Elizabeth Usen, Nigeria
Like I have been living under a rock all my life; that’s how I feel post TBA.
TBA Kirindy 2016 course opened my eyes to a whole new world of conservation biology and the countless opportunities that abound there. I have always loved nature, been interested in conservation and possessed a range of skills that seemed unrelated at the time; but this course gave me clarity and focus. Meeting both students and teachers who were very passionate about their work, and working with them for one intense month, rubbed off on me in a really good way.
I am not the same person as I was before the course (TBA does that to you). The changes were so subtle that I mostly began to notice them when I got home; in how I now listen for bird songs and calls, watch them to see, which species are common here, how I notice every plant in all the places I go, try to identify them and what phenological phase they are in, how I stop and watch the sun set, how I can sit in the middle of a market in the evening and just watch a very large colony of bats moving and actually be amazed and in how I now deeply appreciate all the people and opportunities I currently have.
Most importantly, I acquired skills that are very useful for conducting my Masters research project. I am currently studying the seasonal patterns of phenology of the plants of Ogba zoo and Nature park in Nigeria. I am so excited about this project because I will be identifying plants, preparing herbarium species and providing a much-needed baseline data for future research.
One of the things that got my attention during the course was how almost every fauna and flora of Madagascar was known and documented and new discoveries continually made. I kept asking myself, “How do you conserve what you do not know?”. So, in addition to my research project, I have decided to visit every nature park and forest reserve in Nigeria at every opportunity I get, find out what’s in them, explore and enjoy every bit of the experience.
I totally loved the hands-on approach to learning that was employed during the course, the discussions, debate and personal projects. I’m sure I’ll never forget all the awesome things I’ve learnt. I’m grateful for all the amazing people I met and the friendships built, the teachers and coordinators that were exceptionally great at their jobs and amazingly down to earth, patient and encouraging.
This experience has changed me in so many ways, changed my priorities and perspectives. I will do my best to ensure it has a ripple effect especially with my new position as a graduate teaching assistant in my state university. Using Dr. Kev’s words, TBA Madagascar 2016 redefined normal for me.
Thank you TBA! Thank you so very much.
Sosongo eti eti.















