Meet the Explorers (Tsiribihina)
These six volunteers are based in the Manambolo-Tsiribihina mangroves, one of WWF Madagascar's priority landscapes. Manambolo-
During their 3-month volunteering mission the volunteers will support the implementation of measures to manage natural resources in the area, work to improve the livelihoods of local communities through eco-tourism development and participate in the restoration of mangroves.
Prisca Abdoul
Prisca Abdoul, Madagascar.
With a degree in Human Geography from the Faculty of Literature & Human Sciences, Antananarivo University, Prisca cares deeply about her country’s environment. She has also taken courses on raising awareness about environmental issues, and participated in socio-economic assessment surveys. Prisca hopes this WWF experience will provide her with an opportunity to contribute to the growth of her country, as well as being an enriching personal experience. She is very passionate about sustainable development.
(Joseph) Mario Ray
(Joseph) Mario Ray, New Zealand/UK.
With a BA in Political Science from University of Otago in New Zealand, Mario has sought to gain exposure to sustainable development and renewable energy issues. He has travelled in East Africa and his research assignment on migration with Desert Rose in Ethiopia also inspired his interest in sustainable livelihoods. His active community involvement includes mentoring disadvantaged students and teaching English to refugees in Sudan. Mario enjoys playing the piano and composing music.
Fanomezana Rabakoarisoa
Fanomezana Rabakoarisoa, Madagascar.
Fanomezana has a degree in Social Development from the University of Antananarivo, focusing on socio-organizational aspects. She has previously worked with the Promotion of Volunteering for Peace and Development and UNDP, as well as with local communities on such issues as child labour and drinking water supplies. Fanomezana is keen to use her skills to help local communities manage their natural resources more sustainably. She enjoys acting, slam poetry and playing football.
Valentin Hernoux
Valentin Hernoux, Belgium.
During his degree in Communications at the Institut des Hautes Etudes des Communications Sociales in Brussels, Valentin’s area of study covered photography, video, design and radio. He joined the school to become a journalist and has a keen interest in raising awareness about the impact of climate change on biodiversity. For several years, Valentin was also a head scout with the Guides Catholiques de Belgique working with handicapped children. Through his skills with photography and video, Valentin wants to educate people about the challenge of biodiversity loss in Madagascar.
Prudence Ndabasanze
Prudence Ndabasanze, Rwanda.
26-year-old Prudence is from Rwanda and holds a bachelors degree in
biology and conservation. Since his graduation, he has been working with Association pour la Conservation de la Nature au Rwanda (ACNR) one environment management and biodiversity conservation in the country of thousands hills. He is passionate about the preservation of environment, nature and mitigation of climate change and is an active member of CliMates, Young Volunteers of Environment (YVE Rwanda) and other youth networks, and co-founder of Rwanda Biodiversity MediaGroup (RBMG). Working with WWF is once a life experience through which he hopes to contribute to global concerns.
Andreas Nyffenegger
Andreas Nyffenegger, Switzerland.
After studying Media & Communication, Andreas did a masters in Business Administration at the Swiss University of Applied Sciences in Lucerne. Andreas has done internships with WWF Bern as well as with the Swiss Association for Renewable Energies and Helvetas, assisting with PR events and information campaigns. He is passionate about working with different media to communicate, and prior to this placement with WWF Madagascar was on an exploration journey in the Amazon tropical rainforest.
