Primate Expertise (PEx) is thrilled to echo the warm welcome extended by our partner, Wild Earth Allies (WEA), to Dr. Deo Kujirakwinja, who joins the team as the new Technical Advisor for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In this vital role, Dr. Kujirakwinja will collaborate closely with PEx to advance community-based primate conservation across some of the region’s most critical and biodiverse landscapes. Widely respected for his leadership across the DRC and the broader Great Lakes region, he brings more than two decades of invaluable experience guiding impactful conservation efforts in vital areas such as Virunga, Kahuzi-Biega, Maiko, and Itombwe.
The announcement of his appointment has been met with an outpouring of enthusiasm and high praise from colleagues, students, and the global biodiversity community, underscoring his reputation as an exceptional scientist, professor, and mentor. Described by peers as a seasoned expert of remarkable competence, Dr. Kujirakwinja’s profound dedication to conservation serves as a powerful inspiration. For many, his extensive research has long been a foundational source for stories highlighting DRC’s unique biodiversity.
As he steps into this new chapter, the collective sentiment from collaborators, mentees, and supporters is one of profound pride and shared expectation. The community looks forward to his leadership with great hope, confident that his professional expertise will significantly elevate our ongoing missions.
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Kujirakwinja into the unified PEx-WEA family. Together, we are excited to embark on this journey, confident that his presence will inspire fruitful work, foster regional growth, and deliver meaningful successes for primate conservation in DRC and beyond. Please join us in wishing him a long, successful, and impactful tenure.
