EMPOWERED FOR GREATER IMPACT: WICO JOINS NGO TRAINING WITH NICE TANZANIA

We’re excited to share that WICO is currently participating in an ongoing NGO empowerment training program organized by the NAMA Integrated Centre for Excellence (NICE Tanzania), with generous support from the NAMA Foundation and NAMA Women Advancement. This journey has been a truly transformative experience for our team. We’ve gained deeper knowledge and practical skills in key areas of organizational development, such as how to craft meaningful strategic and annual plans, what to consider during the planning process, and why such documents are essential for guiding any successful organization.

We explored core concepts regarding fundraising, best practices for building a sustainable strategy, and how to develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with donors and supporters. We are sincerely grateful to NICE Tanzania for this empowering opportunity. It has helped us reflect critically on where we are, what we can improve, and how we can move forward more intentionally. This experience is already shaping the way we plan and grow as a grassroots organization, and we’re just getting started!

WICO FOUNDER AND EDGE FELLOW TAKES PART IN EDGE CONSERVATION TOOLS COURSE IN LONDON

In April 2025, Eva Johnson, Founder, CEO, and dedicated member of Women in Conservation Organization (WICO), had the incredible opportunity to attend the prestigious EDGE Conservation Tools Course at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) as an EDGE Fellow. During this inspiring experience, Eva connected with a global network of conservation professionals and had meaningful discussions with key funders, including the Rufford Foundation, Whitley Fund for Nature, Franklinia Foundation, and others.

This opportunity marked a significant milestone in her personal and professional journey, and it was also a proud moment for all of us at WICO. Eva’s participation opened doors for learning, networking, and exploring new avenues for collaboration and support. We’re proud to celebrate Eva’s achievement and deeply thankful to the EDGE programme for equipping emerging conservation leaders with the tools and connections they need to make a lasting impact, both for wildlife and their communities.

FIELD COLLABORATION SPARKS NEW CONSERVATION POSSIBILITIES IN MKINGU NATURE FOREST RESERVE

In March 2025, while the WICO team was conducting fieldwork for our Arthroleptis kidogo conservation project in the heart of Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve, the team experienced a moment that beautifully captures the spirit of collaborative conservation. During data collection, they had the unexpected yet rewarding opportunity to meet Joseph Mboya, a dedicated amphibian researcher working on the conservation of Callulina hanseni, an endemic frog species found in the Eastern Arc Mountains.

What began as a chance encounter quickly turned into a powerful exchange of knowledge, experiences, and mutual inspiration. They discussed conservation strategies, shared field insights, and explored the overlapping challenges of protecting these threatened amphibians. The conversation not only deepened their understanding but also planted the seeds for future collaboration to broaden the impact of amphibian conservation across the region.

This moment stands as a testament to how meaningful connections made in the field can lead to broader conservation outcomes. It reflects our belief that by working together, we can strengthen efforts to safeguard Tanzania’s unique biodiversity

WICO TEAM SELECTED AS 2024 CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME TEAM AWARDEES!

We are thrilled to announce that three of our dedicated team members—Eva Johnson, Lucia Romward, and Sarah Mshanga—have been selected as 2024 Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) Team Awardees for their groundbreaking project entitled “Befriending the Three Critically Endangered Pygmy Chameleons of the South Nguru Mountains in Morogoro Region, Tanzania.”

This exciting project aims to protect three sister species of pygmy chameleons found only in the South Nguru Mountains, a unique and fragile ecosystem. The team will assess population sizes and habitat characteristics of the species, promote positive behavior change among local communities to reduce threats, restore five hectares of degraded forest by planting native tree species, and build national capacity for chameleon conservation through training and outreach. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Conservation Leadership Programme for believing in our vision and supporting this vital work. This opportunity not only strengthens our conservation efforts but also empowers us as young professionals to create a lasting impact for Tanzania’s unique biodiversity. Congratulations to Eva, Lucia, and Sarah—we are incredibly proud of you!

A MILESTONE IN CONSERVATION: WICO RECORDS FIRST DOCUMENTARY ON THREE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED PYGMY CHAMELEONS OF THE SOUTH NGURU MOUNTAINS FOREST RESERVES

As part of our project “Befriending the Three Critically Endangered Pygmy Chameleons of the South Nguru Mountains,” supported by the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP), Women in Conservation Organization (WICO) has successfully recorded its first-ever conservation documentary highlighting the urgent need to protect three rare chameleon species; Rhampholeon acuminatus, Rhampholeon princeae, and Rhampholeon waynelotteri—found only in Tanzania’s Nguru Mountains.

This documentary captures their natural habitat, the threats they face from human activities like forest clearing and agriculture within the forest reserve, and the current condition of the Mkingu Nature Forest Reserve compared to previous years. It also highlights the crucial role of community involvement in conservation efforts. Recording this documentary marks a significant step forward in raising awareness and documenting the story of these unique species. It not only strengthens our advocacy efforts but also deepens our commitment to inclusive, science-based conservation. We sincerely thank the Conservation Leadership Programme for making this milestone possible.

WICO MEMBER SELECTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS WOMEN IN CONSERVATION TECHNOLOGY TRAINING

In June 2024, our passionate team member, Sarah Mshanga was selected as one of ten outstanding Tanzanian women to join the Women in Conservation Technology Training Program, a transformative initiative run by the Grumeti Fund’s Research and Innovation for the Serengeti Ecosystem (RISE) in partnership with the WILDLABS and Fauna & Flora International.

Spanning six months (June to December 2024), the program equipped Sarah with foundational skills in conservation technology, empowering her to apply innovative tech-based solutions to real-world wildlife conservation challenges. Through two intensive workshops, Sarah gained hands-on experience in data collection using technological tools, data analysis, proposal writing, and communicating her conservation ideas to funders. She was also equipped with essential leadership skills, empowering her to lead and inspire conservation efforts within her community and beyond.

Beyond the technical skills, the program offered a powerful platform for networking, mentorship, and collaboration, connecting Sarah with an inspiring community of women conservationists who share a passion for making a difference. We are incredibly proud of Sarah’s achievement. Her growth reflects our collective commitment to empowering women in conservation and embracing innovation to drive change. With these new skills and networks, Sarah is well-equipped to create a lasting impact in the field, and we are excited for what lies ahead! We thank the Grumeti Fund, WILDLABS, and Fauna & Flora International for making this life-changing opportunity possible.