Tiwonge I. Mzumara-Gawa (TBA field course, Kibale 2005) has won the 2014 International Young Conservationist Award. Tiwonge is currently studying for a PhD at the University of KwaZulu Natal and a volunteer Conservation and Research Officer for the Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi. The award acknowledged her passion, dedication and commitment in the conservation of birds in Malawi.
“I am truly blessed and honoured to receive this award…” said Tiwonge. “It is humbling to know that the work we are doing in Malawi can be recognised on such an international stage! It has really given us the ‘wings to fly’ and the encouragement to do even more for Malawi’s birds in the coming years.”
Anthony Kuria, Head of TBA’s African Office congratulated the progress made by Tiwonge since her participation in the 2005 TBA field course in Kibale, Uganda. “This award, and indeed the recognition of many other alumni in their fields of work is encouraging. It goes to show the important role TBA plays in building a community that supports biodiversity conservation.”
Tiwonge received her award on November 19th at the World Parks Congress, held in Sydney, Australia. The award is a joint initiative of the International Ranger Foundation (IRF) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature – World Commission on Protected Areas (IUCN-WCPA).
