Q&A with Aiita Joshua Apamaku, Wildlife Biologist and National Geographic Young Explorer from Uganda

How Will Youth Shape the 12th World Wilderness Congress?

Throughout this series of articles, the WILD Foundation and CoalitionWILD will introduce you to a remarkable group of young individuals. Their unwavering dedication to preserving nature, as evidenced through their values and initiatives, is truly inspiring. What role do they play in climate and biodiversity conferences? Why is their participation crucial in driving change? And what motivates their involvement in the 12th World Wilderness Congress? Join us as we delve into the lives of these passionate young advocates, and who knows, you might find yourself inspired to follow in their footsteps. Today, meet Aiita Joshua Apamaku, Wildlife Biologist and National Geographic Young Explorer from Uganda.

Who are you? Can you please introduce yourself?

I’m Aiita Joshua Apamaku is a Wildlife Biologist and National Geographic Young Explorer from Uganda. I am a 2021 CoalitionWILD Exelerator, member and Young Professional of the IUCN World Commission of Protected Areas and Founder of NatureWILD where my work is focused on conservation Science-telling and Storytelling. The intersectionality between people and nature is rather complex and has evolved through a track of co-existence for millennia- and through my work, I am unpacking the complexities and relationships between conservation and cultures of people who have for long stood as the face of conservation around protected and conserved areas in Uganda.

Have you previously attended any biodiversity or climate conferences? Could you share a brief story or anecdote from one of them?

Last IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress; People have a long-standing relationship with their environment which goes beyond their livelihoods and to a greater extent cultural attachments and meaning of life. The inaugural IUCN APAC set pace for what would be a new face of conservation across Africa- hinged on the need to acknowledge rights based approaches, and most importantly add value to traditional knowledge and practices to inform conservation.

Do you believe it is essential for younger generations to engage in these conferences?

Conferences such as the IUCN APAC and WILD 12 provide a rich avenue for intergenerational knowledge exchange and transfer of approaches and practices for conservation. Technological advancements are changing the way conservation is carried out and perceived- with younger generations at the forefront of most recent advances. The future of conservation lies in the hands of younger generations and only when they attend international conservation conferences can best practices and approaches be crafted.

What advice would you offer to a young individual interested in participating in the 12th World Wilderness Congress?

Wildernesses are a haven of traditional knowledge, people and practices that have for long been pivotal in the protection and conservation of natural resources. For young professionals interested in understanding more about global Wilderness Ecosystems, WILD 12 provides a robust global space to learn from experts, indigenous and local groups, share expertise and experiences on perspectives and best practices that are replicable for more effective conservation of Wildlands.

Learn more about the 12th World Wilderness Congress, WILD12 and how you can get involved!

Connect with Aiita Joshua Apamaku on LinkedIn!