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Positive Impact. Together.

‘Nawiri’ is Kiswahili for ‘to flourish, thrive’, reflecting our vision of creating a future where vital ecosystems and local communities thrive together.

Responsible Travel. Positive Impact. Reimagined Together. Dear Reader,

In this publication, we are thrilled to share with you a collection of inspiring stories and insights from the Nawiri Group. Together with the local communities and expert partners we are all working on realising one vision: to protect and restore some of the most vital natural ecosystems in the world and to improve the opportunities and livelihoods of the people living in and around these amazing wilderness areas.

Helen Gichochi, MBS, OGW Board Member, Chair of Impact & Sustainability Committee Nawiri Group

Our group is more than just a travel company. We are a platform that connects responsible travellers with impactful initiatives, creating positive change at scale. For over 25 years, we have taken our guests along on our journey; not only immersing them in the awe-inspiring beauty of some of the world’s last great big-game ecosystems, but also giving them a first-hand experience of the challenges and initiatives of how to protect these areas and alleviate poverty in these wild areas.

Impact is in our DNA. Since inception, we’ve supported national parks, community-led conservancies, local communities and governments with many initiatives and millions of dollars in their efforts to safeguard and manage these natural ecosystems that are essential for our planet and improve the livelihoods and opportunities of the people living in and around these areas. Habitat loss, climate change, and rural poverty present more persistent, urgent and existential threats than ever before. We, along with our partners, are uniquely positioned to respond. With the backing of long-term impact investors, we have embarked on a new chapter in our journey since COVID. We are scaling up our work with expert partners to drive a paradigm shift that structurally improve the future prospects of these great ecosystems and their custodian communities. We’re poised at a critical juncture, where community agency can catalyse lasting change. Many of the stories within these pages reflect the transformative experiences that beckon us to act, and the vast opportunities for impact at scale that await. I invite you to join us on this journey, engage with these stories, and become an advocate for the change we’re fostering. Together, we can shift the trajectory toward a future where ecosystems and communities don’t just survive — they thrive. Yours,

Helen Gichochi

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A Brief History

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Conservation reimagined

028

Vital Ecosystems

042

Female change makers

056

Carbon beyond emissions

062

Books aren’t enough

072

People and wildlife together

008

Positive Impact Together

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Challenges

036

Rewriting the rules

050

The cost of conservation

060

Carbon Tanzania

070

Kamitei Foundation

080

Honeyguide Foundation

082

Maa Trust

088

The lifeblood of the Maasai

100

Six Rivers Africa

112

Keeping the peace

126

The impact of safari travel

130

Invitation to engage

084

The silicon savannah

094

A path forward in the wilderness

102

Innovating for coexistence

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Conservation credentials

128

Asilia Africa

A brief history

With over two decades of experience in community driven conservation, Nawiri Group brings together travel companies, communities and expert partners to improve the prospects of some of Africa’s most iconic natural ecosystems, making both nature and people thrive.

1992 1987

Oliver’s Camp founded

Rekero Camp founded

2004

Asilia formed through merger of upscale family-owned safari companies with a combined 115 years of operating experience

1990

Sokwe founded as mobile camps outfitter for Ker & Downey , safari guides

2005 1998

2009

Honeyguide Foundation founded, with support of Asilia

Formation of the first Guiding School in the Maasai Mara, Koiyaki Guiding School

Go2Africa formed as leading online resource for safari travel

2012

Asilia became a Cerified B Corporation as the first hospitality / travel company in Africa. First sustainable safari/lodge company in Africa to receive a 5-star rating for sustainability from GIIRS

2013

Norfund joins Asilia as an investor

2010

Asilia were founding partners in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, a partnership between over 500 local community landowners

2013

Asilia is founding partner and seed funder of MMWCA - Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association

2014

Asilia is winner of the prestigious global `Tourism for Tomorrow’ award by the World Travel & Tourism Council

2017

2022

2020

Covid crisis funding stakeholder/ partner for the Mara together with LGT VP, Band Foundation, Conservation Internations, GIZ, TNC, Tusk, Virgin Unite, Lion Recovery Fund, Oak Foundation, and Maliasilli

2022

Usangu wetlands research project started with Norfund and Six Rivers Africa

Usangu Expedition Camp launched

2019

Arrival of first electric, solar-powered safari vehicle which joined the fleet at Ol Pejeta Technology Bush Camp in partnership with Bazaruto, northern Kenya Go2Africa and Asilia

2018

Nawiri Group established as impact and collaboration platform, including long-term financial commitments by Norfund, LGT, Indahl Family, Sinding Family and co-founders.

2022

Opening of Wildlife Tourism College of Maasai Mara, with key Nawiri Group financial backers leading funding

2023

Nawiri Foundation secures funding for impact-at-scale

2023

Nawiri Group and individual brands certified as B Corps

Positive impact together

Key individuals working on the frontline of communityled initatives in ecosystem protection share their views.

Sam Shaba

Phoebe Nadupoi

PROGRAMS MANAGER HONEYGUIDE FOUNDATION

CHIEF COMMS. & FUNDRAISING OFFICER, MARA CONSERVANCIES

Conservation in Africa is already rooted in community. These natural ecosystems still exist because people have looked after them for generations. We can’t teach communities how to be guardians of the land, they already know that better than anyone. The issue now is one of space; despite the vastness of these ecosystems, we can’t divide these landscapes into separate areas for humans and wildlife. If communities are really in the driving seat, they take ownership of the challenges and the solutions; they see the value of conservation in their lives; they will protect the natural resources. And we know community-driven conservation solutions are always cheaper and more sustainable than the alternatives. One of the biggest barriers we face is a negative narrative around community led conservation, and the misconception that we need to intervene. We need to take success stories as proof of concept, then fund and support community approaches.

It’s not just important, it’s essential for communities to directly benefit from conservation for it to be sustainable. Kenya is a signatory to the High Ambition Coalition and is committed to setting 30% of land aside for conservation. Right now, there is no additional land that the government can set aside without including areas that are owned by individuals or communities. They have to be beneficiaries. A recent study showed that 83.4% of wildlife in the Mara was found outside of the National Game Reserve demonstrating how important community land is in terms of conserving wildlife and biodiversity. Working together with communities we can balance the need of protection with maintaining traditional lifestyles, whilst also providing them with guaranteed income from leasing the land and other benefits. Currently we are working to increase the land area protected by the conservancy model, and bring in further benefits, and revenue diversification to the people who live within this space.

Godson Mollel

Sheila Makindara

Supuk Olekao

POSITIVE IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER, ASILIA

HEAD OF COMMUNITY, SIX RIVERS AFRICA

MANAGER, MAKAME WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Benefiting people through education, decision-making, and financial benefits, has the greatest impact for positive change. It’s important to engage with communities in all conservation activities because it is people who can choose to destroy the environment around them or build a sustainable future for it and in doing so, themselves. They must be involved in the conversation and direction of action to ensure that nature is protected. When people are not involved, they are less inclined to look after the wildlife because it has less value to them. Barriers include a lack of knowledge about conservation, reliance on a traditional pastoralist life style, and lack of finance. We need to provide the right information about why nature is so important, so they want to become its guardians. When this is done successfully, communities become involved. We must keep meeting with people, leaders, and government organisations to ensure everyone benefits.

Centering local communities in protecting the ecosystems fosters a sense of ownership and makes them beneficiaries. When people feel connected to and responsible for their local environment, they are more likely to actively participate in initiatives and adopt sustainable practices. Additionally, local communities possess valuable knowledge about ecosystems, resources, and challenges. Engaging them allows us to tap into this expertise, and not engaging them risks the long-term sustainability of conservation efforts. In the conservation sector, an absence of diversified revenue will intensify threats to natural resources from park encroachment. For work to be sustainable there are also many other issues to address, including human-wildlife conflict, improvements in local services such as health, education, and running water. Ensuring the community directly benefits from any work to protect ecosystems is how we can ensure people and wild spaces can thrive together.

Rural communities need to be trained on conservation, good governance, and involved in all the decision-making. Over the next 10 years I think the biggest positive impact on the future of people and wildlife in East Africa will be understanding how to manage resources sustainably. At Makame, we have established an integrated and self-financing area in which nationally important biodiversity is protected, essential ecological processes are sustained, and local people and stakeholders fully support and benefit from the wildlife. We have challenged the perceived cost of protection and are able to do it for significantly less than traditional models because the community are our eyes and ears on the ground. When they see something suspicious, they alert the rangers, who then respond. This way, rangers don’t need to be constantly patrolling, making protection very cost-effective over such a large area. This is only possible when the community benefits from wildlife protection.

