I can confidently say that effective collaboration with local communities is indispensable for any conservation initiative to be successful. This conviction is the driving force behind my advocacy for the adoption of REDD+ as a transformative model that enhances lives, underlining the importance of amplifying the community’s voice.
My name is Jerry Nguwa, and I work as the Internal Communications Manager for Wildlife Works in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a seasoned journalist, my lifelong mission has been to disseminate news freely to all and amplify the voices of those who do not have easy access to the media. With an academic background in Journalism, Information, Communications and Technology, I have utilized all available resources to provide news to the public at no cost.
I was born and raised in what was then Zaïre, now the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the son of a civil servant, I had the opportunity to explore all provinces of the country except Bandundu, where Mai-Ndombe was later established.
My introduction to Mai-Ndombe was through Wildlife Works, and it was love at first sight. The breathtaking scenery, the dark waters of the lake, and the dense forests instantly felt like home, igniting a deep connection to the province. Returning home, I learned from my family that this sense of belonging was genuine.
Hailing from Sankuru, my father spent his youth in the village, swimming, fishing, and navigating the rivers Sankuru and Lokenye, both tributaries of Lake Mai-Ndombe. Our roots intertwine with the communities around the Mai-Ndombe project zone, sharing cultural values and similar languages. It is through Mai-Ndombe that I developed a passion for community-led conservation.
Motivated by the desire to make a change within my country, I have immersed myself in REDD+ conservation projects. These initiatives prioritize the well-being of forest communities while significantly enhancing their livelihoods. Within this framework, my focus lies in safeguarding endangered species crucial to our ecosystem, thereby contributing to a brighter future for generations to come.
Having first hand experience at the ground level of the conservation sector, I can confidently say that effective collaboration with local communities is indispensable for any conservation initiative to be successful. This conviction is the driving force behind my advocacy for the adoption of REDD+ as a transformative model that enhances lives, underlining the importance of amplifying the community’s voice.
