At Nature Tanzania, we believe in building capacities for nature conservation. This is a core mission of our objectives to engage communities to conserve nature. As part of this vision, Nature Tanzania signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) which is implemented by the Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation. As part of this MoU, Nature Tanzania is implementing the Biodiversity Monitoring (BiMO) field training and mentoring program targeting university graduates and youths on biodiversity conservation.
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BiMO program targets youths especially University graduates so that they are knowledgeable and skilled to support nature conservation in the country. The program is implemented at Amani Nature Forest Reserve (ANFR) and has four three main objectives; build capacity of members and students in research, ecology and monitoring; transfer of knowledge, skills and sharing experiences and networking and mentoring of Tanzanian youths and students in biodiversity conservation. Other objectives will be adapted as time, resources and capacity allow.
The program has been initially funded by membership fees. In March 2023, Nature Tanzania and established a partnership with Altezza Travel, a tour company based in Moshi, Tanzania that runs amazing high-quality tours around Tanzania, to support the BiMO project.
Bird field research is using mist netting method to study the impacts of forest fragmentation and forest disturbances to bird diversity and abundances. Point counts are also used in the established transects to study bird and pollination ecology especially looking at the ecosystem services provided by birds, sunbirds in particular, through pollination in agroforests and natural forests.
Wonderful, joyful, cheerful and tough moments characterized the trainings during field activities. At some points, trainees could be seen smiling and cheering especially at times when they removed new/interesting birds from mist nets. Similar moments could be noticed during point counts along the transects in farmlands when encountering new and rare birds (lifer).
3 cohorts benefitting 27 trainees (12 females)
The BiMO program started in October 2020 and until December 2022, from Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF) University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and University of Dodoma (UDOM); National College of Tourism (NCT), College of African Wildlife Management – MWEKA. Others include members of the Attraction Birds Conservation (ABC) and freelance bird tour guides.
Cohorts already delivery by December 2022
Trainees have beneffited from this program
Females are among the beneficiaries
Days is the average duration of the BiMO program
The BiMO program has been initially funded by membership fees. Good news is that, in March 2023, Nature Tanzania established a partnership with Altezza Travel, a tour company based in Moshi, Tanzania that runs amazing high-quality tours around Tanzania, to support the BiMO project.
Nature Tanzania appreciate’s Altezza Travel’s support and commitment in nature conservation and capacity building. Discussions are going with Altezza Travel to support two other projects on nature education in primary and secondary schools in the Kilimanjaro region and conservation research targeting Abbot’s Starling.
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We appreciate Altezza Travel’s support and commitment in nature conservation and capacity building. Discussions are going with Altezza Travel to support two other projects on nature education in primary and secondary schools in the Kilimanjaro region and conservation research targeting Abbot’s Starling.
Our vision is to have a long-term field training and mentoring program targeting youths and university graduates. We are also looking forward to establishing a research centre at ANFR, were students and researchers will be attached for research and conservation work. In order to continue doing this important work we need funding/equipment for this important work therefore welcomes more support.
We welcome visitors during the BiMO program.