Loswithta Murugane | Darwin Leader

Loswitha Murugane

My name is Loswitha Phiona Murugani, and I am a passionate environmental biologist and conservationist from Zimbabwe. I was born in Gweru and raised in Victoria Falls. Growing up in a rural setting instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife, shaping my future career path. My educational journey began in communal schools, where I completed my primary and secondary education. After finishing high school, I took a gap year internship with Painted Dog Research. This experience was pivotal, working closely with biologists and researchers, I nurtured my passion for environmental studies and biology, solidifying my desire to pursue a career in conservation. Determined to further my education, I moved to Hwange town for my Advanced Level studies, and then enrolled at Chinhoyi University of Technology in Zimbabwe, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biology, majoring in Environmental Biology, and graduated in 2022. Eager to apply my knowledge in the field, I joined Painted Dog Conservation as a Graduate Trainee for two years where I contributed to wildlife research, community outreach, and conservation initiatives. Currently, I am advancing my expertise by pursuing a Master of Philosophy degree in Conservation and Ecology at Lupane State University. My research focuses on sustainable conservation strategies, and I am committed to contributing to Zimbabwe’s environmental protection efforts. With a blend of academic knowledge and hands-on experience, I aspire to make a meaningful impact in biodiversity conservation and ecological sustainability.

LOCATION:	Cape Town	AREA OF STUDY:	Clanwilliam Cedar
NATIONALITY:	Zimbabwe	SPONSOR:
FILMMAKER:	Devin Troll

START DATE:	27th August
END DATE:	2nd September
LOCATION:	Cape Town
END POINT:	Zimbabwe

AREA OF STUDY:	Clanwilliam Cedar
SPONSOR:
FILMMAKER:	Devin Troll

Area of Study: Critically endangered clanwilliam Cedar

The Clanwilliam cedar tree, once abundant in the Cederberg region, became endangered due to overharvesting for construction and industry. Conservation efforts, local initiatives like the Sustainable Cedar Project, began to restore the species. This included seed collection, nursery cultivation, and replanting. Community members, especially elders, shared traditional knowledge about the land, emphasizing the cedar tree’s cultural and ecological significance. Archaeological findings confirmed the tree’s use since the Stone Age.

Youth and elders from local communities actively participate in the cedar restoration project, through nursery work and planting. School programs teach students about conservation and the importance of the fynbos biome especially the endangered Clanwilliam ceder tree. Technology supports the project by monitoring growth conditions and optimizing tree health. The community should have a shared knowledge system that blends scientific and traditional understanding to ensure sustainable practices.

The focus is on sustainable conservation through participatory action research, empowering communities to co-lead ecological restoration. Adaptive management, long-term data collection, and predictive models will guide future efforts. Continued investment in education and integrated, interdisciplinary strategies is crucial to address root causes of environmental degradation and achieve sustainable, long-term transformation.