Meet our team

Wiston Mtandamo

Field Programmes Manager, Ruaha

Wiston is the Field Programmes Manager for Lion Landscapes in Ruaha, Tanzania, where he leads the implementation of conservation programmes across the landscapes. With expertise in community engagement, conservation project management, and field research, Wiston has built a career dedicated to strengthening coexistence between people and large carnivores by supporting solutions that benefit both communities and wildlife.

Wiston’s journey with Lion Landscapes began in 2020 as a Research Assistant, followed by his role as Community Engagement Officer in 2021, before advancing to Field Programmes Manager in 2022. Over these years, he has helped coordinate multi-year programmes addressing human–wildlife conflict, combining research, community partnerships and practical conservation action.

He holds a BSc in Chemistry and Biology, and began his career as a secondary school teacher before transitioning into conservation. His scientific background, teaching experience and close connection to the Ruaha-Iringa landscape have shaped his approach to conservation, particularly his belief in the importance of working alongside communities to develop lasting solutions. His motivation stems from witnessing the challenges of habitat fragmentation and human–wildlife conflict in his home region in Ruaha-Iringa, inspiring him to dedicate his career to solutions that benefit both communities and ecosystems.

Beyond conservation, Wiston enjoys spending time with local communities, exploring Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, and sharing his passion for wildlife with family and friends. His work embodies Lion Landscapes’ mission: making large carnivore conservation valuable to people, locally and globally.