Workshop “Women in Conservation” empowers young Mozambican scientists to lead the protection of biodiversity

The lush green landscape of Gorongosa National Park holds secrets that science is still trying to uncover. But in this edition of the "Women in Conservation" workshop, those secrets are being revealed not only by books, but also by the hands and intelligence of dozens of young women from different provinces and universities across the country.

For several days, the training room and forest paths became classrooms for a group of students. They didn't just come to listen; they came to get their hands dirty, literally. The workshop, an initiative of the Park's Bio-Education Program, was designed to transform theory into practice, immersing participants in the daily routines of scientists who dedicate their lives to monitoring biodiversity.

But what does a conservationist do? For these women, the answer began to be written with field notebooks and binoculars. Under the guidance of Gorongosa's resident scientists – true mentors – the participants had the unique opportunity to learn essential techniques: from data collection in the field to species identification and ecosystem monitoring. Each footprint found, each piece of data recorded, was a step towards scientific autonomy.

For many of them, this is not just training; it's a career turning point. "This is an opportunity to acquire knowledge so that, in the future, I can become a scientist, leader, and guardian of nature in my own community," confided one of the students, her gaze fixed on the vastness of the park. The phrase echoes the spirit of the project, which annually opens the doors of Gorongosa so that university students can carry out their research projects and participate in field practices in a wide variety of areas.

The park administration's commitment is clear and goes beyond statistics. By investing in the education and training of women, Gorongosa is not only training biologists; it is cultivating community leadership. It is believed that environmental conservation in the country will be stronger and more sustainable when it is also led by women.

At the end of their training, the new scientists take with them much more than just techniques. They take with them the certainty that the future of conservation in Gorongosa, and in Mozambique, is also being built by them.