MACCO works with key partners to deliver training and strengthen conservation capacity. A core focus is collaboration with the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, supporting data sharing, improving monitoring systems, and providing hands-on field training to enhance staff skills and effectiveness. The trainings included:
- Community-based capacity building, conducted for village committee members and aimed at empowering them with the knowledge and skills required to effectively monitor and oversee the implementation of conservation projects within their respective villages.
- Protected Area Effectiveness Workshop, a joint training with STEP focused on strengthening conservation outcomes through adaptive management, providing practical tools to plan, manage, monitor, and improve protected area performance.
- Specialized ranger training, a two-day intensive course led by STEP conducted to enhance rangers’ knowledge of local biodiversity and strengthen their skills in effective patrol planning and management.
- Botanical Gardens & Ecological Restoration, a training led by Reforest Africa to raise awareness on biodiversity conservation, promote the development and management of botanical gardens, and strengthen community involvement in restoring and protecting wildlife corridors.
Staff capacity building
MACCO invests in staff capacity through targeted trainings in entrepreneurship, marketing, proposal writing, and communication, as well as internal systems and procedures. These efforts strengthen skills, improve performance, and support organizational sustainability.
The team also provides ongoing technical and field support to conservation authorities, contributing to ecological monitoring activities and strengthening collaboration in park management.
Higher Education & Training
We support the next generation of conservation professionals by providing access to higher education at both national and international levels, field-based learning, and international study opportunities. Through academic partnerships and mentorship, we help build local expertise and long-term capacity in environmental management.
Summer Schools & Study Abroad Programmes
Our research centre hosts international field courses and study programs that combine theory with hands-on experience in tropical ecosystems. In particular the course introduces participants to the ecology of East African rainforest and savanna systems, combining theoretical components with extensive fieldwork on biodiversity monitoring, species identification and conservation challenges. Through practical exercises, students gain direct experience with tropical field methods and learn about the roles and interactions of major plant and animal groups native to the region, while working alongside researchers in real-world conditions. These programs bring together participants from across the globe, fostering collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting nature. As part of the University of Copenhagen’s standard course evaluation procedure, students provide feedback on the programme, which results to be highly positive. Participants highlight the value of combining lectures, laboratory activities and field components, including a three-night camping experience within the national park.