Albert Musando: Inviting nature into our lives

ALBERT MUSANDO's eats, drinks and sleeps nature, he tells GARDY CHACHA how he owes his marriage to nature...well and many other things.

Your best memories of 2015 as we start 2016?

Being part of the change process where I work. It is always sweet to be in the history books of any successful institution.

So, you are paid to tour and watch over nature?

That is right. I would call it to interact and give Mother Nature a helping hand. I am the manager in charge of Haler Park. This is the sweet part of it. Participating and supporting my team through presence.

But the bit on roaming around Haler Park must be fun?

It is the greatest fun because it is exciting and more refreshing. I have first-hand knowledge of the dynamics of the ecosystems. The park is a reclaimed ecosystem realised through rehabilitation and biodiversity conservation.

When you look at this tortoise, what goes through your mind?

That nature connects humans through many creatures. That we have a responsibility to mould and shape the environment in which we live.

If this is work for you I would like to know your hobby

Interestingly my hobby is so tied to nature. I love environmental photography. You will likely find me taking photos of landscapes, vegetation, insects, features etc. Outdoors is my love.

Did you always want to be an environment guy?

I dream’t of being many things, including a Catholic Priest...I even attempted to become a missionary priest (laughter).

How then did you find yourself chasing after butterflies?

I have realised that my loving parents raised me to love the environment and that is exactly what happened. The passion has graduated from loving and being in a beautiful environment to participating in the creation of healthy environment through solving environmental challenges.

That sounds so technical?

Not if you put your mind to it.

Have you ever attempted to bring your wife over to the park?

I have many times.

How did she react?

She was scared of taking ticks home. She finds nothing special about caring for snakes. She now loves the place. But my daughter is the darling of animals and the environment. Now, my wife is scared of millipedes while my daughter finds them fun to play with.

Did your love for nature contribute in your choice of wife?

We met while she was carrying out a study on our ecotourism activities. She required my input. And that’s how I met her.

The park does look like a place to pitch up romance: what do you think?

In fact this is the cradle of romance. This place will give you serious mileage. This is a place where you take your spouse and you fall in love again.

If I understand you well, you enjoy this job so much?

It’s no longer just a job but a life. It is so embedded in my system that it truly defines me. It is a life occupation rich in social science, biological science and physical sciences that brings me the many brothers and sisters that define my life.

Other than the job what else makes you happy?

My family.

Why is that?

We do a lot of nature walks with my family. My wife and my daughter bring me so much joy. They are the quiet force behind my momentum. Others include taking outdoor photographs, a bit of martial arts, substantial reading and a bit of travelling.

If you never became an environmentalist, what else would you have preferred?

A university lecturer – teaching within the scopes of environment.

Your New Year resolution?

Focus only on the things I am good at.