Mariri Environmental and Skills training Centre
In 2012, a long-term dream started to become a reality with the building of an environmental and skills training centre in Niassa Reserve, named Mariri by the community for the mountain that is its backdrop. The training centre is being built on the banks of the Lugenda River, in the intensive study area where we work.
The Camp Mariri will be run by Mozambicans for Mozambicans. Our vision is to foster a positive relationship between Niassa’s people and wildlife conservation through bush visits, conservation education, and practical training in alternative and sustainable livelihoods. The aim is to build a place where local children and adults feel comfortable and safe and can enjoy a unique experience imbued with the spirit of the Niassa wilderness.
The first phase of construction of the Mariri Environmental Centre took place in 2012 and we plan to be finished by the end of 2014. So far, we have completed the office, storeroom, deck, our conservation manager’s house, and laid the foundation for the five cottages for visiting children and teachers. Amazingly, this was all built by 22 unskilled men from Mbamba Village as a 6-month skills training course under the tutelage of two expert builders, one from Mozambique and one from Kenya, and our pro-bono architect, Romina Gaona. The men learned masonry, brick making, carpentry, plumbing, and thatching. The construction team received certificates for skills learned in November 2012 and have been rehired as builders in 2013 each taking responsibility for their “own” buildings in 2014 with a new team learning skills. ‘Seven’ makes the baobab rope for the roof, Mzee Tualibu makes the axe handles from old vehicle springs, and Mzee Iweni makes the bamboo screens. More than 38 local women have been paid for collecting and combing thatching grass. This is a combined effort.
The heart of the Environmental Centre is an open-air theatre and refectory/eating area reached by a series of winding, interpretive paths that reveal secrets of the bush at every corner. All buildings are simply designed and made from local, natural materials – stone, bamboo, timber, and eco-blocks. Vocational training for adults will be a primary part of the Environmental Centre's mission going forward. We will also be hosting field visits for children and teachers from schools within Niassa Reserve.
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Three important activities will be run from the Centre:
- Bush visits
Despite living in Niassa all their lives, most children, adults, and teachers will be visiting the bush for the very first time! During their one- to three-day trips, children and teachers may see hippo, impala, waterbuck, lion, buffalo and other wildlife. They will climb an inselberg and listen to the quiet of the bush, learn about fishing activities, and contribute to a conservation project. Field visits will primarily target children nine years and older from schools throughout Niassa Reserve and their teachers. Field visits by adult teachers, village elders, and government and district officials will also be encouraged. The bush visits activities will be coordinated with local teachers, Reserve and district management, and independent conservationists.
- Skills development workshops for adults.
here are 8,000 adult men living within Niassa Reserve, but only approximately 350 are officially employed. Almost no women have employment. Community members will identify skills that they are interested in learning and will receive training from experts. They will also learn simple business skills such as price setting and record keeping. Training will focus on practical skills that can contribute to a family’s livelihood without requiring a Grade 12 education. Skills training might include construction, auto mechanics, guest services, driving, river and field guiding, tracking, bicycle repair, cooking, thatching, brick construction, gardening, local crafts, chicken and egg production, and more.
- Conservation training and local and regional meetings.
Local farmers from other villages will visit Mariri to take part in field trainings and workshops led by Mbamba farmers with test plots in Mbamba village. These workshops will show other farmers conservation agriculture, elephant beehive fences, living fences, livestock breeding etc. Camp Mariri also provides a neutral place for community meetings.
The Mariri Environmental Centre is a collaborative venture. We could not possibly do this alone. Our Mozambican partners include the Niassa management team, the District Director of Education, and Mbamba teachers. The Houston Zoo Conservation Program and Wildlife Conservation Network have partnered with us to fundraise to make this dream a reality. Anadarko has provided materials and funding support. Boabab Construction provided cement. Predator Conservation Trust donated a hand brick press. The Houston Zoo Conservation Program is also assisting in the development of a 3-day field activity plan, including the alignment of the activities with the Mozambican standard of education for participating age groups, the development of staff training for program delivery, and creation of message points at the Environmental Centre.
Help with funding is critical to get this Center built. Donate here