Conservation Reimagined The Nawiri Group is working towards shifting the paradigm, the underlying thinking and approaches towards creating better prospects for some of Africa’s most iconic natural ecosystems and the people living in and around these areas. Protecting Africa’s wild spaces, while at the same time ensuring the communities living in or around them are part of the process, is a complex issue that doesn’t have a quick fix. Historically, conservation efforts have overlooked the integral role of human communities living alongside wildlife. When money was provided, it was generally from non-African donor funds, and left communities excluded from the decision-making processes that had a direct impact on their lives. Of course, there have been some success stories, but the reality is initiatives that neglect the link between nature and people, often falter.

In partnership with local communities, Nawiri is pioneering a new approach, and it will be sustainable and community focused to create a healthy and scalable long-term future for some of the continent’s most important ecosystems. The old ways, with their absence of community involvement and lack of financial sustainability, must be consigned to the history books.

Timing for this new direction has never been more important. The effects of climate change are already threatening the ancient cycles of life, and the lack of an economically viable alternative to subsistence farming is placing ever greater pressures on the landscapes. Positive and effective action is critical to the future of East Africa, its people, and wildlife. We believe it’s only possible to make a lasting and effective difference when ownership of conservation sits with the local communities who inhabit the ecosystems that need protection. If you can make wilderness into an asset that generates more money in its natural state than not, and you equip the communities that live in these spaces to manage them effectively, then you have the right recipe to ensure conservation works.

However, it’s essential to support these communities in building the structure to manage their own natural resources and help them generate enough revenue through diverse sources to be make conservation of the land financially viable. →

Community governance

Nawiri advocates for diverse, sustainable funding streams beyond ecotourism to ensure the long-term viability of conservation areas.

Long term success can only happen when local communities want to protect the natural assets surrounding them and have the ability to do so through the revenue generated and an infrastructure that ensures it’s used to benefit the community. It is important to work collaboratively with experienced partners, such as Honeyguide Foundation in Tanzania, who help communities implement a comprehensive management programme and strong governance structures.

Nawiri Group partner, Carbon Tanzania, recognise the need to get more capital into these large landscapes where tourism can’t meet all of the costs, and believe carbon credits offer a financial way to add value to large, important conservation spaces. Carbon Tanzania say: “It is really important to be mindful of the price of living alongside wildlife, such as lions and elephants, because crop destruction and livestock predation can be devastating to families living in rural communities.”

The long-term success of conservation also lies with education. Through education it’s possible to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to actively participate in decision-making, drive local development and promote community ownership of the solutions needed.

While tourism can contribute, it’s important to recognise that it isn’t enough on its own.

In partnership with organisations like the Kamitei Foundation, who help improve the education standards and opportunities for children in rural Tanzania, Nawiri want to pave the way for more self-reliant, and thriving communities. In the longer term, education has a strong and positive impact on the standard of living of individuals and will create the foundation for effective self-governance structures.

“While our goal as conservationists is to see an increase in wildlife numbers, we have to be genuine and honest with local communities if we want them to become active participants in the protection of wildlife,” adds Sam Shaba who is the Programs Manager for Honeyguide.

“More wildlife can result in greater conflict, and it’s our responsibility as conservationists to deliver solutions that will help them to protect communities’ farms and livestock from attack.”

Financial viability

Conservation is expensive. Setting land aside for wildlife and managing the protection of that space comes at a cost. Traditional funding models, that rely on short-term grants or single revenue sources like ecotourism, have failed to deliver sustainable conservation for these areas.

The future of conservation in East Africa is a symbiotic relationship between long-term commercial investment, nature-positive travel, and thriving ecosystems. Already Nawiri and partners are engaged in action at many levels.

International travel is often seen as a contributor to climate change, but Nawiri want to show the world how nature-based leisure travel, done well, also helps to address this global challenge. Tourism can and does contribute as an important revenue stream in threatened ecosystems, but it’s important to recognise that it isn’t enough on its own.

From projects that enable women to start their own businesses, to the more complex issues of managing sustainable grazing on wildlife areas, there is a determination to create a better and more sustainable future for conservation in Africa. ■

The solution must focus on growing revenues for communities through multiple funding streams. It’s critical for success that we change the economic model and incentives of these areas. Ultimately,

IMAGES: Top left, a class being taught at Mahuninga Primary School, Tanzania. Bottom left, Mswakini Juu Village Leader, Solomoni Emanueli, talking finances in Randilen WMA

Challenges Faced Together

If wild areas are to be governed by the communities that live there, education and capacity building are essential, while for wildlife populations to grow, solutions need to be found to resolve human-wildlife conflict. In order to change the long-term picture, we need to address these challenges.

Educating a growing population A stream of chattering children gather on the dusty ground outside a school in Tanzania, their neat uniforms in stark contrast to the dilapidated classrooms nearby. Peer inside, and you’ll see up to a 100 boys and girls crowded into a single room, with just one teacher at the front. The walls are cracked, windows broken, and the blackboard is worn thin from years of use. It’s not typical of all Tanzanian schools of course, but in rural districts this is often the reality. Africa has the youngest population in the world, and it’s growing fast. There are multiple challenges facing the education system in rural areas bordering East Africa’s protected spaces, including a shortage of qualified teachers, a scarcity resources, and the run-down nature of the environment where learning is taking place. Yet, the importance of education in rural communities cannot be overstated. It’s the key to self-reliance, environmental stewardship, and community ownership of the business of conservation.

Changing the economic value A growing human population is having to survive on ever-squeezed parcels of land, and the need to eat and make money can result in habitat loss and poaching. A large part of creating a sustainable conservation solution lies with changing the economic model and putting a value on wilderness and wildlife. The creation of Wildlife Management Areas in Tanzania and Conservancies in Kenya provide an opportunity for local communities to derive economic benefits from their land, while still allowing the controlled grazing of livestock to maintain pastoralist lifestyles or other traditional economic activities. Tourism can and does generate significant income but is rarely enough to fund both livelihoods and conservation. Projects aimed at diversifying local incomes, alongside new revenue streams created through carbon and biodiversity credits, offer new ways to change the economic value of wild spaces.

Building Capacity The knowhow to manage the business of conservation needs to be installed at a local level if communities are to lead the future of conservation on their doorstep. The ability to manage the natural resources of Africa’s wild spaces can only be achieved through training in essential areas such as business, accounting, law, and communication.

With the right skills installed, it’s possible to build a community’s capacity to manage its own conservation and deal with the administration and infrastructure that goes with it. This is the most effective way to ensure that community ownership of its local environment is sustainable and rewarding.

Meshurie Melembeki (pictured), Manager of Randilen WMA in Tanzania says, “Every village needs to be able to plan their own development projects, and importantly, every village is capable of doing so with the right support.”

Keeping wild spaces open The serpentine path of life and death that the migration traces is a crucial element of the ecosystem’s health, sustaining countless species in its wake. Yet this this expansive canvas is under threat. The unchecked spread of fencing and land fractioning endangers the natural rhythms of Africa’s wild landscapes, notably in Kenya’s Greater Mara. Conservancies and Wildlife Management Areas are pivotal in curbing this trend and preserving migratory routes and biodiversity, although fences continue to be erected within and along boundaries, often at alarming rates. The Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association have facilitated the removal of fences on approximately 2,025 hectares to enhance habitat connectivity in Kenya. Through community-led conservation policies and initiatives, alongside the expansion of protected areas, it is possible to slow down the trajectory of physical enclosures in these ecosystems.

Living with predators Tanzania has the highest population of lions in Africa, and the communities who live close to their territories often struggle to co-exist harmoniously with the apex predators on their doorstep.

There are approximately 24,000 lions in Africa, down from 200,000 a century ago. East Africa remains one of the last strongholds for the species, with Tanzania home to about 50% of the remaining population. Lions navigate a precarious existence, sharing their territory with growing human populations. Their domain often crosses with the expanding footprints of human settlements. As a result, lion populations encounter problems, as livestock naturally trigger their predatory instincts, creating a flashpoint for human-wildlife conflict.

