A Climate Change with Matt Matern Climate Podcast

Deni Porej is an international conservation leader with more than 25 years of experience delivering science-based and community-driven conservation results across Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. His work spans major conservation organizations, including The Nature Conservancy and WWF, as well as private-sector initiatives.

Deni currently leads NEOM’s Marine Reserve, a 4,000-square-kilometer seascape in the northern Red Sea. In this role, he oversees strategic planning, marine spatial planning, fisheries management, ranger programs, compliance, operations, conservation innovation, and eco-friendly tourism support. His work includes coral reef mapping using drones and AI, marine species tracking, mangrove and seagrass restoration, and habitat protection for dugongs, sea turtles, and vulnerable bird species.

Known for his pragmatic, results-focused approach, Deni specializes in building conservation teams, bridging science and policy, managing complex multinational projects, fundraising, and developing partnerships that protect biodiversity while supporting local communities.