Text and photos by Janado Nazare Cher and Larissa Sousa
A group of 50 Gorongosa Rangers recently received advanced training in biodiversity conservation, monitoring techniques used to protect wildlife, and making sure the human rights of all involved are respected and upheld.
The training, held in mid-May, focused on Mozambique’s biodiversity and land laws, climate change, deforestation, species extinction, preventing environmental crimes and investigation and intelligence techniques.
The Rangers also reviewed Biodiversity Law No. 5/2017 and discussed best practices for resolving human rights issues surrounding defendant detention and asset seizure, and the treatment of local communities.
After visiting the National Criminal Investigation Services in Nhamatanda District, the Rangers learned advanced techniques for investigating crimes, preserving evidence, and protecting the defendant’s human rights.
Meetings were also held with the Government of Mozambique’s Prosecutor’s Office and the Nhamatanda Judicial Court, where they discussed the importance of ordering investigations and prioritizing cases of crimes against biodiversity.
Field activities included evidence and intelligence collection exercises at a crime scene, report writing and presentation, and post-tests.
After the training courses were completed, the Rangers surprised course instructor David Ucama with cake and champagne.
“The 50 officers enrolled in this training program are skilled in matters of human rights, biodiversity law, and intelligence issues,” Ucama said. “Gorongosa Park Rangers are now ready to continue their work in support of environmental conservation.”
