Timothy Mubeezi is a Ugandan national who is participating in Nature Seychelles international volunteer program on Cousin Island Special Reserve. He shares his experience as an IT professional immersed in nature conservation.
When I arrived on Cousin Island as a volunteer with Nature Seychelles, I was stepping into one of the world’s great conservation success stories. I never imagined I’d find such a powerful synergy between digital knowledge and field-based conservation. Yet here I am, learning, growing, and contributing to the protection of Seychelles’ extraordinary biodiversity.
Each week, I engage in a variety of hands-on conservation activities, from monitoring the Seychelles magpie robin to conducting beach profiling, tortoise censuses, and seabird nesting surveys. These experiences have grounded me in the unique ecological dynamics of island environments and deepened my appreciation of the NGO’s integrated, science-based approach.
I’ve also had the privilege of interacting with inspiring individuals, which has shown me the global reach of Nature Seychelles and the powerful ripple effects of its work.
Food, friendship, & cultural immersions
One of the most unexpected joys of my time on Cousin Island has been the amazing food, and even more so, the friendships formed around it. I had the best BBQ of my life and was also introduced to the most flavourful Creole curry.
A hilarious and memorable part of my time on Cousin Island was walking barefoot – something I hadn’t done in years! At first, it felt strange, but soon it became second nature. There’s something liberating about feeling the sand and soil under your feet as you move through nature.
Then there’s the boat rides. Getting on and off a boat was a completely new experience for me. Back in Uganda, my daily movements were through cars or the motorcycles we call “boda bodas”, all in the middle of traffic jams, street noise, and the city’s hustle and bustle. Life there moves fast and loud.
But on Cousin, it’s the opposite. There are no roads, no horns, no congestion. Just waves, birds, and wide-open space. Adjusting to this rhythm has been eye-opening and refreshing. It’s made me realise how beautiful and grounding simplicity can be.
Tenge: The Island gave me a new name
Because of my outgoing and jovial nature, the wardens gave me a nickname – “Tenge,” shortened from “Teng Teng” the Creole name for the Wright’s Skink, which everyone agrees brings a smile to one’s face. It quickly caught on, and before I knew it, I was answering to it more than my actual name! At one point, I even found myself momentarily forgetting I was ever called anything else.
What made it even more fun was discovering that almost everyone on the island has a nickname. The vibe is friendly and full of character. Back home, I am known as Timo, so “Tenge” felt like a natural island evolution of that. It made me feel instantly welcomed and part of the crew.
And of course, island life itself is something completely different – peaceful, refreshing, and deeply connected to nature. The air is crisp and clean. Cousin Island has no life-threatening species, no fences, no fear, just harmony between people and nature. Living here meant waking up to the gentle call of birds and falling asleep to the soothing rhythm of ocean waves.
Nature Seychelles has offered me a unique platform to serve nature, but also a vision for how conservation can evolve. As a volunteer, I’ve seen how this organisation embodies stewardship, innovation, and collaboration. And as someone passionate about sustainable development, I’m committed to contributing to its mission in whatever ways I can, today and in the future.