Overview
Emildo Patrício Vilanculo is MMF’s Country Manager in Mozambique, where he has led the organization’s people and operations for more than six years. His work spans human resources, staff development, administration, operational planning, and supporting MMF’s conservation programs across its different locations.
With a background in Human Resources Management, Emildo works closely with field teams, government institutions, local communities, and other stakeholders to support effective and sustainable conservation operations. He is particularly passionate about people development and building strong teams and systems that enable conservation work to thrive.
Education
2020 Bachelor’s Degree, Human Resources Management
Universidade Aberta ISCED (UnISCED), Maxixe, Mozambique
Biography
Born and raised in Vilankulos, a small coastal town in Mozambique, Emildo grew up with the ocean practically at his doorstep. He learned to swim at an early age, and the sea became a natural part of his world. His path into marine conservation began when he met Sarah Bishop and Andrea Marshall, who introduced him to MMF and the Nemos Pequenos Program. Inspired by the work, he volunteered for two years.
In 2016, Emildo was invited to attend a Learn to Swim Instructor Training in South Africa, marking the beginning of his professional journey with MMF. What started as a Swimming Instructor role in Bazaruto gradually evolved into a career spanning more than a decade, taking him from working directly in the field to leading MMF’s people and operations in Mozambique.
Outside of MMF, Emildo enjoys spending time with his family, walking along the beach, trying new cooking recipes, and exploring ideas that could create greater opportunities for young people and local communities.
