My journey towards becoming an Assessor started with MPA Pro certification in 2010. Previously I thought of myself as all round officer, little did I know about comprehensive MPA management requires. I was involve in a few of MPA work such as going for patrol, schools for awareness and involves in research work. I knew what to do but not why. So during application process, I was assisted by our managers, because I did not know for sure how fill even the application form. I didn’t know the difference between certificate and certification. A lot of things happened, the bottom line is, and the processes was an eye opening. I learnt that without adequate and effectively implemented plan MPA management would be incapable of achieving Sustainability. It requires staff who have capability to support implementation of MPA’s policies, plans and strategies for proper management. Those capabilities concept, includes doing activities that go beyond the execution of the law. Coming for Kenya wildlife services that was the only concept I was so familiar with.

I became professional level one, my work responsibility change and stated involved in management work. I went ahead for level two, of which I deed not meet the standard. It took me, years of work and improve on weak point, before I could final achieved level two in 2017. Well fellow staffs wanted to apply for certification, so they approach me for advice. Laster it was clear, almost everybody would request me to explain was is certification, and how is it active. I decided to dedicate my time to share with others potential candidate. This also give me time to improve not only others staff knowledge and skills but also mine.

I learnt to the key to achieve certification is to focus on what is specified on Range Statement. The knowledge and skills are clearly stipulated. I stated doing self and colleagues’ evaluation on competences. I assisted many fellow staffs improving their competence, whether it basic or sound understanding. Some competence requires evidence of application. I thought I was read for Assessors career. In 2018, I got an invitation as a “guest observer” in preparation. This was more of learning phase for Me. It was the introductory time, I was given small task under supervision of Doctor Tuda. In 2022 went for full Assessors training, at Diani, Kenya. I leant that, there is more tasks involve that just evaluating a candidate and scoring. Assessor is a advice-giver, a monitor and a guidance counselor. I also learnt that applicants are never rejected regardless, but are assess their likelihood to meet the inception. No one is left behind, all received guidance on was forward. The Assessor work is beings with Educating people, then reviewing application. After that, most people do not know, I didn’t know either, that the Assessor works with both Successful and unsuccessful Applicants. The goal is to not only to evaluating candidates but to positively assist MPA’s staff to become better version of the selves, in terms of knowledge possession, Technical and hands on skills.

On Assessment process is tedious because it involve guidance at the same time within a limited time. But it worth it. From personal experience, Competence are tied to MPA management requirement. We had a few (Wio-compas) certified individual at Kisite MPA. We were behind the MPA attaining Blue park Status. I won African Ranger of the year 2018, World Ranger of the year 2021 the same year our MPA was Blue listed. In 2023, Indianapolis Zoo announces nominees for worldwide wildlife conservation prize of which I was among the finalist. I would like to emphases that Wiocompas give opportunity to learn understand and to apply all what is necessary in my career. I has happened to other staff in our MPA.

The whole process is so fulfilling and would recommend colleagues to take a step forward. Rick Flare’s (WWE) famous quote, “If you want to be a Man, you have to beat a Man”. I proposed that “if you want to be an MPA Pro, you must be certifiable”.

My Motivation to Become an Assessor

After being a candidate myself in WIO-COMPAS, I felt a strong pull to “cross to the other side of the barrier” and give back in the same way others had once supported me. Becoming an Assessor is, for me, about walking alongside candidates—supporting them closely and effectively as they navigate their certification journey and helping them succeed.

Lessons from the Field

The most rewarding part of this role is seeing candidates, no matter their starting point, reach their potential. I have been deeply moved not only by the most talented candidates achieving certification but also by those who struggled yet found the resilience to overcome their difficulties and succeed. Through these assessments, I’ve discovered the remarkable talents of young professionals in the Western Indian Ocean, their determination to do good for their countries, and their deep commitment to conservation—even when working under difficult and fragile circumstances.

My Contribution and the Value of WIO-COMPAS

I believe WIO-COMPAS plays a vital role in strengthening conservation effectiveness in our region. Certification allows candidates to recognize both their strengths and the skills they need to further develop, ultimately equipping them to better manage and conserve marine protected areas. The peer review process is especially important because it not only highlights the exceptional skills already present in the region but also helps identify capacity gaps and training needs, ensuring that local expertise continues to grow.

Personal Reflections

This role has been transformative for me. It has shown me how much I value supporting and mentoring others, and it has reinforced my own approach as a manager: to recognize and celebrate the skills my team already has while guiding them to grow further and reach greater heights. WIO-COMPAS has not only allowed me to contribute to the next generation of MPA PROs but has also strengthened my own leadership and sense of purpose.

