Research updates

Pastoralism and Wildlife Debate

In April, the School of Wildlife Conservation (SOWC) hosted an insightful debate titled "Pastoralism and Wildlife: Advantages and Challenges." This event was a significant platform to discuss the complex relationship between pastoralist communities and wildlife. The discussion focused on critical issues such as loss of connectivity, disease transmission, and livestock predation. Participants shared various strategies for coexistence, emphasizing the importance of preserving pastoralist cultural practices while promoting sustainable development and conservation.

The event provided valuable insights for diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, conservationists, and pastoralist representatives. By highlighting the challenges and opportunities in pastoralism and wildlife coexistence, the discussion underscored the need for collaborative approaches to ensure the sustainability of both pastoralist livelihoods and wildlife conservation efforts. For those who missed the live event, a recording is available on our website. We encourage you to visit and gain deeper insights into the discussion, learn more about our participants, and stay updated on upcoming sessions.

May Training on Nature-Based Tourism in the Blue Economy

In partnership with the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and the Ministry of Tourism, we hosted an immersive training on nature-based tourism in the blue economy in Zanzibar in May. This training, officially opened by Dr. Aboud Jumbe, the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Heritage, Zanzibar, brought together participants from eight of the ten Western Indian Ocean (WIO) countries. These countries included Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, Seychelles, and Tanzania.

The participants represented a diversity of sectors, including private sector dolphin tourism, diving tourism, community-based tourism, government representatives, academia, and others. The training aimed to bring relevant stakeholders together to present and discuss various aspects of nature-based tourism within the blue economy. A highlight of the training was a field trip to Jozani Forest Mangrove Boardwalk and Msonge Organic Farm, which provided practical insights into sustainable tourism practices.

One of the key outputs from the workshop will be the production of a regional report to raise awareness and increase knowledge on nature-based tourism in the blue economy. Additionally, we aim to develop a roadmap to unlock the potential of nature-based tourism in the WIO, with a plan for consistent, comparable data collection on the topic. Through this training, we sought to increase engagement around the blue economy, understand its value, and effectively communicate its benefits.

KAZA TFCA Wildlife Economy Initiatives

Leading up to the recent Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA) Summit held in Livingstone, Zambia, SOWC presented its work on the wildlife economy in the KAZA TFCA at a pre-Summit event organized by WWF. The outputs from this event fed directly into the main Summit, influencing the development of future plans for the TFCA.

As part of the KAZA TFCA Wildlife Economy Project, in partnership with Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation, we will be hosting three virtual validation workshops in the coming months. These workshops will involve stakeholders from Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, aiming to finalize the State of the Wildlife Economy reports for each country, with publication planned for later this year. Alongside these workshops, we will be finalizing the first draft of the wildlife economy framework for the KAZA TFCA, which will be distributed for review later this year before an in-person validation workshop planned for early 2025.

If you would like to participate in any of the virtual workshops or review the framework, please contact Dr. Sue Snyman at ssnyman@alueducation.com. Your input will be invaluable in shaping the future of wildlife economy strategies in the KAZA TFCA region.

June Wildlife Economy Pre-Forum Event at IUCN African Conservation Forum

On June 25th, we co-hosted a Wildlife Economy pre-forum event at the IUCN African Conservation Forum in Nairobi. This session provided an in-depth overview of Africa's wildlife economy, focusing on its foundations, significance, and strategies for unlocking opportunities and addressing challenges. The interactive segment of the session aimed to develop an action plan and a Theory of Change, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to create sustainable economies around conservation areas.

The audience included participants from 16 African countries, representing local and national governments, the private sector, research institutions, and NGOs working in area-based conservation and community landscapes. The discussions and collaborations during this event highlighted the critical role of the wildlife economy in promoting sustainable development and conservation across the continent.

Stay connected with us through our website to learn more about our initiatives, access recordings of past events, and stay updated on upcoming opportunities to engage in our mission of driving sustainable conservation efforts across Africa. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the conservation landscape and the communities that depend on it.

About SOWC

The ALU School of Wildlife Conservation is the first of its kind on the continent, dedicated to growing the next generation of world class conservation leaders in Africa.

The continent needs home grown African leaders to spearhead new and innovative approaches in the business of conservation.

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ALU School of Wildlife Conservation

Bumbogo, Kigali Innovation City, Next to Azam, Kigali, Rwanda
Phone: +250 784 650 219

sowc@alueducation.com