EPHRAIM LOMBE:

Senior Community Conservation Officer

From forestry to people – Ephraim Lombe’s conservation career so far has shown that diversity can be the key to seeing the bigger picture more clearly. “I love a lot of things about my work. My job is dynamic. Conservation not only brings job satisfaction; it also provides a fulfilling satisfying life. It is, however, important to keep an open mind, be humble and learn different skills.”

“I have always been interested in science and growing up, I wanted to be an environmental scientist dealing with climate change. I’ve always believed that plants were the lungs of the earth, and this belief was my driving force.”

Ephraim wanted to study ecology but found that forestry was the closest option available. “I decided to take it up and see where it would lead me – even though I was set on becoming an ecologist handling climate change.” After completing his studies, he worked as a GIS and Environmental Consultant, where he dealt with scientific and technological support, with very limited community and social issues. When NLCP advertised for a position as a community conservation officer, he jumped at the opportunity to further develop in the field.

The new position required him to learn fast. His diverse background came in handy because, he says, communities themselves are diverse entities. “Communities are made up of different individuals with varying personal interests, all facing their own challenges. This job forces me to handle different issues. I travel a lot and interact with the needs of both the community and wildlife. Conservation has now become more of a long and exciting vacation to me than a job.”

“If communities are not willing to conserve, will other conservation strategies actually take effect or be sustainable? The community is at the center of conservation. My role is to ensure that conservation strategies have community buy-in and participation.”