Who we are
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The ULS Coalition
Supported primarily by the Hempel Foundation and the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, we are a coalition of national and international institutions that have brought the ULS to life. Our coalition includes
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Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS)
National agency in charge of managing core PAs: Uzungwa Scarp and Kilombero Nature Forest Reserves
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Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA)
National-level authority in charge of managing core protected areas (PAs), including Udzungwa Mountains National Park
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Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP)
Local NGO leading the ULS implementation
Natural History Museum of Denmark (NHMD)
Scientific advisory role, same as MUSE, UEMC and MACCO coordination
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Mazingira Alliance for Community and Conservation (MACCO)
Local NGO established by its Italian counterpart, community conservation, and social research
Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Center (UEMC)
Field station, biodiversity research & monitoring; leading the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning component of the ULS
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MUSE - Science museum
One of Italy’s leading science museums, scientific advisory role, UEMC and MACCO coordination
A ULS Steering Committee (SC) was established comprising implementing partners. The SC is supported by a Secretariat and four Working Groups, each dedicated to one of the ULS SOs.
Stakeholders
The ULS brings together a wide range of national and international stakeholders. The figure below provides a summary of the national institutions, partners, and social groups involved in the Udzungwa Mountains, many of which are currently active members of the ULS Coalition.
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Prof. Nikolaj Scharff
Member
(SO4 scientific advisor)
Professor and curator of Arachnida at the Natural History Museum Denmark, University of Copenhagen. Experience as biological consultant for DANIDA in Sudano-Sahel and East Africa. Trained as an entomologist with special focus on systematics and taxonomy of spiders. Long-term research interest in the biodiversity patterns of arthropods in tropical rainforests and in particular the Eastern Arc mountains. Fieldwork and biodiversity surveys in many Eastern Arc mountain blocks in the past. In Udzungwa since 1981. Currently running invertebrate monitoring programs across Udzungwa. Co-managing UEMC field station since 2017 and member of MACCO advisory board.
Kathryn Doody
Member
Kathryn began her career in Tanzania carrying out biodiversity surveys in the Eastern Arc Mountains in the 1990s. With over 25 years of research and conservation experience in Tanzania, Kathryn is a senior advisor to the ULS on a range of issues including large landscape approaches, technical partnerships between civil society and protected areas, and community conservation. Kathryn is based in Dar es Salaam and currently works for Frankfurt Zoological Society as Programme Manager.
Arafat Mtui
Member
(Research Associate)
Arafat is an ecologist passionate about biodiversity and community-based conservation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management from the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, and an MSc in Biodiversity and Conservation from the University of Copenhagen and Bangor University (2019–2021). As co-founder of Mazingira Alliance for Community and Conservation (MACCO) formally known as Associazione Mazingira NGO, he has dedicated his career to protecting Tanzania’s unique ecosystems. Since 2025 he’s a ULS Research Associate through his Ph.D. research aimed at evaluating the conservation impact of the ULS.
Rahima Njaidi
Rahima Njaidi is a Tanzanian lawyer and forest conservation leader with over 17 years of experience in community-based forest management, advocacy, governance, climate action, and sustainable livelihoods. She serves as the Executive Director of MJUMITA, a national network representing forest-dependent communities across 504 villages in Tanzania. Rahima is a strong advocate for women’s leadership, community rights, and nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
Dr. Abel Mtui Chair
A seasoned wildlife and conservation expert and was integral to the development of the ULS strategy. He now serves as its inaugural Steering Committee Chairperson, providing strategic oversight. His distinguished 34-year career as a commanding officer spans multiple Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), including Udzungwa, Katavi, Ruaha, Saanane Island and Mkomazi. His deep field experience in ecological monitoring and census is complemented by advanced technical skills in GIS and remote sensing, utilizing tools like ArcGIS Pro and SMART. Abel is also an accomplished researcher, having completed a PhD on GIS for anti-poaching and acting as Co-PI for the AI4 Climate Change Project in Tanzania. He leverages this unparalleled expertise, and his deep and effective commitment to collaboration, to guide the ULS strategy toward its critical conservation goals.
Dr. Trevor Jones
Secretary
Co-founded STEP in 2014 and became Director of Strategy and Development in 2024, after overseeing rapid growth of the NGO as CEO for its first 9 years. With over 20 years of experience in East African conservation, he has worked on research projects ranging from elephants and primates to wildlife corridors, resulting in more than thirty scientific papers. Trevor led the development of Tanzania’s Elephant Management Plan (2010-2015) and Tanzania's first National Human-Wildlife Conflict Management Strategy (2020-2024), and spearheaded restoration of Tanzania’s first legally designated wildlife corridor. He is passionate about strengthening the incredible protected areas of the Eastern Arc and Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystems, and supports implementation, strategy and fundraising across all programs of the ULS.
