Awarded in 2025
Based in Djupagodo Gissi Village, Mokambo Chiefdom, Mahagi Territory, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo
Umirambe Wathum Yozadak was recognised as a 2025 Kilimo Environmental Prize laureate for his commitment to restoring degraded land, reconnecting forest ecosystems and safeguarding biodiversity in one of the most ecologically significant regions of Ituri Province. His work stands as a powerful example of how local action can deliver lasting environmental recovery while building resilience for people and nature in a changing climate.
As a community conservation leader, his work focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems and rebuilding ecological connectivity across the Lendu Plateau landscape. From Djupagodo Gissi Village in Mokambo Chiefdom, he has dedicated his land and labour to the protection of soil, water sources and forests in a region increasingly affected by deforestation, land fragmentation and climate stress.
His conservation approach addresses key ecosystem restoration priorities. He works to rehabilitate soils, protect water recharge areas and safeguard watersheds that sustain both agriculture and household water supply. By preventing pollution of water bodies and defending land against destructive activities, including those linked to extractive pressures, he contributes to the long term protection of groundwater reserves and community forests. His efforts support the establishment of locally protected zones that preserve ecological integrity while securing community access to clean water and productive land.
A central feature of his work is large scale native tree planting. By restoring degraded land with indigenous species, he reconnects isolated forest patches and rebuilds vital ecosystems that were previously fragmented. This restoration strategy creates forest corridors that allow wildlife to move safely across the landscape, adapt to climate change and maintain genetic diversity. These corridors are particularly important in the Lendu Plateau, where forests are under pressure from agricultural expansion and land degradation.
His restoration work is concentrated within the ecological corridor linking the Kakoi River, Koda and Gbana areas in Ruvinaga, extending toward Mount Abora and the Bena forest complex in Ituri Province. This landscape supports significant biodiversity and plays a critical role in regional climate regulation. By reconnecting these areas, Umirambe helps create continuous habitats that reduce the risk of local species extinction and strengthen ecosystem resilience.
The impact of Umirambe’s work is visible on the ground. Degraded and fragmented land has been transformed into thriving, interconnected forest systems. Native trees stabilise soils, reduce erosion, improve water infiltration and restore microclimates that support agriculture and wildlife alike. Birds, insects and other species have returned, signalling ecological recovery and improved habitat quality.
His leadership demonstrates how community led restoration can address both local needs and broader conservation goals. His work contributes to climate adaptation by strengthening ecosystem functions, enhancing landscape connectivity and protecting natural buffers against environmental shocks. At the same time, it supports livelihoods by securing water resources, improving soil fertility and sustaining the natural systems on which rural communities depend.
