Great conservation programs require great leaders. In the past few months, CWMAC has invested in strengthening the leadership skills of our team and partners, knowing that strong leaders build stronger communities and ecosystems. With support from Maliasili, we took part in two intensive workshops, one in Nairobi, Kenya, and one in Dar es Salaam, focused on enhancing leadership within conservation NGOs.
CWMAC senior staff joined peers from various Tanzanian organizations (such as Sea Sense, MJUMITA, KopeLion, and others) to delve into topics like self-awareness, collaborative leadership, team dynamics, effective delegation, active listening, and giving feedback. These weren’t dry theory sessions; each workshop emphasized practical skills that participants could immediately apply to their work managing wildlife and natural landscapes.
The impact of this training is already tangible. Equipped with new tools and insights, CWMAC’s managers are now even better prepared to guide their teams, strengthen partnerships, and implement programs that empower communities. Improved delegation and communication skills mean our on-ground projects run more smoothly. Enhanced self-awareness and listening skills mean we are more attuned to the needs of the communities we serve and the staff we support. Ultimately, these leadership upgrades translate into better decision-making and more responsive governance in the WMAs where we work.
The workshops themselves are just stepping stones: going forward, our team will continue with ongoing mentorship and peer collaboration (facilitated by Maliasili) to keep growing these capacities. For our donors, this investment in human capital means that your support is magnified: it creates not just immediate outcomes, but lasting improvements in the way conservation is led and managed. We’re building a future where skilled, passionate leadership drives sustainable, community-led conservation – and we’re grateful to have partners who understand the importance of this foundation.