Prof. Francesco Rovero
Member
(MEL coordinator and scientific advisor)
Ecologist and biodiversity scientist with long-standing experience in tropical forest conservation. Engaged in the Udzungwa Mountains since 2002, in 2006 he founded the Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Centre (UEMC) through his affiliation at MUSE - Science museum (Italy’s leading natural science museum). He co-manages UEMC, he is a member of MACCO advisory board and coordinates the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Strategic Objective of the ULS. Associate Professor of Ecology at the University of Florence, Italy (2019-2025), from 2026 he returned to MUSE as the Head of Research and Collections.
Dr. Zainabu Bungwa
Member
Acting Director of Forest Resources Management at the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), brings 19 years of expertise in forestry, governance, and sustainable development to the ULS Steering Committee. She holds a PhD in Climate Change and Sustainable Development and a Master’s in Natural Resources Governance. In her leadership role, she oversees the strategic management and sustainable use of Tanzania’s forest resources, ensuring that national conservation priorities are integrated into broader landscape strategies. Her career bridges policy and practice, providing essential guidance on community-based forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. Through her contributions, Dr. Bungwa strengthens the committee’s capacity to align field activities with national policies and to achieve collaborative, holistic conservation outcomes.
Steering Committee
Secretariat
Godfrey Nyangaresi
Chair (SO1, SO3)
Godfrey is a dedicated conservationist with over a decade of experience. As STEP’s Protection Manager, his expertise was instrumental in developing the ULS Strategy. He now directly manages the implementation of its Strategic Objectives 1 and 3, ensuring collaborative protection between protected areas and communities. Godfrey chairs the ULS Secretariat, leading the coordination between the ULS Steering Committee and Working Groups. His previous key roles at Ikona WMA and in the Serengeti, combined with his academic background in Wildlife Management and a Master’s in Community Development, provide a strong foundation for his integrative approach to conservation.
Felista Mwalongo Secretary
(SO2 Manager, MACCO)
The MACCO Community and Livelihood Coordinator also serves as the Secretary for the ULS Secretariat. She is responsible for overseeing the coordination of all project activities and managing the budgets associated with various community initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Management and has a strong interest in environmental conservation, along with notable leadership skills. She enjoys working with communities to implement conservation projects and has a proven ability to motivate staff and work effectively.
Kim Lim
Member
(SO2 Manager, STEP)
Kim joined STEP in 2019 as a project coordinator and has been leading STEPs Coexistence and Livelihoods program since 2023. Driven by a deep passion for community conservation, she works closely with villages to find practical solutions to human wildlife conflicts, protection of forest and strengthening community livelihoods. Her work focuses on creating practical, community-driven solutions that foster harmony between people and nature. Kim holds a BA in Community Development from University of Iringa, Tanzania.
Emmanuel Stephen
Member
(SO2 Coordinator for STEP, Kilolo & Mlimba)
Emmanuel rejoined STEP in 2024 as Livelihoods Coordinator under the Udzungwa Landscape Strategy, focusing on VSLAs and Conservation Agreements. He holds degrees in Wildlife Management and Conservation and is a recipient of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. Before returning to STEP, he served as Program Manager at Watu, Simba, and Mazingira (WASIMA) in western Tanzania.
Steven Shinyambala
Member
(UEMC Coordinator, SO4 Manager)
A conservation scientist with a passion for research and strong project management skills, he has developed over 15 years of experience through formal education, fieldwork, and extensive involvement in relevant projects. He manages ecological monitoring and biodiversity research projects in the Udzungwa Mountains, where the ULS project is being implemented. Steven holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Planning and Management from the Institute of Rural Development Planning in Dodoma, Tanzania. As the UEMC Project Manager for the ULS Project, he is responsible for monitoring, evaluation, and learning related to the project's interventions. Additionally, he serves as a member of the ULS Secretariat Committee.
TEAM on the ground
Regina Lugome
(Grants Manager)
Regina joined STEP in 2024 with 5 years of NGO accounting and grant administration experience. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Dar es Salaam and is certified by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Supported by the finance teams of both STEP and MACCO, she manages grants, financial monitoring, reporting, and accounting for STEP and the ULS.
Solomon Sembosi (Assistant Manager, Protection)
Solomon is a conservation technologist and licensed drone pilot with over a decade of experience in GIS, remote sensing, and digital tools for wildlife protection. As Assistant Protection Manager at the STEP, he manages spatial databases, develops data collection methods, and oversees patrol management systems such as EarthRanger, Survey123, and STEP’s radio communication network. He has trained rangers, village game scouts, and conservation staff in GIS and GPS, and has coordinated numerous missions in patrol support, aerial mapping, and anti-poaching operations. Solomon is passionate about applying and exploring novel conservation technologies and supports ULS across all of its Strategic Objectives.
Dr. Josephine Smit
(Research Associate, MEL Advisor and Trainer)
Jo is a conservation scientist and co-founder of STEP who has lived in Tanzania for 30 years. She holds a PhD from the University of Stirling and a BSc in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Yale University. Jo cares deeply about using science and evidence for impactful conservation. She is a senior advisor to the ULS team on monitoring and evaluation and co-supervises research projects.
