As 2024 came to a close, Mozambique Wildlife Alliance (MWA) had the privilege of participating in "Vozes da Terra" (Voices of the Earth)——a two-day celebration of community-driven conservation.
Atanásio, our Elephant Shepherd, became the star of the event. Taking the stage, he captivated the audience with his insights on mitigating human-wildlife conflict (HWC) and the benefits it brings to his community. His passion and authenticity made him the perfect ambassador for local conservation efforts.
To accompany his words, we aired a short YouTube video where Atanásio shares his story firsthand—a must-watch to truly grasp his passion and impact:
Our stand was a hub of activity, showcasing a variety of HWC tools, including fireworks, airhorns, flashlights, and even GPS collars for elephants and buffalos. The crowd was especially drawn to our team’s live demonstration of how to build chili bricks—a simple but effective method for keeping elephants at bay.
A standout moment? Atanásio, with his characteristic optimism, posed with a small bag of seeds gifted at the event. “Keep this photo for five years,” he said with a grin, “and then we’ll take another one with the tree already planted in the fence.” This simple act symbolized the heart of our Protected Farming Communities Initiative, where solar-powered fences protect crops and wildlife, ensuring a sustainable future for both.
Thank you to the MozBio team for creating a platform that celebrates Mozambique’s innovative conservation efforts. Together, we’re planting the seeds—literally and figuratively—for a thriving coexistence between communities and wildlife.
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