Balancing their preservation with the needs of local communities is a complex, delicate dance. The spaces they inhabit need to remain wild, while people must be able to farm their livestock too.

Farming on the edge The people living where wild protected areas and human settlements meet, come into contact with large species such as elephants, often with disastrous results for both. It’s inevitable that communities living on the edges of protected spaces, and who are reliant on farming, will come into conflict with crop-raiding elephants. Interactions can be problematic on many levels. Farmers defending their crop can be killed or injured, the crop itself can be destroyed, and the elephants may also be hurt by farmers trying to scare them off or killed in revenge attacks. If conservation is successful, then the problem is further compounded as elephant populations grow. It is critical to ensure that the cost of living alongside wildlife is mitigated for the people who rely on small-scale farming in rural areas, and humanelephant-conflict reduced if they are to engage with and support conservation measures.

Globally Important Ecosystems Kenya

Tanzania

Biodiversity Richness: Over 35,000 species of flora and fauna.

Biodiversity richness: 20% of Africa’s large mammal population.

Protected Areas: 12.42% of land and 0.76% of marine area under protection.

Protected Areas: 43.7% of land in Tanzania is somehow protected or conserved.

Species Diversity: 4,623 plants, 393 mammals, and over 1,000 bird species.

Economic Dependence: Tourism generated over 10% of GDP in 2017.

Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem TOTA L LAND AREA

40,000 km2 BI O DI VERSITY Over 500 bird and 100 mammal species

Greater Ruaha Ecosystem TOTA L LAND AREA

50,000 km2 BI O DI VERSITY Over 578 bird and 140 mammal species

Greater Selous Ecosystem TOTA L LAND AREA

90,000 km2 BI O DI VERSITY Over 440 bird and 130 mammal species

Species Diversity: 310 mammal species , 960 species of birds

Wildlife tourism: Contributes 9% to GDP and 25% to foreign exchange earnings.

TA N Z A N I A

Ruaha

As dawn breaks over the Greater Ruaha Ecosystem, the first rays of sunlight bathe the landscape in a warm, golden hue. A lion pride, silhouetted against the awakening sky, stirs in the cool morning air. This is a typical start to the day in one of Tanzania’s most diverse and expansive ecosystems, a place where nature unfolds in its most primal form. Spanning approximately 50,000 square kilometres, the Greater Ruaha Ecosystem is a vast and vital ecological expanse. At its heart lies the Ruaha National Park, covering 22,000 square kilometres of untamed wilderness. This area, larger than Wales, is a critical sanctuary for an astonishing array of wildlife and flora. Showcasing the diversity of this region, in the Usangu Wetland area a large flock of yellow-billed stork suddenly lifts from the shallow water they’ve been wading in. For a moment their brilliance lights up an otherwise dark sky, while lilies add a splash of unexpected lilac into an otherwise verdant landscape. Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s largest, and despite its vastness and rich biodiversity, it doesn’t get the same attention or tourist traffic as the more familiar national parks, such as the Serengeti.

This ecosystem supports a rich tapestry of life, with over 1,700 plant species providing sustenance and shelter to the parks inhabitants. The birdlife is particularly remarkable, with more than 570 species making their home here, from tiny sunbirds to African fish eagles. Nearly 200 species of mammals, including large populations of elephants, giraffes, and rare African wild dogs, roam these lands, each playing their role in the delicate ecological balance.

The Ruaha Ecosystem, with its meandering rivers and vast grasslands, is not just a haven for wildlife; it serves as a significant carbon sink. The diverse plant life and extensive grasslands absorb carbon dioxide, playing an essential role in mitigating climate change. This natural process mirrors the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem’s role in reducing wildfire risks and carbon emissions through the grazing habits of its large wildebeest and antelope populations. Ruaha faces many challenges, the encroachment of human settlements on the periphery of the ecosystem disrupts migration routes and increases human-wildlife conflicts, while the global climate crisis poses an existential threat, altering the region’s weather patterns and disrupting the natural rhythms that have dictated life here for millennia.

The Greater Ruaha Ecosystem is home to 10% of the world’s lions, and has the highest number of bird species of any African national park.

TA N Z A N I A / K E N YA

Serengeti-Mara

The sun isn’t yet fully over the horizon but its effect on the vast grassland is mesmerisingly beautiful. Partially obscured by backlit grasses, a cheetah probably no more than a year old is standing motionless, its eyes fixed intently on a group of Thomson’s gazelles in the distance. A new day has just begun in the Maasai Mara, Kenya’s showpiece national park, and for the young cheetah, who has been joined by his two brothers, it will be another day of survival on the open savannah. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem encompasses both the Serengeti and Maasai Mara landscapes and covers a vast area of approximately 40,000 square kilometres. The Serengeti, which stretches across northern Tanzania is by far the larger of the two landscapes, although it’s important to note the two areas are effectively part of the same continuous wilderness.

At about 14,740 square kilometres, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park dwarfs the 1,510 square kilometre Massai Mara National Park in Kenya. The Mara River creates a natural border between the two, as well as a barrier for the vast wildebeest herds that migrate through the whole ecosystem in search of seasonal grazing. This annual migration is one of the greatest mass movements of animals on earth, and scientists have recently concluded that a large population of grazing animals like the wildebeest of the Serengeti-Mara, helps to fight climate change by eating grass that would otherwise provide fuel for wildfires that can run unchecked, releasing vast quantities of carbon into the atmosphere. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is rich in wildlife of all kinds, from industrious dung beetles to the herds of elephants and buffalo that keep them busy. No fewer than 70 species of mammal carve out an existence here, with topi, eland, and impala grazing on the vast grassland, and leopard, lion, and cheetah predating on the antelope species. Hippopotamus and Nile crocodile rule the rivers, and birds like the African fish eagle, secretary bird, and lilac breasted roller, the sky.

The Serengeti-Mara area faces many challenges. Increasing human populations around the edges of the national parks but within the greater ecosystem arena, brings increasing conflict between man and wildlife. Around 80% of Africa’s wildlife roam outside the invisible borders of national parks, meaning crops are raided by elephants and cattle taken by predators. Human habitation can also disturb natural migration routes, while global issues around climate change are altering weather patterns that dictate the natural cycles of life.

Home to the world’s second largest terrestrial mammal migration of 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebra, and 400,000 gazelles.

TA N Z A N I A

Selous-Nyerere

The miombo woodland weaves a tapestry of dappled sunlight within this corner of Africa’s largest wildlife reserve as a solitary giraffe emerges through the trees. Its elongated neck arches skyward as it plucks tender shoots from a nearby tree. Nearby a pack of wild dogs sleep in the warm sand of a dried-out river bed. One, ever vigilant, gazes upwards, its amber eyes light up at the sound of a startled bird before settling back down with the pack. As dusk falls they will stir for a hunt, but for now they rest in this slice of undisturbed wilderness teeming with life. Covering an immense 90,000 square kilometres, the Greater Selous-Nyerere Ecosystem is a tapestry of diverse habitats, known for potentially harbouring Africa’s largest populations of lions and African wild dogs.

The vastness of Selous-Nyerere is augmented by Nawiri’s work in the Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in its southern reaches. This effort not only bolsters the protection of the ecosystem but also forges a vital link to Mozambique’s Niassa Game Reserve. Together, these areas form a continuous transfrontier conservation zone that spans an astonishing 154,000 square kilometres, surpassing the size of the U.S. state of Iowa. This expansive area represents one of Africa’s most ambitious conservation endeavours.

Within this vast ecosystem a large-scale hydropower project is taking shape. The Stiegler’s Gorge Hydroelectric Dam, part of the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Station, is expected to generate significant renewable energy, addressing nearly 60% of Tanzania’s planned energy demand. Its completion symbolises a major step towards a grid powered fully by renewable energy and economic development for the nation, although isn’t without controversy as the need for renewable energy is balanced with the imperative to preserve the natural ecosystem. In safeguarding the Selous-Nyerere Ecosystem, the focus extends beyond protecting individual species. The collaboration between conservation groups, local communities, and transnational partners underscores a collective commitment to preserving this remarkable landscape for future generations.

The connection to the Niassa Reserve presents an opportunity for strong collaboration in tackling challenges such as poaching, habitat encroachment, the impacts of climate change, and the delicate balance of protecting an important ecosystem while allowing the communities who live on its periphery to thrive.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site containing globally significant populations of African elephant, black rhinoceros and wild dog.

