Our global conservation work would not be possible without the dedication, expertise, and passion of our team members. Each month, get to know our team members and what they do through our Employee Spotlight Series.
In this spotlight meet Marilyn Elembe, a Facilitator for Women's Activities at the Wildlife Works Mai Ndombe REDD+ Project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With over 13 years of dedication to the project, Marilyn helps create new opportunities for local women, drives sustainable cassava farming, and builds trust with communities to protect forests and combat climate change.
Q: How would you describe what you do at Wildlife Works?
I am responsible for supporting and structuring women in grassroots organizations in all the villages of the concession while setting up improved cassava fields to fully involve women in the project in line with their consent. I have been with Wildlife Works for 13 years.
Q: What inspired you to join Wildlife Works?
I have a deep love for nature and a strong connection to local communities. Joining Wildlife Works was an opportunity to help communities actively participate in conservation efforts.
Q: What aspect of community-led conservation work do you find most rewarding?
I love working with local women to convert abandoned fallows to improved cassava fields. These activities yield great harvests, protect primary forests, and contribute to climate regulation. Seeing women be able to more securely feed their families is very rewarding.
Q: Do you have a favorite species?
The OBAMA cassava variety is my favorite. It’s rich in starch and resistant to mosaic disease, making it invaluable to our work.
Q: What message would you convey to someone skeptical about carbon markets?
I would encourage them to get involved and see firsthand the benefits carbon markets bring to local communities, especially compared to industrial logging.
Q: Share an experience crucial to building trust with community partners
Delivering on promises—such as constructing school buildings, drilling wells, and providing school supplies—has been key to earning the trust of our community partners.
Q: What challenges have you encountered in establishing trust with communities?
At the start, there was a misunderstanding of the project. Through consistent awareness campaigns, communities gained a better understanding, and we now work harmoniously.
