Richad Vidamão
Senior Community Relations Supervisor - CBNRM & Governance, Gorongosa National Park
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- Mozambique
About Richad Vidamão
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🎉 Welcome to WildHub, @Richard!
It’s fantastic to have you here! Your focus on Community-based Natural Resource Management, Environmental Education, and Human-Wildlife Coexistence in Mozambique brings a deeply valuable perspective to our community. Gorongosa National Park is such a powerful example of integrated conservation efforts. I'm sure many here will be eager to learn from your experiences.
Your commitment to community mobilization, inclusive governance, and participatory natural resource management is especially inspiring. WildHub thrives on these kinds of rich, field-rooted insights. We're excited to exchange ideas and collaborate with you!
🌍 To kick things off: In your work with local communities, what strategies or approaches have you found most effective in fostering trust and long-term engagement around conservation goals? I'd love to learn from your experience, especially in contexts where conservation and livelihoods are closely intertwined.
Looking forward to hearing more about your journey!
Thank you so much Simon for the warm welcome! It’s a pleasure to join this vibrant community of passionate conservation professionals.
In my experience working with local communities in Mozambique, especially around CBNRM, fostering trust and long-term engagement begins with active listening and genuine inclusion from the very start. One of the most effective strategies has been creating platforms where communities are not just informed but actively involved in decision-making - through participatory mapping, inclusive governance structures (such as community natural resource management committees), and consistent dialogue that respects both traditional knowledge and local priorities.
Building mutual benefits into conservation such as through sustainable livelihoods, environmental education for youth, and community-led monitoring also helps align conservation goals with the immediate needs of people. Over time, trust grows when communities see tangible results, know that their voices matter, and feel a sense of ownership over conservation outcomes.
I look forward to learning from others here and exchanging insights on what works and what we’re all still figuring out in this evolving space of people-centered conservation!
Best regards!