Rewriting the Rules Community-led conservation in East Africa is changing the path of wildlife protection. The success of these areas offers deep learning and a roadmap for the future of ecosystem protection.

In the sprawling savannas of East Africa, a quiet revolution is underway. Local communities are rewriting the narrative of conservation, while local stewardship and innovative approaches are driving ecological and economic success in the Maasai Mara and Tanzania, reshaping the landscape of wildlife conservation.

of the local communities. By involving residents in decision-making and ensuring they benefit economically, these initiatives have fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility towards conservation. Moreover, these models have introduced sustainable land and wildlife management practices, balancing the needs of wildlife with those of the community.

Traditional efforts to protect the natural word often prioritise policing and don’t address the needs of local communities, leaving them on the margins. In doing so, they fail to address the primary cause of habitat loss - poverty. However, in recent years, a paradigm shift has been observed, with communityled initiatives gaining traction and showing promising results.

Unlike traditional conservation models that often result in conflict and alienation, the community-led approach in the Maasai Mara and Tanzania has fostered cooperation and mutual benefit. These successes stand in contrast to less effective conservation efforts in other regions, highlighting the importance of local engagement and benefit-sharing.

The triumphs in the Maasai Mara and Tanzania offer valuable lessons for global conservation strategies. They underscore the potential of community-led initiatives in achieving sustainable conservation outcomes and improving the livelihoods of local populations. As the world grapples with the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and socio-economic development, these inclusive models offer a hopeful pathway forward.

In the Maasai Mara, community conservancies are a beacon of success. Over 83% of the region’s wildlife, including key species like elephants and lions, are now thriving within them. The model has brought tangible benefits to local communities too, with conservancies paying millions of dollars in leasing fees to households. The inclusive governance model, where local residents have a say in management, has been a game-changer.

The conservancy model in East Africa is more than a conservation success story; it’s a testament to the power of local action and the potential for harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. As these models continue to evolve, they offer a blueprint for conservation that is as much about benefitting communities as it is about protecting wildlife. The future of conservation may well lie in the hands of those who live with the land and its creatures.

Similarly, in Tanzania, Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) like Makame and Randilen have shown remarkable progress. In Makame, revenue increased by a staggering 980% in just three years, while Randilen saw a 45% increase until 2019. These WMAs have reduced poaching by 94%, indicating a significant turnaround in wildlife protection.

The success of these models lies in their ability to align the interests of wildlife conservation with those

Randilen WMA, Tanzania

Randilen stands as a testament to effective community-led governance, ensuring the viability of critical wildlife corridors. 92% of the community feel included in its governance, while 93.5% view it as a success.

16,000

312

800

People supported in the villages who make up the conservation area

Square kilometres of communityowned and managed conservation area.

Volunteers in human-wildlifeconflict teams protecting crops

Serengeti National Park

Randilen WMA Tarangire National Park

The WMA offers employment, provides grazing lands for livestock, protects farms from elephant raids, and generates tourism revenue. This mutual benefit has resulted in community support for the wildlife management area.

Key financial achievements include generating $1,145,000 in tourism revenue. Additionally, the WMA has made significant capital investments, such as constructing airstrips, ranger posts, entrance gates, offices, vehicles, radio stations, and boreholes.

Randilen WMA has seen a year-on-year elephant population growth of 6%, sustained over multiple years. It is also a critical migratory corridor for wildebeest and zebra.

Maasai Mara Conservancies

The conservancies are anchored on a partnership between the landowners and tourism investors. The landowners commit their land to conservation in exchange for guaranteed income derived from tourism revenue.

16,530

178,668

Landowners receiving income from conservancy lease payments

Hectares of land under conservation in community conservancies

Conservancies at various developmental stages

Maasai Mara Conservancies

Maasai Mara National Park

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire National Park

Conservancies offer a guaranteed income for landowners totalling over 7.5 million USD annually.

Additional benefits include a contributory bursary scheme that allows the landowners’ children in secondary school or tertiary level to access partial financing for their education. Other benefits include managed grazing schemes, allowing the continuation of traditional pastoralist lifestyles.

The landowners recognise that expanding conservation areas creates sustainable economic avenues for their community.

1.2 million migrating wildebeest are a keystone species in the ecosystem. Their grazing prevents wildfires which would otherwise release significant carbon into the atmosphere.

Makame WMA, Tanzania

Makame is the largest community conservation area in Tanzania, and an example of how rural communities can come together to protect their wildlife, while benefiting from financial initiatives such as carbon-trading.

21,000

268,000

1000

Residents of member villages who benefit from the WMA

Mature trees protected from felling by a carbonoffset scheme

Of Tarangire’s 4,500 elephants migrate through Makame WMA seasonally

Five pastoralist communities combined to form Makame Wildlife Management Area, which serves to protect the globally important wildlife and nature within the 371,900-hectare zone.

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire National Park

Makame WMA

Communities have legal jurisdiction over the land, so they can make their own decisions on how to manage farming and conservation activities to the benefit of the rural economy. This allows traditional pastoralist lifestyles to continue but ensures wildlife can also thrive.

Makame is projected to generate over $500,000 in annual revenue, out of which $265,000 will be from its 30-year contract with Carbon Tanzania.

Change makers The women carving out a career in a male dominated industry to fight stereotypes and change societal perceptions.

Across East Africa, determined women are overcoming societal expectations and tough challenges in-order to carve out careers in a male dominated industry. These female guides and camp manager are change makers, who are setting an important precedent in gender equality, proving to other young girls that with perseverance and courage, it’s possible to walk a different path in life.

Tourism in Dar Es Salaam where I studied for two years. Out of my 20-strong cohort there were five girls, and I’m the only one who made it into being employed in the industry. After graduating I was warned it would be hard to find a job as the message was still, “this is not for girls”. I was told to go home, there are no roles for you. I sent off many applications and one was to a small safari company. By coincidence, I had the same first name as the owner’s wife who happened to see my application and told her husband, you should employ this girl. I ended up working there for two years as an assistant guide, gaining great experience.

Zawadi Dominic Safari Guide at Namiri Plains Camp, Tanzania

Zawadi Dominic (pictured left and on page 46) grew up on the shores of Lake Victoria in northwestern Tanzania. As one of twelve children family life was busy, but from an early age she knew she wanted to be a safari guide. Zawadi tells her own story…

I remember the excitement felt when I heard there was an all-female camp opening in the Serengeti. For once we weren’t being told that girls can’t do this job, that this isn’t a female industry. I sent in my application for a role there the very same day.

“Growing up as part of a large family in a small rural village was tough. I went to school but I also had to fetch water, collect firewood and help my mother with my siblings. She didn’t have a job but was keen that I had a good career, however safari guide was definitely not what she had in mind.

I still had a lot of gaps in my knowledge but was determined to develop my skills. It’s uncommon for women to learn to drive in Tanzania and my previous guiding role had been one as a passenger in a vehicle only. This was just another gender barrier to overcome and I completed my training and started as a guide at Asillia’s Dunia Camp.

I always loved nature and animals, but it was a school visit to Mikumi National Park that sealed it for me. Going on a wildlife safari and meeting the guides; I knew it was what I wanted to do. My parents were less keen, because like many they viewed it as a man’s job and refused to support me in pursuing this path.

It was inspirational to work in an all-female team, although not always easy in the early days as we found our feet. There were some very physical tasks we had to undertake, but we found by working as a team it got easier.

Thankfully my cousin in Uganda offered to intervene and give me the support I needed. He told me not to be discouraged and actually eventually helped talk my parents around. I went to the National College of

There are still challenges to being a female in this industry, and some men still try to discourage us, sometimes being hesitant to share information, or →

Precious Senewa Safari Guide at Encounter Mara, Kenya

telling us we won’t be able to navigate our vehicle through a bit of tough terrain. We just need to keep proving them wrong. Over time, as more females enter the industry, it will become more accepted.

