Blaise Kasereka Makuta

Blaise Kasereka Makuta has been captivated by biodiversity since childhood, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to understanding the intricate interactions that connect various plants and animals. He has completed online studies in protected areas through the IUCN African Programme on Protected Areas and Conservation (PAPACO) and is currently a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) and an ambassador for PAPACO in the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In this capacity, he promotes environmental conservation education particularly among Indigenous populations, advocating for the protection of nature to be pursued in collaboration with these communities rather than in opposition to them. In addition to his educational efforts, Blaise is dedicated to environmental journalism, addressing topics such as medicinal plants, traditional dances, and totem animals. His work aims to highlight the significance of conservation, not only for the environment as a whole but also for Indigenous communities that often find themselves at the forefront of conservation challenges.