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Wildlife Conservation Initiative (WCI)

In these 21 centenaries, “we are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it to save the next generation and earth planet”. Therefore, we should all stand for the future of the planet, no other choice.Read more

Our Mission

WCI strive to save ecosystem to ensure sustainable development of local community.

Our Vision

Our vision is Healthy biodiversity valued
by society."

Our MAIN OBJECTIVES

Save our planet by engaging our generation to love, protect and conserve ecosystem.

Our Team

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SHEMA Serge

WCI FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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SAFARI Claude

Cofounder & WCI Program Manager

Show Bio I’ m passionate nature conservator with broad carrier in botany and conservation by education and profession. I worked with Peace Corps as bootcamp facilitator in Boys Excelling, Girls leading our World and Stomp out Malaria program from 2014-2018 to empower youth with effective leadership, peer education, local community development, self confidence, Goal setting, financial literacy and healthy living. I worked with Enacofan in project aiming to enhance adaptation to climate change effects through optimized production of selected indigenous fruit trees for food and nutrition security in Rwanda Nile Basin. Enough training from BPN, AMI, Coursera and MOOC on production process automation & management; Time management, project management principles and practices made us ready to serve as program manager at WCI.
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GAKUBA Jean Paul

Communication and Dissemination Manager

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HABARUREMA Theogene

Administrative Manager

Show Bio HABARUREMA Théogène: _Licenced in Agriculture with specialisation in crop production, plus a diploma in project management _ Worked for Nationational Institute of Statistics of Rwanda for longtime in rural ereas, he has gained over 10 years' experience in local community development.
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Paula Shepherd

Board Member

Show Bio My name is Paula Winder Shepherd. I am 49 years old and live in the beautiful Lake District in the U.K. Where I am fortunate to be surrounded by a National Park which is protected area of natural beauty with trees and wildlife. I have an extensive career in sales and have a recruitment company which I am slowly building up. I also published my first children’s book in 2022 about a polar bear and climate change “Boular’s Great Adventure to Canada” which is available at major book stores. The book is an educational book I have shared with local primary schools about climate change and the effect on polar bears and the Arctic. Also I am working with a charity that plant trees to help combat climate change and for every book I sell a contribution is made towards planting new trees. I also will be working for a charity called World Vision, which do amazing things across the world to help children with education and against poverty and disasters. I am a passionate vegan and love animals and have 3 rescue dogs and 3 cats, I love and respect animals and the planet and want to help make a difference through education and kindness.
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Graham Lotten

Board Member

Show Bio I worked most of my carrier as a british diplomat with postings in Europe, Central Asia and Africa, which culminated me serving as British Ambassador in Rwanda and Burundi and also Mali and Tajikistan. After that, I turned to work for several international NGO’s in Africa, moving from Sierra Leone to DRC and then to Rwanda which has since become a second home to me. Now, based in my home country of the UK, I’m a Trustee of Cricket Builds Hope which operates in Rwanda and I Makes regular visists to the land of of thousand hills.
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Eric MIRINDI DUSENGE

Board Member

Show Bio Eric Mirindi, Ph.D., serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology, with a primary research focus on understanding the impacts of climate change on plant physiology. He investigates how rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and associated climate warming affect the physiology of plants, particularly in boreal and tropical tree species, peatland shrubs, and crops like wheat. Through controlled experiments in greenhouses, field studies, and meta-analyses, he seeks to predict future scenarios concerning terrestrial carbon storage, biodiversity, food security, and the global economy. Additionally, his collaboration with vegetation modelers aims to enhance the representation of these processes in global vegetation models. With a diverse academic background including a Ph.D. in Biology from The University of Western Ontario, Canada, an M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and a B.Sc. in Biology from the National University of Rwanda, Eric has also undertaken postdoctoral positions in prestigious institutions like the University of Exeter, UK, and the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. His teaching experience encompasses courses in Physiological Plant Ecology, Global Change Biology, and Foundations of Biology. Complementing his academic endeavors, his research assistantship involved conducting experiments on shade tolerance in tropical montane tree seedlings and exploring photosynthetic capacity in pioneer and climax tree species in Nyungwe National Park, showcasing his commitment to both research and fieldwork.
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Francois Unal

Board Member

Show Bio Email: francois.unal@veolia.com Tel: +1 (289) 795 7196 Francois Unal embodies a blend of environmental advocacy and seasoned project leadership. With a foundation deeply rooted in tackling climate change and fueled by the inspiration of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's profound words, Francois is wholeheartedly devoted to preserving the Earth for future generations. Boasting over three decades of experience in the water industry, he spearheads a dynamic team overseeing multimillion-dollar projects throughout North America, championing sustainability and ethical principles. Beyond the confines of the corporate world, Francois actively engages in volunteerism, notably with the Wildlife Conservation Initiative in Rwanda, where he actively contributes to restoring biodiversity and empowering local communities. Proficient in five languages, Francois serves as a cultural bridge, effectively communicating to propel global initiatives for positive environmental change. Join Francois in his mission to forge a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
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NSHUTIYAYESU Samuel

Board Member

Show Bio Samuel Nshutiyayesu is the Conservation Ecology Instructor at the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA). Mr. Nshutiyayesu holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from the National University of Rwanda and a Master of Science in Management and Conservation of Terrestrial Ecosystems from the University of Burundi. He previously was a researcher and lecturer focusing on biology, botany and conservation at the University of Rwanda. He’s mentored hundreds of students and has contributed to the design and development of relevant teaching programs in the biology conservation field.