Precious Senewa (pictured above) grew up in a small rural village called Mararianta. An only child, her mother was a single parent and day-to-day life was focused on the necessities. Collecting water involved a walk of 15km to their nearest source, and she would help wash their clothes in the Mara River. It was during excursions into the bushy areas around the village to collect wood that Precious first encountered wildlife, although elephants in the area were more a cause for concern rather than wonder. Here is Precious’ story…

When you ensure equal education for girls, you make sure you are educating the whole world. I’d love to see companies be more open and give females a chance. We need to change the mindset of our society as there is still an expectation that girls will get married, have children and stay at home to look after the family. The world is changing though, and we need to change how people think about female roles.

One of my favourite things as a guide is to take part in Twende Porini, which means “Let’s go to the bush” in Swahili. This initiative gives children from local villages the chance to experience a safari. For me, it is going back to where I started; that moment that inspired me to become a guide. I see the children fall in love with the bush like I did. Maybe some of them will one day enter the industry as a result of this experience too.”

I became very interested in wildlife. My uncle was a guide and would sometimes take us on game drives, which is where my own career aspirations came from. However, I was told that this wasn’t a job for females. In fact, societal belief was that girls don’t even get a say in their future, but I wanted to be different.

My uncle didn’t approve, and he warned me I was wasting my time. He didn’t even think I should go to school. Instead, the expectation was that I would get →

married, have children, and stay at home as a housewife. Thankfully, my mother saw things differently. She wanted me to be a change maker in society and gave me her full support.

learnt about history, visited pre-historic sites, studied wildlife behaviour and so much more.

After graduating I returned to Asilia to work for them and have remained with them ever since. Their training programme has been amazing and I have learnt so much. It has changed my life and now I am one of the few female guides within the tourism industry.

I had to move from my village to the city in order to attend secondary school. My mother struggled to pay the fees and sometimes I was sent home due to lack of money. I’m so grateful she persisted. She taught herself how to use a computer and managed to get a job, although the salary was low. To make up the money she developed a side hustle, selling fruits and porridge to fund my tuition costs.

Young females who want more in life and want a career, should never lose hope. Everything is achievable when you have patience, and nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it. Guiding remains very male dominated and sometimes as females we do face challenges of disrespect. I’ve been told I should know my place, that this isn’t my job and that soon I will get tired and give up. I just ignore this though and don’t let it get to me.

The head of my school told me there was a scholarship programme; Asilia were looking to sponsor a student and I was determined to take this opportunity. They came to the school to do interviews and offered me an internship at one of their camps. I was then able to attend the Koiyaki Guiding School on a scholarship, sitting the Kenyan National Guide Certificate Exam, learning about guiding, nature management and guest relations. The level of training is exceptional. School trips took us to different parts of Kenya, and we

I want to be the best I can be and show what women can do; I kill these comments with kindness and hard work. The industry needs to give more females a chance and offer more scholarship opportunities to address the imbalance. Women are great at this job. →

Roslyn Assey Camp Manager at Oliver’s Camp, Tanzania

Lailatu Kivuyo Safari Guide at Dunia Camp, Tanzania

Roslyn Assey (pictured top right) is from a loving family of two parents, five brothers and five sisters. Being the youngest in her family, everyone was involved in looking after her as she grew up in the Kilimanjaro region in northern Tanzania. She was raised to respect her elders and value the hard work of her parents. Roslyn recounts her journey…

Lailatu Kivuyo (pictured bottom left and page 43) grew up Sambwa Village in the Dodoma region of Tanzania. One of four children, her early years were typical of a child growing up in rural East Africa. A chance encounter while fetching water saw her become the first recipient of the Asilia Africa Scholarship Fund changing the trajectory of her life. Here is Lailatu’s story…

“After seeing my brothers taking tourists up and down Mount Kilimanjaro, I started dreaming of working in tourism myself. This soon became my burning desire, and I shared my passion with my siblings. However, to them my hopes were just a fairy tale because they didn’t see women working in tourism.

“It’s fair to say my early years were representative of a lot of children growing up in this part of Africa. My mother was a farmer, although left our village to seek work, leaving us with our grandmother. We’d help tend the crops, fetch water and collect firewood to cook over. Now, when I see the fire lit in camps, it makes me smile as we gather round it to tell stories, because for many years it was a critical part of our life and we had to be so fuel efficient when burning wood.

I finished at high school and wanted to join a university that offered Tourism and Wildlife Management training. Unfortunately, my parents couldn’t afford to pay the fee. Instead, I did other government programmes. Several years later, when I was teaching children, a friend of mine who knew about my ambitions, showed me an advert from a tourist company for a receptionist job. I applied and managed to get the work. After six months of working in the bush, the company recognised my hard work and passion so promoted me to management level. I stayed with them for four years, but then felt I wanted to grow my skills further, so I joined Asilia. I’ve been with the company for three years now.

I attended school but it wasn’t all about learning in the classroom. We’d help cultivate the school farm, collect wood and clean the classrooms. I remember being so thankful that we had food at school through donations, even if we did have to take time out of the school day to fetch water in order to prepare it.

I moved away from the village for secondary school and live with my father. I completed my O Levels and thought about different career options, but they all seemed very hard to get into. He wouldn’t support me going to college, so I returned to the village where I grew up to live with my mother. Together we started a small restaurant which only served black tea and chapatis. It didn’t generate much money, and when my mother got sick, I couldn’t run it by myself.

My family have come to realise that something that seemed impossible, is possible. They support me 100 per cent with their love and prayers and are always wishing the best for me. I am now able to support them back because as they are older, they cannot do so much for themselves now. I am able to send them money for food and to help with home bills.

During this time, I went to fetch water one day and met a friend there. She told me there was a tourism company looking for people to work in the bush. She didn’t know who they were or what the job was but knew how much I loved nature so she thought I might be interested.

Over the years I have noticed that many females have low self-esteem. This develops into a feeling that they can’t do something because they don’t have the ability as women. However, it’s important that we find our identity and value within society. I believe that education brings opportunity, and this is how we empower more women to find their place in the working environment. Women have a lot of energy, ability, and talent, and we must all realise that what a man can do, we can do as well.

Intrigued by the opportunity, I rushed back to the village to talk to the Chairperson’s office (village leader) who had the information. He wasn’t there, because he was out tending his cattle, so I sat and waited for hours. I couldn’t get the idea out of my →

head. After a long wait, during which I sat dreaming of what might lie ahead, he finally returned and said yes, there was an opportunity for five people and they were leaving for Arusha in a few hours’ time. As they only had four people there was a space and it was mine if I wanted it. I was so excited. I rushed home to pack a bag and at 3am we left for an overnight journey to the city. I still wasn’t actually sure what the opportunity was, but it was potential work in nature, so I was very excited.

Our group arrived and were told it was an interview. There were five of us, four men and one female, and one of us would get a scholarship to train to work in the tourism industry. The interview seemed to go well, and we all returned back to the village to await the news as to who was successful. My grandmother saw how important this was to me and performed a blessing, spitting into her palms before taking my hands to wish me good fortune. The next morning, I found out I was the successful candidate.

Asilia offered everyone access to an online training programme for the hospitality and tourism industry and I spent a lot of time using this to upskill. On my days off, I learned to drive the safari vehicles. When there was an in-house advertisement for guide training, I jumped at it.

After the interview process, I was selected and sent for a month’s training. On completion of this I was placed with a senior guide for a full year to train, learning in the bush. This was an incredible experience and later I was so proud to return to Dunia Camp as a guide myself.

My career with Asilia really has been life-changing in more ways that one. One of the company benefits is healthcare for you and your family. My mother became very sick and that healthcare saved her life. As you can imagine she is very proud of my work and has become a big advocate for protecting the natural resources we have that attracts visitors.

I can’t explain the feeling I had. I knew it was life changing. Without this opportunity I would just be somebody’s wife, probably with three or four children, spending my days cultivating the land. When I return to my home village, I see my friends in the fields and think, that would have been me.

I was inspired by the females taking on this role and realised it was possible for a woman to have this job too.

I headed back to Arusha to start my training and was placed in paid accommodation where my fees were covered, and I even had a little pocket money as I began my training. Once trained, I headed to my first camp, Sayari Camp in the north of Serengeti National Park, to take up a role as a waitress. I remember being so nervous when I first met guests, but gradually relaxed and really enjoyed my work. When an opportunity came up to work at Dunia Camp, I was excited. It is run entirely by women, and I was able to secure a role working in the kitchen, where I learnt a whole new set of skills. It was here that guiding came to my attention.