Peter Mkilindi
(SO1 Coordinator)
Peter joined STEP in 2025 with extensive experience in biodiversity conservation and environmental management, which serves him well in his role coordinating support to protected areas under the Udzungwa Landscape Strategy. He holds degrees in wildlife management and environmental policy. Before STEP, he worked as a biodiversity technician, research assistant, and assistant research and monitoring coordinator. He also specializes in applying novel technologies for conservation.
Elizabeth Masatu
(SO1 Officer)
Eliza joined STEP in 2022 and after working on the project to restore the Udzungwa to Nyerere-Selous corridor in the Kilombero Valley, moved to her current role as Protection Officer, supporting STEP’s work with protected areas under the Udzungwa Landscape Strategy. She holds a BSc in Wildlife Science and Conservation and is an alum of Grumeti Fund’s Women in the Field program.
Dr. Silvia Ricci
(SO2 Coordinator)
Naturalist, consultant, and environmental educator with over 20 years’ experience in biodiversity conservation, research, and community-based projects in Italy and East Africa. She holds a PhD in Zoology (University of Sydney) and a Laurea in Natural Sciences (University of Florence). A founder of Associazione Mazingira NGO and MACCO, she has coordinated conservation and education initiatives in Tanzania, contributed to biodiversity monitoring in the Udzungwa Mountains, and published on ecology and sustainability. Skilled in project writing and management, environmental education, and cross-cultural cooperation, she is also an accomplished science communicator and sensitization event organizer, who fosters long-term conservation and human well-being. Manager of MACCO Community and Livelihoods Department and member of MACCO advisory board.
Isaac Shonga
(SO2 Officer)
An Environmental Specialist with over seven years of experience in community-based conservation around the Udzungwa Mountains. At MACCO, he has led initiatives in agroforestry, tree planting, sustainable cocoa farming, and alternative energy solutions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Management and combines strong technical expertise with grassroots mobilization skills to advance clean cooking energy, promote best practices in agroforestry, and strengthen community livelihoods
Restituta Luwanda
(SO2 Officer)
Restituta Luwanda is an experienced technician with 12 years in the construction of improved mud stoves. She has collaborated with MACCO and local communities to promote clean cooking technologies that help reduce deforestation, enhance household health, and conserve energy. Restituta is committed to training women and community groups in stove-building techniques, empowering them with practical skills for income generation and sustainable livelihoods.
Hollyness Mpangala
(SO2 Officer)
Hollyness Mpangala has been an Environmental Teacher with MACCO since 2019 and a valued member of the organization’s Board of Directors. Hollyness plays a key role in inspiring young people to understand and protect their environment, using innovative teaching methods that connect conservation with daily life. Her energy, commitment, and forward-thinking mindset make her a driving force in MACCO’s mission, contributing both to education in the community and to strategic decision-making at the board level.
Andekile Mlenga
(SO2 Officer)
Andekile Mlenga has worked with MACCO as an Environmental Teacher since 2014. With a strong passion for conservation and community engagement, he has dedicated himself to educating young people on the importance of protecting their natural environment. His long-standing commitment to MACCO reflects not only his dedication to teaching but also his belief in the organization’s mission to foster sustainable environmental stewardship in Tanzania.
Catherine Kimario
(SO2 Coordinator, Kilombero)
Catherine became STEP’s Coexistence and Livelihoods Coordinator in 2024 after previously serving as project officer (2022-2024). She is passionate about community conservation, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and supporting community livelihoods. She holds a BSc in Wildlife Management and is an alum of Grumeti Fund’s Women in the Field program.
Beatrice Lihaku
(SO2, Environmental Educator)
Beatrice is STEP’s in-house environmental teacher, having previously served as an Education Consultant. She teaches an expanding coexistence curriculum for the ULS in 22 schools in Kilombero District. She holds a Bachelor degree in Education and previously taught Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) to primary school students.
Nina Akyoo
(SO2 Officer)
Since joining in October 2024, Nina’s primary responsibilities include providing support for establishing and registering Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) and accurately updating M&E dashboards. Nina holds a B.Sc. in Wildlife Management and is an alumna from Grumeti Fund’s Women in the Field (WIF) program. Outside of her volunteer work, she enjoys reading and photography.
Kepha Mwaviko
(SO2 Officer)
Since joining STEP in 2016, Kepha has been central to human-wildlife coexistence efforts in villages around the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, including the awareness-raising football tournaments, cinema nights, park visits, and supporting financial training for community groups. He also supports research and monitoring activities, and is passionate about birds and trees, having originally trained as a tour guide at Mkuyu Guiding School.
Samwel Haule
(SO4 Field Technician)
UEMC Field Technician with experience in ecological fieldwork and monitoring. He contributes field implementation of camera trapping, vegetation monitoring programs, and supporting conservation efforts, biodiversity assessments, and sustainable wildlife management. Samwel holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture.