About Planet ASAP

The Team

Associates

Benjamin White - Director of Research and Innovations

Mr. White is a leader in the field of geospatial science and technology. He specializes in developing integrated approaches to managing changes in our world and empowering stakeholders with the knowledge to mitigate and adapt to these changes. With over 18 years of experience advancing science and technology initiatives across the world, Mr. White brings a systematic breadth and depth of knowledge to Africa ASAP's remote sensing and research.

Michael Rowand - Director of Development

As Director of Development, Michael works to strategically develop Africa ASAP's organization, reach, and impact. Michael is also a writer and researcher. Beyond his home in America, he has worked and studied in Finland, South Korea, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom. He holds degrees from Oxford, Virginia Tech, and the London School of Economics.

Expert Advisors

John Waugh

Program Development Consultant and Regional Chair for North America, IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management. Has 35 years experience of experience in environment and development policy and program development spanning more than 40 countries. He has addressed the UN General Assembly twice on biodiversity and conflict.

Per Lindstrand
Pilot/Innovator

Designer and builder of airships/aerostats deployed in forty-eight countries; first to cross Atlantic and Pacific oceans by hot air balloon; builder of parachute for the Mars Lander; recipient of the most prestigious flying award, the Harmon Trophy

Manan Patel
Chief Technology Officer, Aevex Aerospace

Specialist in providing airborne reconnaissance services for complex, mission-critical customers. Prior to the formation of Aevex, he served as CEO and Founder of Special Operations Solutions (SOS), a business specializing in remote sensing technical solutions. Under his leadership, SOS grew to be recognized on Inc500’s list of America’s fastest growing companies.

Nazim Zilkha
Legal Counsel

Partner at Dechart LLP, a global law firm with over a thousand lawyers in twenty-six offices across twelve countries.

The Airship

PREVENT POACHING

Our airship will intervene to prevent animal deaths and, because of its high visibility, act as a powerful deterrent.

EARLY DETECTION

We will provide first responders with early warning of threats such as fire and other weather events in protected areas.

PROTECT RANGERS

We turn the tables on poachers by giving rangers advance notice and the exact location of suspicious activity.

MONITOR LANDSCAPES

We can monitor vast terrain and track wildlife migration and measure environmental changes, vegetation, and watersheds.