I’ve recently changed role and stopped guiding, switching over to doing customer services for new arrivals at the airport as I’d love to start a family. Asilia have been very supportive and it shows that it is possible for females to have it all; you can have a good career and a family too. I think it’s important for young girls to realise this. I’d say to any young girls wanting any career in a male-dominated industry, trust your instinct and you can achieve your dreams. It’s important to go to school and complete your education, because without it, life will be difficult, and your options will be limited. Work hard and you really can do anything.

I’d always thought that only men could be guides but at Dunia I was inspired by the females taking on this role and realised it was possible for a woman to have this job too. I spent all my spare time exploring around the camp, learning the names of the trees, plants and animals around us.

For my birthday each year I celebrate by going into schools to donate some books and inspire a new generation of girls. I want them to know what can be achieved. ■

The cost of conservation While protecting natural ecosystems holds a certain idealistic appeal, it also requires substantial investment, so clarifying the cost and sources of funding is vital.

For most tourists visiting wildlife areas, the obvious representation of the cost of conservation is a ranger at the entrance gate. They are vital to manage the wildlife and protect the people visiting, but the infrastructure around them is so much more costly than simply putting their boots on the ground. Money is needed to pay salaries, provide equipment, administration staff, the maintenance of buildings, roads, and in the case of conservancies and Wildlife Management Areas, paying the respective government too. Of course, the local community should also benefit financially from the protected land, whether that’s to compensate the landowners or contribute to the infrastructure of local villages by helping fund schools, health centres, or provide access to clean water.

Balancing the books isn’t easy. The truth is that despite the popularity of Africa’s wildlife with visitors from around the world, they are rarely balanced. There simply isn’t enough money flowing in to ensure it can pay for everything needed. For example, most WMAs in Tanzania don’t generate enough to cover their operating costs, let alone finance future development plans. Wildlife zones – whether large or small – must have a commercial value to the communities around them. It’s this value that keeps them in existence, and ultimately will ensure their survival.

Rangers Juliana Haghai and Lomnyaki Toronley welcome us to their camp in Randilen WMA, Tanzania. More than gatekeepers, Rangers are pivotal in ecosystem management, their role extending far beyond visible patrols. Juliana loves being a ranger because her work protects the wildlife and in particular lions, her favourite animal. Her family feels the financial benefit of her efforts in their everyday lives and therefore the protection of the environment is now personal to them. A wildlife guardian at work but mum at home, she is passing on her love of the environment to her children while having the opportunity to fund their education. Lomnyaki explains the job is sometimes difficult because they lack equipment. “We don’t have enough binoculars, rifles, or vehicles,” he says. “There is never enough funding for protection.”

In a dark office lit by a single, north-facing window we meet Onesmo Kilamlya, executive officer for the village of Mahuninga, Tanzania. He explains they see some financial benefits from tourism, but funding is still a challenge. They want to build a health centre that will serve his and other nearby villages because the one they use now is too far away, and he’d welcome better compensation for local farmers when their crops are damaged by elephants. There is a strong desire to see a better quality of life for people living in the village.

In isolation, tourism revenue cannot fill all these funding gaps. Greater investment is needed to make the progress already made more sustainable. Nawiri partner, Carbon Tanzania, recognise the need to divert more money into these large landscapes. “Carbon for conservation projects are so impactful,” they say. “They drive economic benefit to people in rural areas, and therefore help to protect the natural ecosystems” →

Other approaches are aimed at advancing community resilience by diversifying incomes. These facilitate educational opportunities, entrepreneurial training, or support building up micro enterprises. Each one helps to shift the direction of rural income, taking pressure off the land and an over-reliance on the tourism dollar.

In the future, these large East African ecosystems need to be better self-funded, and this is precisely what we are working towards. Running costs are inevitably large, but the greater cost to the planet of not finding sustainable ways to put an economic value on them is even bigger, because climate change is happening now. Without protecting these spaces, the future looks challenging for both people and wildlife. However, eco-tourism, as well as carbon and biodiversity credits, can generate the income needed. These should then go towards funding area management and providing direct benefits for local people. Revising economic models to link conservation with community welfare is crucial for sustainable ecosystem management. Working towards the creation of recurrent income streams that are directly linked to the good health of our natural eco-systems, can tip the balance. By finding ways to sustainably monetise these ecosystems, we protect individuals, rural communities, animals and plants, and the planet as a whole. ■

Through our commercial & impact coalition we are uniquely equipped to drive impact within key domains & strategies.

Carbon Beyond Emissions

Carbon-funded conservation promises a more sustainable future, but not all projects are equal. Can conservation focused carbon projects offer benefits that reach beyond their climate benefits? Critics compare carbon credits to environmental indulgences, questioning their efficacy beyond appeasing consciences. Yet, if these credits incentivise decarbonisation, their broader impact merits consideration.

Originating from the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, carbon credits were envisioned as market-driven solutions for climate change, trading saved or removed CO2 emissions. However, their effectiveness remains debated. The integrity of carbon projects, from reforestation to renewable energy, faces scrutiny for transparency and real environmental impact.

The Guardian newspaper took the industry to task in a probing investigation, calling for a critical reassessment of carbon credit projects, and delving into the ethics and validity of the carbon offset market. While this report shed light on some legitimate concerns, many felt it was not without its own biases and flaws. The newspaper’s coverage has been criticised for disproportionately emphasising the negative aspects of carbon credit trading and focusing on isolated cases of bad practice to create sensationalism around the reporting. →

IMAGE CREDITS: Carbon Tanzania

To ensure a more productive conversation and encourage constructive reform, there needs to be fair discussion around a sector that, despite its shortcomings, is playing a critical role in addressing climate change and protecting nature.

equally important that the money they generate is distributed and managed by the communities.

Carbon Tanzania emphasises community governance in revenue allocation, ensuring local voices guide the use of funds for culturally relevant solutions. “The whole point here is for the communities to take ownership. Communities face their own challenges, and are far better positioned to understand cultural subtlety, and what the real issues are.” Jo says.

Carbon Tanzania exemplifies an ethical approach in the carbon market, focusing on verifiable credits and direct community benefits, challenging the industry’s status quo. Generating verified forest carbon credits in Tanzania, which are sold as offsets on the voluntary market, revenue is paid directly to the communities for development and livelihood needs.

“We’ve seen development programmes introduced with good intentions that run over a three- or five-year period, where good things are implemented. However, a lot of it ends up being neutral in the long term because the priorities and needs didn’t emerge from the communities themselves.”

“There is a more ethical end of every market, and the carbon market is no different,” explains Jo Anderson, one of the founding partners of Carbon Tanzania, “There will always be rogues in every industry, but it doesn’t mean the whole industry is bad. Many articles decrying the sector frequently question the difficulty and challenge of accurately estimating the amount of emission reductions that have been achieved by any single project. There is ongoing scientific research on this, and multiple ways to estimate a figure.

Wild places like the ecosystems of East Africa must have a financial value to the people who live there. An example of how community-controlled carbon revenues can solve locally specific problems occurred when money was allocated to fund more girls attending a secondary boarding school, but the actual uptake remained low. It turned out that while the intention was positive, many parents were reluctant to send their daughters into an environment where they would be sharing with male students. After further discussions at a village level, it was agreed to allocate some of the carbon revenue to building a female-only boarding house, solving the issue locally, and directly by using funds from carbon credits.

“It’s not that these projects don’t work, they do, but different measurement techniques produce different results. It’s very easy to pick it apart because it’s not perfect and work is ongoing to increase the accuracy of calculations. At the most basic level, it’s a financial tool that’s been created in order to attract money into landscapes that otherwise have no value and attract little or no investment. This can significantly increase the protection of wild habitats and do it in a way that allows lots of people living in rural communities to improve their livelihoods. “If we stop obsessing about the fact that we can’t be certain that it’s 100 or 101 carbon credits because we are using best estimates, the fact remains that it is a demonstrably powerful way to drive economic benefits to local people.”

“As investment partners, we must be supportive, honest, and rigorous in holding people to account. Having the correct mechanisms in place for financial accountability and reporting allows us to build long term partnerships, which ensures that the protection of Tanzania’s forests can bring about positive and measurable economic, social, and environmental benefits to local communities,” Jo concludes.

