Blaise Kasereka Makuta

Blaise Kasereka Makuta is a young professional born and raised around Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Since his childhood, he has been fascinated by biodiversity and has always sought to learn more about the complex interactions that connect various plants and animals, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals. This curiosity has driven him to engage with the actions taken to protect this natural wealth that surrounds us and is crucial for the balance of our ecosystem. Blaise has completed his studies on protected areas at the IUCN Programme on Protected Areas and Conservation (PAPACO) and is now a member of the WCPA as well as an ambassador for IUCN in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this role, he promotes environmental conservation education among Indigenous populations, convinced that the protection of nature must be carried out in collaboration with these communities rather than against them. He believes it is essential to raise awareness among local populations about conservation issues so they can actively participate in this endeavor. As an English teacher at the Congo Peace Network, Blaise strives to promote education for Indigenous communities. His goal is to empower them to express themselves, share their extensive knowledge and value their unique perspectives on their environment. He firmly believes that education is a fundamental tool for empowerment and the preservation of their culture. Blaise is also dedicated to environmental journalism. He serves as a reporter, presenter and host of a program on Gorilla FM, where he leads the show Tu Tshunge Msitu Wetu (Let’s Protect Our Forest). Through various topics, such as medicinal plants, traditional dances and totem animals with particular significance, he aims to convey the importance of conservation, not only for the environment in general but also for Indigenous populations, who often find themselves on the frontlines of environmental challenges. His ultimate goal is to elevate the voices of Indigenous communities like his own, ensuring that their stories, culture and the challenges they face in environmental degradation and in conservation efforts are heard both locally and internationally. Through his commitment, Blaise aspires to create a strong connection between conservation, culture and sustainable development, in order to build a harmonious future where humanity and nature coexist in balance.