Temitope (Temi) Adelola is from Nigeria and just started in her new role as a consultant with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO-UN) in support of the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring. In 2017, Temi co-founded the EdenWorld Initiative, a Nigerian-based nonprofit NGO, which she manages part-time. Temi joined our community in February 2022 and dedicated the next 19 months to teaming up with other conservation professionals to catalyse their lessons learned. 

Last month (September) Temi reached the status of Conservation Catalyst in our community after sharing her 6th lessons learned post.  Temi’s interviews cover conversations with @Jim Barborak in the US about the role of capacity building beyond individual training (interview here). She also spoke with @Adebisi Baliqeez Motunrayo , @Eko Omobola , and @Jumoke B. Oguntimehin in Nigeria, @Maggie Munthali in Malawi, and @Sarah Namiiro in Uganda at the World Forestry Congress in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in 2022 to get their perspectives on a career in forestry.

Congrats, Temi! Thank you for making a significant contribution to our community by catalysing the sharing of knowledge, experiences, solutions and ideas to help others in their conservation work."

Temi continued her conversations with @Larissa Sousa in Mozambique to discuss the main challenges that Gorongosa National Park has been facing (interview here), and explored the link between cultural practices and conservation by talking with our fellow WildHub member @Adyasha Nayak  in India. This past year, Temi came back with member interviews including @Faisal Elias, the Development and Policy Manager at the Ghana Wildlife Society to discuss  how to shape conservation results in communities by bringing in a communication and policy perspective. 

Next up was @Oluwashina Peter, Founder of Gateway, with whom Temi explored the question: how can we leverage digital innovation and entrepreneurship to drive national-level growth in natural resources management? See their interview here. 

Temi’s most recent contribution made her return to the topic of women’s careers in African Forestry by interviewing @Scovia Akello, who has a position as Forest researcher at the Makarere University  in Uganda. This insight piece titled "Empowering Women in African Forestry: Challenges, Experiences, and the Path Forward" is already the 7th which Temi has published in our community. 

Most forestry operations are located in remote and harsh environments. One must be willing to work in rural areas for long periods of time, especially during the field season. Although this can be challenging for both gender groups, it is even worse for young women. Rarely do these work environments have adequate facilities that meet women's health, hygiene, and safety needs. Many promising foresters drop out at this point, especially if they cannot find less field-intensive options in the sector." (Scovia Akello, Forest researchers, Makarere University Uganda)

After sharing these 7 lessons learned contributions, it was time for Temi to become the interviewee. I connected with her recently and asked about her journey to becoming a WildHub Conservation Catalyst. 

Thirza: "What benefits have you experienced from being on a journey to becoming a Conservation Catalyst with WildHub?"

Temi: "Becoming a Conservation Catalyst with WildHub has truly been a transformative journey, one that has enriched my life on both personal and professional fronts. Prior to joining, I was actively seeking a platform to refine my writing skills, fine-tune my abilities in the realm of communication, and broaden my network in preparation for my forthcoming professional journey. WildHub provided the ideal space to accomplish these goals efficiently. Not only did I get to enhance my writing abilities and communication experiences, but I also had the opportunity to establish connections with like-minded and passionate individuals from across the globe.

Learning from people's experiences makes you feel you are not alone in the everyday conservation challenges and struggles. Including learning from people's stories and lessons learned over time brings encouragement for growth." (Temi, Conservation Catalyst)

Thirza: "What helped you to contribute content on a regular basis and therefore helped you become a WildHub Conservation Catalyst?"

Temi: "What has consistently fuelled my ability to contribute content on a regular basis is a multifaceted motivation deeply rooted in my passion for conservation and the desire to make a meaningful impact. First and foremost, it's the compelling need to share stories on topics that resonate with me or address issues I believe people can learn from. This intrinsic drive to communicate vital narratives serves as a fundamental inspiration.

Furthermore, the aspiration to be a visible and active participant in the conservation discourse propels me to consistently publish stories and share lessons learned. There's a genuine satisfaction that comes from contributing my insights and experiences to the broader conservation community, knowing that it might ignite positive change or inspire others in their own journeys.

At times, the simple realization that it's been a while since my last piece prompts me to put pen to paper, as the act of writing is not only a creative outlet but also a powerful means to convey critical messages and observations. Above all, my most profound motivation stems from recognizing the profound impact that sharing stories, innovations, solutions, and networking can have on those who are navigating the challenges of conservation.

Knowing that there are numerous individuals out there thirsting for encouragement, guidance, and hope in the conservation field serves as my utmost motivation. Communication serves as a conduit for building greater networks and fostering collaborative solutions, and it's this aspiration to bring positivity and connectivity to the conservation realm that continues to drive my commitment to becoming a WildHub Conservation Catalyst." (Temi, Conservation Catalyst)

Thirza: "Which barriers have you experienced to contributing content to WildHub on a regular basis?"

Temi: "Contributing content to WildHub on a regular basis has been a rewarding journey, but it hasn't been without its fair share of challenges and barriers. One of the primary obstacles I've encountered is the constraint of time. Balancing my professional commitments, personal life, and the demands of contributing high-quality content consistently can be quite challenging. Often, there's a need to prioritize urgent tasks and responsibilities, which can temporarily impede my ability to dedicate as much time as I'd like to WildHub.

Additionally, I've always strived to infuse a unique touch into my publications, often incorporating visually appealing graphics to complement my written work. However, crafting these visual elements can be time-intensive, and there are instances when I find it challenging to conceptualize and create them to the standard I aspire to. Despite these time-related challenges, I am fortunate to have had the support of a dedicated mentor who provided invaluable guidance and supervision.

The collaborative environment fostered by the WildHub team and the assistance and insights of fellow members have been instrumental in overcoming hurdles." (Temi, Conservation Catalyst)

Thirza: "What advice would you give to other members who would like to become a WildHub Conservation Catalyst?"

Temi:

• "Consistency is Key: Regularly contribute content that aligns with your interests and expertise. Consistency not only helps you grow but also enhances your visibility within the community.
• Seek Mentorship: If available, take advantage of mentorship programs offered by WildHub. A mentor can provide guidance, constructive feedback, and valuable insights to help you navigate your conservation journey effectively.
• Share Your Unique Perspective: Don't be afraid to bring your unique perspective and experiences to the table. Diverse viewpoints enrich the community and can lead to innovative solutions.
• Embrace Feedback: Be open to feedback, both positive and constructive. It's a valuable tool for personal and professional growth.
• Network Widely: Expand your network within and beyond WildHub. Building relationships with like-minded individuals can lead to exciting opportunities and collaborations.
• Don't Be Discouraged: Remember that challenges and setbacks are a part of any journey. Don't be discouraged by obstacles; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and learning.
• Celebrate Your Achievements:

Finally, celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Every contribution to conservation matters, and recognizing your progress can boost your motivation. (Temi, Conservation Catalyst)

Once again, congratulations Temi! We are grateful to have you as our Conservation Catalyst in our WildHub Community! Please join me in congratulating Temi by adding your message in the comment section below!  Would you like to become a Conservation Catalyst with WildHub complete the form here and we'll be in touch!  Curious who will be joining our WildHub Core Community next? Click on the “Watch” button in Our Community channel and be notified by email when we will celebrate our next member.