Connections: building bridges for a shared mission
Behind every successful project lies not only dedication and passion, but also a strong network of connections. Our work in Debre Libanos would not have been possible without the collaboration, support, and trust of many different partners who joined forces to make this ambitious endeavor a reality.
At the heart of this network stand the University of Pisa and the University of Addis Ababa. Each brought something unique and irreplaceable to the table: Pisa provided resources, tools, and international visibility, while Addis Ababa contributed its deep understanding of the local context, cultural knowledge, and the ability to navigate the complexities of working in Ethiopia. One without the other could not have achieved what we accomplished together.
Beyond these two pillars, we are grateful for the essential support of the administrative offices of the University of Pisa and the Ethiopian institutions, especially the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA). Their guidance through bureaucratic processes ensured that our work always respected the laws, values, and priorities of the country that hosts us.
Equally crucial has been the trust of our European zoo partners, who believed in this project from the very beginning. Their financial support provided the foundation upon which we were able to grow, long before the project had fully taken shape. We also acknowledge with gratitude the contributions of the Leakey Foundation and the Erasmus+ KA171 program, which covered field expenses and enabled a continuous exchange of researchers between Ethiopia and Italy. These exchanges enriched not only data collection, but also video analyses, statistical work, and genetic studies, truly connecting all phases of the research process.
Last but not least, we owe much to the people who supported us in the field on a daily basis. From Birhanu, our driver, who ensured we could move swiftly and independently across challenging terrain, to Kabbe, our cultural mediator, who helped us build bridges with local authorities and communities, explaining the value of our work in places where geladas are often seen only as crop-raiding pests. Their commitment turned obstacles into opportunities and made us feel at home in a land that is both demanding and generous.
This project is, at its core, a story of connections. It is the proof that only by working together, across countries, institutions, and people, can we hope to understand, protect, and celebrate the complex ties that unite humans, wildlife, and cultures.