My WIO-COMPAS Journey – From Field Work to Professional Recognition

My name is Theodora Regnald, and I work with the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit of Tanzania at the Tanga station (TACMP) as a Marine Conservation Assistant. For the past 10 years, I have been involved in patrolling, research, community engagement, and developing SOPs for Village Liaison Committees, while collaborating with partners such as WCS, WWF, Mwambao, and Sea Sense on sea turtle conservation.

These years gave me strong practical skills in MPA management, leadership, and problem-solving. I organized beach cleanups with hoteliers and community leaders, coordinated with multiple stakeholders, and found solutions to keep activities moving despite resource challenges. Yet, I had never tested my skills against recognized professional standards.

That is why I applied for WIO-COMPAS. I saw it as more than a certification it was an opportunity to validate my experience, gain recognition, and connect with other MPA professionals in the Western Indian Ocean.

The assessment was both challenging and rewarding. It required me to demonstrate not only my knowledge but also how I applied it in real situations whether leading patrols, engaging communities, or managing conservation initiatives. It pushed me to reflect on my journey and appreciate the value of my adaptability and leadership.

Becoming an MPA PRO Level 1 in 2020 was a turning point. The recognition boosted my confidence, raised my professional visibility, and motivated me to pursue higher education. I went on to earn a degree in Marine Sciences, transforming my practical field experience into a foundation for becoming a marine scientist.

To me, WIO-COMPAS is not just a certificate it is a transformative journey that strengthens individuals, builds professional networks, and ensures our marine protected areas are managed by skilled and dedicated hands.

My WIO-COMPAS Journey

I am Hashim Karambo Kilawi, a Marine Conservation Officer in Marine Parks and Reserves, Tanzania and Mafia Island Marine Park is my working station.

My journey to WIO-COMPAS certification was driven by a deep desire to grow professionally and demonstrate my competencies in marine protected area (MPA) management. Having worked at the Mafia Island Marine Park since 2010, I saw WIO-COMPAS as a timely opportunity to validate years of field experience, learning, and leadership in marine conservation. I expected that the process would not only challenge me, but also affirm the impact of my work over the past decade—and it did exactly that.

The Experience Itself

In most cases, during the assessment, I was thoroughly impressed by the professionalism of the assessors. They created an environment that was both rigorous and respectful. I was particularly impressed by how the process went beyond paperwork to truly assess practical competencies—whether it was in stakeholder engagement, ecological monitoring, or adaptive management strategies like those used in our Sustainable Adaptive Management (SAM) program at the park. The process pushed me to reflect critically on my practices, decisions, and leadership style. It affirmed my strengths but also helped me identify areas for continued growth.

After the Certification

The certification has significantly boosted my confidence and visibility, both locally and regionally. It has opened up networking opportunities with other MPA professionals in the WIO region and sparked new collaborations on marine conservation and research. Being recognised as a certified MPA PRO has given me a renewed sense of responsibility and motivation to mentor others, especially the younger generation of conservationists in Tanzania.

Why WIO-COMPAS Matters

To anyone considering applying: go for it. The process is a true test of your knowledge, experience, and dedication—but it’s also a powerful platform for growth and recognition. WIO-COMPAS helps bridge the gap between field experience and professional standards. For MPAs, recognising professional competence is vital—it builds trust, accountability, and ensures that conservation efforts are led by capable, informed, and committed individuals. In a region as ecologically rich and vulnerable as the WIO, that kind of leadership is non-negotiable.

I applied for WIO-COMPAS Level 2 certification for two reasons- firstly to understand what it would demand from candidates in terms of time and effort, so that I could provide support to future Mozambican candidates with their applications, and development of presentations and portfolios of evidence. Secondly- because I truly wanted to attain this prestigious certification as part of my personal career development.

The Assessment Event was perfectly-paced, and gave candidates multiple opportunities to increase their scores. The real challenge for me was listing and describing evidence and experience of each of the competencies that comprise the WIO-COMPAS (before the event) as part of the application process- this took a great deal of time. The event also provided me with an opportunity to get to know my fellow candidates, and has strengthened the connections between us- professionally and personally. I will definitely be looking to Vanessa as a future collaborator in my work going forward, and as a prospective authority in Mozambique’s Marine Conservation industry.

I encourage MPA professionals who are serious about enhancing their management contributions to marine conservation to apply for WIO-COMPAS certification- I can say with certainty that the process will amplify an individual’s ability to manage MPAs effectively and their perceptiveness of self and of their staff’s capacity development needs. The Certification is more than just a measure of a MPA professional’s competencies, it encourages healthy introspection and personal growth, and unlocks inactive potential.