In this interview, Sarah from Kijani Pamoja reflects on her experience in the inaugural BIRA Accelerator, highlighting how BIRA supported her team’s mission of community-led biodiversity conservation. Despite challenges such as limited resources and networks, she explains how the accelerator unlocked financing for her through funder exposure, mentorship, and capacity building. She also shares her vision for the future of conservation in Africa, emphasizing the importance of grassroots action, strategic partnerships, enhanced access to sustainable financing mechanisms, and policy frameworks.