In this Peace Parks TV episode, we meet Edson Vilanculos – an inspirational addition to the Peace Parks family. He joins us as the new Fixed Wing Pilot in Limpopo National Park, in Mozambique, and is excited to be covering new ground – from the air!
His journey has been both adventurous and determined. Seeking aviation as his final destination, he took a diversion along the way in discovering a love of wildlife. This has landed him where he is today – pursuing a career that marries the two – and provides him with great opportunities to keep spreading his wings.
Edson’s Dreams Take Shape
Born in Maputo, Edson was bitten by the aviation bug early on in life. A visit to the airport with his uncle, and the sight of a Boeing 737 taking flight, led him to vow to himself that he too would reach great heights and become a pilot one day.
He knew it wouldn’t be an easy, “I was always dreaming of being a pilot, but it was a long way to get there,” he recalls. Financial constraints hindered his pursuit of a pilot’s licence, so his flight path took a detour via guiding foreign tourists on safaris. As his aviation savings fund grew, his aspirations evolved. “I was taking visitors around Kruger National Park in South Africa, and parks around the Kingdom of eSwatini and Mozambique,” says Edson. “That’s when I started gaining my passion for wildlife and protecting animals.”
He took a step closer in 2016, when he completed his cabin crew training in South Africa, followed by a stint as a flight controller. In an unlikely twist of fate, the pandemic and the civil war in northern Mozambique drove him back to Maputo, where he had the chance to complete his pilot training.
Edson’s dedication to his two causes – flying and wildlife – did not go unnoticed. His instructor recognised his passion and introduced him to Peace Parks’ Aviation Manager and Chief Fixed Wing Pilot Hannes van Wyk, highlighting his enthusiasm. Seeing an opportunity to build flight hours towards his commercial license, whilst conserving biodiversity, Edson jumped at the chance to embark on a new Peace Parks journey of self-development and services to wildlife.
Where Aviation and Conservation Meet
Across protected areas, pilots have experienced eyes in the sky, enabling them to vitally guide Peace Parks’ operations. Aerial surveillance in Limpopo National Park provides a picture of ecosystem health and resources, and wildlife movements, from pinpointing water and spotting lions to conducting the recent aerial census. Coordinated and rapid responses between pilots, operations rooms and rangers are also crucial for preventing poaching incursions.
Edson is excited for what lies ahead. “I just want to be close to nature, and be involved in helping Limpopo’s wildlife,” he says. “I understand the threats to animals such as elephants and rhinos, and I want to work alongside the rangers who dedicate their lives to protecting animals in Mozambique, and across Africa.”
Visit peaceparks.org to learn more about Peace Parks’ Conservation at Scale success stories.
