Shelby Dye, a student in the MPhil in Conservation Leadership at the University of Cambridge, recently completed an extraordinary two-month placement in Tanzania. This experience, a crucial component of the course, provided Shelby with invaluable insights into community-based conservation and indigenous knowledge systems.
Partnering with Traditional Ecosystems Survival Tanzania (TEST)
Based in Arusha, Shelby collaborated with Traditional Ecosystems Survival Tanzania (TEST), an indigenous-led organisation. Her primary focus was on creating an organisational strategy and business plan that prioritized community needs in conservation action planning. This project involved extensive fieldwork, including:
- Traveling across Tanzania to visit Maasai villages
- Conducting community visits, surveys, and interviews
- Gathering local and indigenous insights into conservation policy and practice
Shelby's work with TEST exemplifies the programme's emphasis on practical, community-centered approaches to conservation leadership.
Bridging Academic Knowledge and Local Wisdom
The placement offered Shelby a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained at Cambridge to real-world conservation challenges. By engaging directly with Maasai communities, she gained profound insights into the intricate relationship between indigenous peoples and their environment. This experience underscored the importance of integrating local knowledge and practices into conservation strategies.
Shelby's placement wasn't all work - it also included unforgettable encounters with Tanzania's natural beauty and wildlife. Two experiences stood out:
1. Ngaresero Waterfalls Adventure: After an intense week of community interviews, Shelby and the TEST team embarked on a hike to the Ngaresero Waterfalls near Lake Natron. This journey through the Great Rift Valley offered stunning landscapes and a chance to reflect on the Maasai's deep connection to the land.
2. Ngorongoro Crater Exploration: Shelby visited the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. This UNESCO World Heritage Site provided close encounters with diverse wildlife, including four of the "Big Five" African animals. The experience deepened her appreciation for the region's ecological importance and the Maasai people's role in its conservation.
Reflections on Conservation Leadership
Shelby's placement in Tanzania epitomizes the transformative experiences offered by the MPhil in Conservation Leadership. Her work with TEST and her immersive encounters with Tanzania's landscapes and wildlife have provided her with:
- A deeper understanding of community-based conservation approaches
- Practical skills in developing organisational strategies that prioritize local needs
- A profound appreciation for the integration of indigenous knowledge in conservation efforts
- Unforgettable experiences that will shape her future career in conservation leadership
As Shelby reflected, "Thanks to this life-changing experience, I welcomed in a new year of life with an entirely new perspective and appreciation for what it means to be alive. I have an even deeper appreciation for the Maasai people, and their community's connection to the land through experiencing it for myself in their company."