environmental protection is viewed as a barrier rather than an essential part of progress. The reality is that strong ecosystems support strong livelihoods, and when people are excluded from the conservation conversation, they see it as something being done to them rather than something they are a part of. 

My focus is ensuring that science and policy work for both people and nature. Conservation must be integrated into development, not treated as an afterthought. The goal is not to stop progress but to ensure that it does not come at the cost of the very resources we all depend on. 
 

Q. Who is the influential figure who has inspired your actions, and what specifically about them has been motivating?

I was inspired early on by both my grandmothers. My paternal grandmother in Belize had a deep respect for nature. She believed every living thing had value. Her love for animals and the environment shaped my understanding of compassion and coexistence with nature. My maternal grandmother in Jamaica nurtured my curiosity and love for the environment. She never questioned my passion, whether it was bringing home animals, learning about the natural world, or later choosing this as my career. She encouraged me to care for and understand the life around me, reinforcing that my interests mattered and that I could turn them into something meaningful. That unwavering support gave me the confidence to pursue this path, even in spaces where environmental advocacy is often dismissed or undervalued. 

That same strength and conviction is what I admire in Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados. She inspires me and fills me with so much hope, not just for women in leadership but for the future of our planet. She has shown what it means to be a fearless advocate for climate action, standing on the world stage and demanding that small island nations be heard in the fight against climate change. Her leadership is a reminder that bold, decisive action is possible, even in the face of global economic and political challenges. She has not only pushed for policy changes but has also reshaped the narrative, making it clear that environmental responsibility is not a luxury but a necessity for survival. Seeing a Caribbean woman lead with such conviction reinforces that we, too, have the power to drive meaningful change in our own spaces, whether in boardrooms, on construction sites, or in the field, working to protect the ecosystems that sustain us. 
 

Q. In your conservation efforts for wetlands, what key challenges did you face and how has this experience fuelled your dedication to making a positive impact?

One of the biggest challenges in conservation is that decisions are still driven by short-term costs rather than long-term sustainability. While there is growing recognition of the value of natural ecosystems, development continues to prioritize immediate financial gain, and it remains easier and cheaper to remove pristine wetlands than to design projects that integrate climate resilience and ecosystem protection. Without policies that require environmentally sound alternatives, conservation is often treated as an afterthought rather than a core principle in planning and development.

Jamaica has a rigorous environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, but for years it was seen as a procedural step rather than a meaningful tool for shaping sustainable development. Only recently has it begun to influence project design, allowing for early identification of critical habitats and modifications to protect them. However, the challenge remains in ensuring that conservation and development are viewed as interconnected rather than opposing forces. Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EBA), which prioritizes nature-based solutions, is still not meaningfully integrated into project design. Proven strategies like rainwater harvesting, integrating wetlands into flood management, or using elevated structures instead of clearing acres of wetland.

A critical part of my work has been collaborating with experts across different fields of mangrove research, from carbon storage assessments to new rehabilitation and restoration techniques. These partnerships have helped improve how we quantify the ecological and economic value of these systems, making a stronger case for their protection. 

Beyond policy and enforcement, lasting conservation success depends on engaging the people who live and work in these ecosystems. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been the relationships built within communities. In projects completed more than fifteen years ago, people still reach out when they notice environmental changes, reinforcing that conservation is not just about protecting ecosystems but about making sure the people who rely on them feel included in the process. The transfer of knowledge in both directions strengthens conservation efforts by ensuring that communities are not just passive observers but active participants in safeguarding their environment. 

Real progress requires stronger enforcement mechanisms, policies that evolve with science, and a commitment to expanding education and awareness. Until environmental protection is seen as essential rather than optional, these challenges will continue to threaten our natural resources. 
 

Q. As a woman who has made significant strides, where can you say investment is required to accelerate progress and empower women’s actions for wetlands?

Being a woman in this field presents unique challenges. Whether on a construction site or in a boardroom, it is often difficult to be taken seriously, and in environmental consulting, this is magnified. Environmental professionals are frequently seen as an added cost rather than a value to a valuable component of a project, making it even more difficult for women to advocate for long-term sustainability in spaces where development decisions are driven by budgets and short-term economic gains. In a male-dominated industry, pushing for environmental responsibility can feel like an uphill battle, especially when the emphasis remains on cost rather than impact. 

To accelerate progress and empower women in wetlands conservation, there needs to be greater visibility and leadership opportunities. More women must be actively involved in policy-making, project design, and regulatory decision-making. I look forward to women scientists, consultants, and conservationists being recognized as experts in their own right rather than as supporting voices in the conversation. Representation at the decision-making level is critical to ensuring that environmental concerns are addressed meaningfully.

Stronger professional networks and mentorship programs are also essential in helping women navigate the challenges of working in male-dominated industries. Without access to mentorship, opportunities, and support, many women in conservation struggle to advance in their careers or have their work taken seriously. Building these networks ensures that experience, knowledge, and guidance are passed on, creating a stronger, more resilient community of women in environmental science and policy. 

Making women feel safe and empowered in this field is just as critical as increasing visibility and leadership. Environmental work often requires being in remote or isolated locations, whether in wetlands, forests, or rural communities, and as a woman in Jamaica, this presents an added layer of risk. Women are often blamed when something happens to them in these environments as if venturing out alone was a poor choice rather than part of the job. There is an unspoken expectation that we should avoid these places rather than be supported in navigating them safely. We need to be able to do our job without fear, without hesitation, and without the weight of judgment, we need to feel safe. Creating safer conditions and ensuring that women have the resources and support to work confidently in these spaces is just as important as any policy change or leadership opportunity. Empowering women in conservation means making sure they are not only heard but also protected.