Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to Mr. Moses Kerry, a biologist and conservationist from Papua New Guinea. Mr. Kerry established the Mauberema Ecotourism, Nature Conservation, Education, Research, and Training Centre (MENCERTC) in Simbu Province. His efforts to promote indigenous-led ecosystem conservation have led to the protection of four endangered species. As a result, Mencertc has protected four endangered species: the Souther Dwarf Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius), the Weimang Tree Kangaroo (Weimang d. pulcherrimus), the Bulmer Fruits Bat (Aproteles bulmerae), and the Superb Bird of Paradise (Lophorina superba).

MENCERTC received the UNDP Equator Prize in 2022 for its outstanding contributions to conservation, socioeconomic development, and sustainable livelihoods in a mega diverse developing nation. Mr. Kerry's mission is to foster sustainable biodiversity.

Arefine: Could you tell us about your background?

Moses: I am Moses Kerry, a biologist with extensive experience in teaching biodiversity and biological sciences at the university level. I hold an honours degree in natural science and have dedicated my career to education and conservation. Currently, I volunteer to manage community-based organizations, including MENCERTC, which I founded. Our projects are primarily run by youth and local community members, focusing on sustainable conservation.

Arefine: Can you describe your initiatives and their vision?

Moses: Our initiatives are diverse and aim to promote sustainable conservation through cultural-based approaches. I work in Papua New Guinea, a country known for its diverse cultures, and we see the forest from the perspective of its people. Most land is owned by local people, and we develop ways to help sustainably manage biodiversity. Our goal is to adapt to and mitigate climate change while fostering a culture of sustainability. We do a variety of things to achieve this big goal, including supporting indigenous communities. We support Indigenous communities and work hard to help protect forests, plants, animals, and marine life, addressing both environmental and socio-economic challenges, including poverty. You can find more here . 

 Arefine: What is your main focus in your work right now?

Moses: Our main focus is on protecting the environment for future generations. We engage in various activities aimed at environmental protection, striving to ensure the well-being of both the environment and local communities. While individual contributions are important, our primary goal is to facilitate direct and impactful environmental conservation.

Arefine: Can you share some examples of your initiatives and their outcomes?

Moses: We've launched several initiatives, and they're making a real difference. Tourism is one area we're focusing on. We're studying whether tourism could work in certain areas and documenting our findings. When it comes to tourism, we're mindful of cultural differences and make sure to represent the locals accurately. We're also mapping traditional land boundaries and conducting surveys on biodiversity and climate change. These projects often involve educational components, where we set up stations to inform people. We're involved in various activities because we see the value they bring, despite the challenges we face. For example, we've already planted around 10,000 trees and plan to continue to do so. We also organize cultural events to celebrate traditions and work to preserve traditional knowledge about plants and animals. Additionally, we've set up early childhood education programs called SW schools to educate young children and military personnel. You can learn more about our organizations here .

Arefine: What strategies are most effective in balancing conservation with socio-economic needs?

Moses: Our strategy is to integrate conservation efforts within communities that own most of the land. By supporting these communities in developing sustainable livelihoods, we achieve a balance between conservation and socio-economic development. Active community participation has been crucial to our success, as it ensures both environmental protection and socio-economic improvement. We're committed to supporting the community in various ways, including providing opportunities for basic education through committees and other support programs.

Arefine: What other valuable experiences could you share with new conservationists?

Moses: I firmly believe that our conservation approach is highly sustainable and adaptable to other communities. It's focused on giving communities ownership over their resources, which makes it more sustainable in the long run. We try not to rely too much on donors because, if the funding stops, support for the community might disappear. Instead, we aim to create structures and programs within our organization that help communities support themselves while also protecting the forests. We can coordinate this model at different levels, which I believe is highly effective. Yes, we can also be part of the community. Nowadays, it's easier for us to be involved and ensure sustainability. It's a model we want to continue developing to make it even more sustainable.

Arefine: How many people have you trained, and in what capacities?

Moses: We have trained a significant number of individuals through various capacity-building programs, including GPS training, nursery training, and financial literacy. Over the past five years, we've trained over 20 new graduate students and numerous community members, enhancing their skills and knowledge in conservation and sustainable practices.

Arefine: How did you discover WildHub, and why did you join?

Moses: Joining WildHub has been a wonderful decision for me. It's a platform where I can interact with others, make connections, and form partnerships. I get to know donors and experts in the field, which helps me, become a leader in conservation efforts. It's a place where I can find support for the decisions we make to protect the environment. I'm also part of the Community Conservation Fellowship program, which has introduced me to WildHub. Overall, I joined to build connections and engage with like-minded individuals who are passionate about environmental protection.

Arefine: Is there anything else you'd like to share with WildHub members?

Moses: We are open to research partnerships. We've operated independently for years as an Indigenous-based organization, without any assistance from our responsible government. We welcome any partnerships that can help us continue our conservation work. If anyone is interested in collaborating with us, we are eager to connect. Interested one can email me  http://msskerry@gmail.com or mauberemapng@gmail.com