Wild places like the ecosystems of East Africa, must have a financial value that not only keeps them in pristine condition, but ensures that those living in or around them, are able to gain financially from their existence. It’s important these wilderness areas have a bigger financial value to communities in their natural state, than they do when they’re used for farming or other uses. This is when real impact happens, and it is

Beyond offsetting emissions, well-implemented carbon projects can protect forests and yield tangible benefits for local communities, despite ongoing debates over measurement accuracy. ■

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Carbon Tanzania

Carbon Tanzania is a social enterprise specialising in linking forest conservation with community upliftment in Tanzania. They operate by producing nature-based carbon credits, enabling local communities to monetise the preservation of their landscapes. This innovative approach benefits not just the Tanzanian economy, but also supports global climate and wildlife conservation efforts.

In 2022, Carbon Tanzania expanded its reach, notably with the Ruvuma Wilderness Project in southern Tanzania. This initiative protects extensive miombo woodlands, crucial for biodiversity and connecting significant wildlife reserves across Tanzania and Mozambique. Their Yaeda Eyasi Landscape Project also stands out, demonstrating the direct impact of carbon revenue on improving local livelihoods. The organisation is a key player in the global voluntary carbon market, which is valued at around $2 billion annually. Through their initiatives, companies and individuals committed to net-zero carbon strategies can contribute to verified emission reductions. Carbon Tanzania redistributed nearly $3 million to its community partners in 2022, delivering a direct financial benefit with considerable impact for marginalised communities.

Their work is grounded in scientific rigour. Partnerships with global experts ensure that their carbon credits meet international standards. This strategy is pivotal in the larger battle against climate change and deforestation, incentivising communities to value forest preservation over deforestation. Carbon Tanzania’s approach also includes guiding land use towards sustainable practices. A crucial aspect of their strategy is working with local communities and government to foster support for forest conservation. Looking ahead, Carbon Tanzania is exploring the potential of a global market for biodiversity credits. This initiative aligns with their commitment to enhancing the value of critical conservation areas, furthering their mission of integrating nature conservation with community development. ■ For more information on Carbon Tanzania visit www.carbontanzania.com

Books aren’t enough

Education is known to have a strong positive impact on the standard of living of individuals and their communities; in rural areas of Kenya and Tanzania this has never been more important.

In a narrow office at Mahuninga Primary School, on the edge of Ruaha National Park, we sit with headteacher Petro Simu to discuss the challenges he and his colleagues face. The walls of the office are covered with educational posters and charts. One phrase leaps out: Teachers make all professions possible. It’s just five words, but it sums up the importance of education with precise clarity.

and access to services such as electricity and water is all too evident. The project primarily focuses on enhancing basic facilities, providing teaching materials, offering training, and granting scholarships to bright children.

The Tanzanian educational structure starts with two years of pre-primary schooling, followed by seven years of compulsory primary education. Children then move onto secondary education which is divided into four compulsory years at Ordinary Level, followed by two years of Advanced Level. Beyond this level, students may enter vocational training or study for a university degree.

Access to education in Kenya and Tanzania has been significantly improved in recent years. It’s importance in driving social and economic development forward is widely recognised throughout East Africa, and there is a genuine desire to see children enrolled at school. However, there remains a distinct divide in the educational quality between urban and rural areas.

Primary education is free, but the schools rely on parents and the community to fund supplies, building maintenance, and other associated costs. Many rural schools lack teaching and learning materials, including curriculum books and other materials used as teaching aids. International book donation schemes are often well meaning but misguided. Often the books provided are out of date or depict

Alongside our partner, the Kamitei Foundation, we have undertaken a project to improve education opportunities for children in rural schools bordering National Parks and key wilderness ecosystems. Here, the distinct rural/urban educational disparity is influenced by living standards. Differences in income,

Western people and lifestyles unrelatable to the students. What schools need are textbooks designed for their curriculum as an essential resource to facilitate effective learning.

Even then, books alone aren’t a complete solution. Billy Marandu, a Field Officer for Kamitei, who has been visiting schools to assess the impact of having donated teaching and learning materials explains the issue. “The project has successfully delivered books and other learning materials to 20 schools so far. While some schools are using the materials, including textbooks well, we found in some the materials provided were just being stored on the shelves.”

The benefits of education tend to be structural and long lasting.

Mahuninga Primary School headteacher Petro Simu acknowledges this is a problem he has heard of. “In some schools they are afraid to use the books in case they get dirty and damaged. Mostly though, there aren’t enough teachers trained in modern methods, effective use of teaching or learning materials.” In his school they are making good use of the materials provided but face other challenges. →

“We have so many students and the numbers are growing,” he explains. “What we need are desks; ensuring the quality of education is high is a challenge when classrooms are overcrowded and children are sitting on the floor, or we have four students crowded onto each desk. One of our classrooms is falling down, meaning that more children are squeezed into the remaining one,” he adds.

To address this, Kamitei also provides individual scholarships to children spanning a number of years to ensure that the education leads to a point, like the completion of a secondary vocational degree, so the individual has good job prospects.

In Kenya, the new Wildlife Tourism College of the Maasai Mara (WTC) has opened its doors to its first students. The WTC is the successor of the very successful Koyiaki Guiding School, famed for training world-class safari guides. However, there was a need to diversify skills and offer new courses beyond the scope of what the Guiding School was able to deliver.

Part of Kamitei’s focus is to improve the unfinished classrooms that lack essential infrastructure like proper floors, windows, and doors. Their aim is to transform incomplete classrooms into fully equipped spaces that can support effective teaching and learning.

Now, on the smart, new campus, students are pursuing various academic programmes, including tour guiding, front office, housekeeping, food and beverage services, environmental management, and wildlife management. The college also has an on-site hub for researchers in the heart of one of the most important wildlife areas in the world and this is attracting participants from international universities.

Of course, in all this, teachers are key. The recommended pupil-to-teacher ratio in primary schools is 45:1, but in many of the rural schools this can reach 100:1. A lack of available trained teachers is compounded by poor transport and insufficient teacher housing. This is an area Kamitei are facing head on, providing funded voluntary teacher courses that train participants in modern teaching methods, including how to use materials and teaching aids, and how to communicate well with students in the classroom.

College principle, Morris Nabaala, brings 20-years of experience to overseeing the academic programs. “Education opens the door of opportunity and enlightens people,” he enthuses. “We’ve looked at where there are demands for employment locally and found most jobs were going to communities outside the Mara region, due to skill shortages.”

Leonce Burra is a volunteer teacher at Kilimatembo Primary School in Tanzania, who participated in the teacher training. “I learnt a lot of new skills on how to make lessons engaging,” he said.

“We also learned teacher-student interaction skills, and how to use the teaching resources to deliver the lessons in a creative way. It all increased my confidence, and in the future, I’d like to learn further skills to develop my teaching career.”

“We needed to look at what other jobs, outside of guiding, graduates could do and devise programmes to meet those needs. For example, in addition to guides, tourism employers have expressed a requirement for graduates trained as front office staff, so we now run a hospitality management course,” Morris adds.

Educational continuity in rural villages is often hampered by economic constraints. Although secondary school fees have been abolished, indirect costs remain a significant barrier for many low-income families. As a result children, particularly in these rural areas, frequently transition to agricultural or livestock work post-primary school.

The long-term benefits of improved education will further enable communities to benefit from the natural resources they live close to, run ongoing projects, or make informed decisions on how to protect the environment sustainably for the good of all. In classrooms across East Africa, there are brilliant young minds who will be integral to this future. ■

The burden disproportionately affects girls, who are often expected to take on caretaking responsibilities for younger siblings, limiting their access to further education. These circumstances highlight the complex interplay between poverty and limited educational opportunities in these communities.

IMAGES: Pages 62-65, Pupils of Mahuninga Primary School, Tanzania. Pages 66-67, Mahuninga Primary School Headteacher Petro Simu. Page 68, The Wildlife Tourism College of the Maasai Mara, Kenya.

