Jeremia Matheus' lifelong commitment to nature conservation
From passion to profession
As a ranger, Matheus aims to promote sustainable management practices within local communities, with a focus on both environmental and community welfare.
Jeremia Matheus' deep passion for nature began in his childhood, exploring the vast landscapes of Namibia, particularly Etosha National Park.
"My connection with conservation started during those formative years spent in Etosha," he recalls. His mother, who worked in the park, instilled in him the importance of protecting the environment, sparking a lifelong commitment to conservation.
In 2017, Matheus graduated from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) with a bachelor's in natural resources management, specialising in nature conservation. "I began to recognise that protecting the environment wasn’t just about preserving natural beauty but was intrinsically linked to the well-being of both wildlife and people."
After graduating, he joined the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) as an assistant enumerator.
This role gave him invaluable experience in research, data collection and resource management.
In 2018, he worked as a local guide with Etosha Salt Pan Tours before he joined Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) as a guide in Etosha National Park, further deepening his love for Namibia’s wildlife.
Inspiring a younger generation
By 2021, Matheus became a local guide instructor at the NWR Hospitality Institute, teaching aspiring guides about nature conservation and sustainable tourism. "It has been incredibly rewarding to contribute to shaping the next generation of conservation professionals."
In January 2024, Matheus took on a new challenge as a ranger within the environment ministry under the community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) programme.
"As a ranger, I work to promote sustainable management practices within local communities," he explains, focusing on both environmental and community welfare.
Despite the challenges of language barriers, Matheus continues to push forward, driven by the tangible impact his work has on communities. "What truly inspires me every day in my work is the fact that my job is driving change within the community."
Looking ahead, he aims to pursue a master’s degree in conservation to deepen his knowledge and continue inspiring future generations. "I hope to become a more effective contributor and mentor in environmental awareness."
"My connection with conservation started during those formative years spent in Etosha," he recalls. His mother, who worked in the park, instilled in him the importance of protecting the environment, sparking a lifelong commitment to conservation.
In 2017, Matheus graduated from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) with a bachelor's in natural resources management, specialising in nature conservation. "I began to recognise that protecting the environment wasn’t just about preserving natural beauty but was intrinsically linked to the well-being of both wildlife and people."
After graduating, he joined the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) as an assistant enumerator.
This role gave him invaluable experience in research, data collection and resource management.
In 2018, he worked as a local guide with Etosha Salt Pan Tours before he joined Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) as a guide in Etosha National Park, further deepening his love for Namibia’s wildlife.
Inspiring a younger generation
By 2021, Matheus became a local guide instructor at the NWR Hospitality Institute, teaching aspiring guides about nature conservation and sustainable tourism. "It has been incredibly rewarding to contribute to shaping the next generation of conservation professionals."
In January 2024, Matheus took on a new challenge as a ranger within the environment ministry under the community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) programme.
"As a ranger, I work to promote sustainable management practices within local communities," he explains, focusing on both environmental and community welfare.
Despite the challenges of language barriers, Matheus continues to push forward, driven by the tangible impact his work has on communities. "What truly inspires me every day in my work is the fact that my job is driving change within the community."
Looking ahead, he aims to pursue a master’s degree in conservation to deepen his knowledge and continue inspiring future generations. "I hope to become a more effective contributor and mentor in environmental awareness."
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article