For over 15 years, Miguel Gonçalves has been Park Warden of the Maputo National Park in Mozambique, which encompasses the well-established Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, an area known for its healthy shark and ray populations. Having a strong connection with nature and wildlife since childhood, Miguel has a strong understanding of both ecological and social systems, considering both as integral components in the successful management of a protected area. Miguel’s incredible efforts and successes within this Park have been recognized through several awards, including the African Ranger Award in 2018 – a prestigious award for rangers in Africa who “go beyond the call of duty in the battle against wildlife crime” and the 2022 prestigious Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa in recognition of his “outstanding contribution to conservation”. Miguel’s knowledge, experience, and dedication to managing a successful Park, place him perfectly to deliver a keynote presentation at the 8^th Southern African Shark and Ray Symposium, particularly under the theme of Spatial management of sharks and rays. Miguel is based in Maputo National Park, Mozambique.