Yudmila Chunguane is one of Conservation Nation’s 2023 conservationist grant winners. With a background in conservation and biology, as well as an interest in sustainable development, Yudmila has worked on a wide range of conservation projects focused on various ecosystems and species. Her work, which has included working in dugong feeding grounds and predicting the effects of ocean acidification on marine life, tackles biodiversity issues as well as the role of local communities in ecosystem protection.
Yudmila is currently finishing her master’s degree in conservation biology and ecology at Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo, Mozambique. She is also working with Love the Oceans, a non-profit marine conservation group protecting life in Mozambique’s Jangamo Bay.
Preventing Ecological Collapse of Reef Systems In Mozambique
Yudmila’s project will aim to safeguard coral reefs in Mozambique through data generation, conservation prioritization, and community engagement. Climate change, overfishing, pollution, and other destructive practices have destroyed coral cover, harming the vast array of marine species — and the livelihoods of millions of people — who rely on it.
By utilizing genetic sampling, investigating degradation, holding workshops with coastal communities, and fostering community-driven conservation programs, Yudmila plans to create a comprehensive assessment of the reefs. Through her work, she will identify critical conservation areas, improve community awareness of the issues the reefs face, and strengthen the ability of local stakeholders to participate in saving the reefs, too.
