Isaac Mujaasi has been appointed as the new Director of Education for the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the International Zoo Educators (IZE).
He will lead the joint education programmes for the two entities.
Mujaasi’s new role involves working with the WAZA Executive Office, IZE Board of Directors, zoo and aquarium educators from WAZA and IZE member institutions, to ensure that effective conservation education programmes and messages are an integral part of the global zoo and aquarium agenda.
He will develop a compelling conservation curriculum for on-line and in-country training that is engaging and creates positive conservation change.
Doug Cress, the WAZA Chief Executive Officer commented that he was delighted to have Isaac Mujaasi on the team.
“I have known Isaac for over 15 years and have always been impressed by his ability to inspire and motivate others to learn. He is a gifted teacher, and a dedicated conservationist. Isaac will have an important role in ensuring conservation education is a priority for WAZA and its members,” Doug Cress said.
On her part, Debra Erickson, the President of IZE said: “Working closely together, WAZA and International Zoo Educators Association (IZE) are focusing on developing international education and interpretive standards which will help create conservation changemakers around the world”.
“Our new Director of Education, Isaac Mujaasi, will help lead this charge as well as provide more training and mentoring opportunities for our members. We are very excited to have Mr. Mujaasi on our team and have no doubt he will help grow our profession and its impact,” added Debra.
Mujaasi previously worked for the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), based in Entebbe, as the Programs and Public Relations Officer.
Reacting to his new role, Mujaasi said he was very excited, adding that it was an absolute privilege and honor.
“I am very excited to have joined WAZA and the IZE as the Director of Education,” Mujaasi said.
“To me, it is an absolute privilege and honour to be able to share my perspective and skills, and to be in the position to help influence behaviour and mindset change through education, to help conserve biodiversity”.
His professional conservation experience spans 18 years, starting as an Animal Keeper at Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Three years later, he made the switch to conservation education. His previous experience also includes managing community development programmes. He has always had a lifelong passion for conservation, and at the age of 13 started a tree planting project in his village.
Mujaasi obtained an MSc in Education for Sustainability from London South Bank University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education, and a degree in Tourism and History from Makerere University in Kampala.
With its Executive Office based in Barcelona, Spain, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) promotes cooperation between zoological gardens and aquariums with regard to the conservation, management and breeding of animals in human care as well as encouraging the highest standards of animal welfare and husbandry.
It also promotes and coordinates cooperation between national and regional associations.