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Kamitei

Kamitei Foundation “The Kamitei Foundation aims to improve education opportunities for children in rural Tanzania. We primarily focus on improving the academic performance of primary schools through teacher training and support, school management support, teaching materials and equipment and granting scholarships. We believe the benefits of education has a strong positive impact and can change lives.” — Billy Marandu, Kamitei Foundation Field Officer

Established in 2002, the Kamitei Foundation is focused on enhancing the education of children in rural Tanzania. Named after the late Mrs. Maria Motika, whose nickname was ‘Kamitei’, a Maasai woman who, despite not receiving modern education herself, ensured educational opportunities for her children. Now the foundation embodies her legacy. Kamitei operates in various rural communities in Tanzania, impacting over 5,000 children, through support to primary schools and scholarship programs. The foundation’s ethos is rooted in the belief that education significantly improves living standards and offers indirect benefits in areas like health and community empowerment. Kamitei’s field activities, informed by years of experience, include teacher training & support, increasing the number of teachers, supplying teaching materials and equipment, as well as building school facilities.

Adopting a business-minded approach, Kamitei views the communities and individuals it supports as partners and co-investors in education. The foundation aims to develop result-oriented programs that encourage communities to invest in their childrens’ education, avoiding aid dependency and respecting existing government and community structures.

Governed by independent boards, the foundation ensures efficiency and control, with board members serving voluntarily. Kamitei’s work is a testament to the power of community engagement and sustainable development in education. ■ For more information on the Kamitei Foundation visit www.kamitei.org

People and wildlife thriving together

In Tanzania, Kenya, and many other African countries, it’s essential that local communities are at the heart of the narrative to protect whole ecosystems. We find out why.

Imagine a scenario where you live on the edge of a vast wilderness brimming with wildlife, some of which are the most iconic species on the planet. Each week, people from other countries arrive to see the animals. The wilderness on your doorstep is admired and treasured across the world, but you live on the breadline, making a living off the land with your cattle or perhaps some goats and sheep.

Kotoine is standing near an empty boma, his blue shuka flapping wildly as he contemplates the answer to the question: what difference does living in a wildlife conservancy make to you? There’s a hint of mischief in Kotoine’s reply: “I want to milk the cows and the wildlife too.” It’s a half-joke, but the response neatly captures the intricate balance between community livelihoods and wildlife conservation, a crucial aspect of sustainable land management in this part of Kenya. For Kotoine, and others just like him in the conservancy, wildlife now has a value. He sees a reason to protect the land for the animals, and he’s happy that tourists come and enjoy watching the elephants and lions.

Sometimes a lion or a leopard takes one of your livestock, or an elephant comes in and destroys your crop, and you’re powerless to do anything about it. You look across at the land and see areas where there is grass that your livestock could eat, but you’re not allowed to venture there. Your livestock has to be herded further in the opposite direction, often to places where the grass is poorer.

“In the conservancy we can get paid for the land, but can still graze our cattle and sheep,” he says. This is important, because his pastoral lifestyle is part of his culture, and he needs to do what his family has done for hundreds of years. Kotoine has 200 sheep and 100 cows that need grass, and the managed grazing within the conservancy allows him controlled access to the land but rewards him for allowing the wildlife to flourish.

In short, the landscape in your backyard doesn’t benefit you in any way. It doesn’t feed your children or help educate them. Worst of all, you have no say in how this land is managed or who benefits from the money you know it generates. How would you feel?

Africa is host of the last remaining areas with high densities of wild mammals. People and nature should both thrive, working towards a mutually beneficial approach.

We think you would be indignant, frustrated, and perhaps a little angry. While you might still have pride in the wildlife and the fact it generates interest from the wider world, you would be forgiven for also resenting it, and having little interest in its future. You might even turn a blind eye to poachers. After all, they are removing a problem for you.

In essence this is fortress conservation; a system that removes humans and most of their activities from the land, leaving the space purely for wildlife.

East Africa’s community-led conservation models, like Kenya’s Conservancies and Tanzania’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), demonstrate an inclusive approach that benefits both wildlife and local communities. There are some differences, but with both land is set aside and protected, providing benefits to both communities and wildlife. It is a way to unlock financial compensation from the land through activities such as tourism, while managed human activity may still be permitted. →

At Nawiri, we believe it’s essential the communities that live in or around wildlife areas benefit economically from their existence and are integral to the decision-making and management of them too.

On a blisteringly hot but blustery day on the edge of the Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya, we meet Kotoine Korio, a Maasai landowner who receives a monthly payment for leasing his land to the conservancy. It’s community integration in action, and the money he receives represents a sustainable coexistence model.

LEFT: Randilen WMA Finance manager, Samuel Saruni Mollel.

Alistair Nicklin, the general manager of the Naboisho Conservancy, where Kotoine lives and grazes his livestock, believes the model is working well. “You can look at parts of the Mara ecosystem where there hasn’t been a conservancy established, and you see an escalation of fencing, and a rapid decrease in biodiversity, overgrazing, erosion, disruption of migratory patterns, and an increase in wildlife, human conflict,” he explains.

Across the border in Tanzania, Randilen WMA stretches as far as the eye can see. Outside the WMA’s management office there is a rocky outcrop you can climb for a 360-degree view of the landscape. It’s good to stop and realise that every inch of the visible wilderness here is working for the communities that live nearby.

Wearing a forest green tunic with shiny brass buttons, Meshurie Melembeki, manager of Randilen WMA, ushers us into his office to talk about their efforts to create a sustainable future for wildlife and people. He is forthright in his thoughts on the differences between past and present. “The Colonial era left us with fortress conservation models, but these have failed,” he says. “The community were excluded and couldn’t benefit from the land.”

“If you’re in an area where there is a community that can benefit from being in a conservation zone, then absolutely you need to involve them.”

Of course, tourism alone cannot generate enough income for everyone in a community, which is why in Kenya, the Maa Trust was created to increase the benefits that go back to families. “In our social enterprises, such as the Maa Beadwork, we measure success not only by how much money the ladies earn, but also the impact these earnings have on their lives,” said Rose Sairowua, the trusts Beadwork Field Operation Supervisor.

Randilen has contracts with five different tourism companies, all operating lodges inside the WMA. The money generated after tax is split equally between Randilen member villages and the general management of the WMA. “We need to see a big

shift towards community-based conservation, and it is good this is starting now,” continues Meshurie. “We now have 500,000 people engaged with community conservation via WMAs in Tanzania, bringing employment and opportunity.” But he also recognises the challenge ahead for them: “There is still a long way to go. We have tourism on our land, but the lodge owners aren’t from the community. We need to ensure there is more opportunity for local people.”

The Mara Naboisho community-led conservancy in Kenya is evidence that a win-win between nature and local communities is possible.

Finance manager Samuel Saruni Mollel is the first professional accountant to be employed in a WMA. Listening to his colleague speak he nods in agreement, adding that financial stability of a WMA is vital to the long-term sustainability of its local communities. It’s his job to ensure the WMA’s budget is on target, track records from entrance gate revenue and tourism levies and prepare financial reports to present to the community. “Each village has their own plan on how to use their money and they can allocate it as they see fit; →

building classrooms, water infrastructure, or dispensaries,” he explains. “Any community adjacent to a wild area must be the guardian of it, but it can’t do that if there are no rewards. A few rangers can’t patrol and protect a wide area, but once the community become the eyes and ears of a place, it can work.”

Sheila Makindara, head of community at Six Rivers Africa, an NGO created to protect, restore, and preserve wilderness areas, has been carrying out a baseline survey with local villagers around the Usangu Wetlands in Southern Tanzania. The Usangu Wetland was added to Ruaha National Park in 2006, meaning people who had used the land as a resource for generations were moved out. These drastic measures were required to protect the wetlands, which were drying out because of human activity, with ramifications for the whole country. Of course, the communities moved off the land are still feeling the effect of the changes today (read more about this on page 94).

“A lot of the community have struggled to understand why they can no longer enter the park they have used as a resource for years,” said Sheila. “It’s a very poor region where homes don’t have water or electricity. They cook by burning wood and don’t see why they can’t enter the park to gather it now. There is still a lot of incursions, and they tell me people are only interested in the animals. “We need different actors in the conservation space to focus and find resources for the community. We are looking at a 10-year project to uplift these communities, help them with education, health, wildlife conflict, and discover different ways to earn money.”

Ultimately, change is needed to drive community-led conservation forward, so it positively impacts whole communities. Only by enabling the people who live in rural areas to manage the natural world at their fingertips and be rewarded for their efforts, can a better future be assured for the land, its wildlife, and the people who live there. ■ PREVIOUS PAGE TOP LEFT: Meshurie Melembeki, manager of Randilen WMA. Tanzania. TOP RIGHT: Family of Maasai farmer Kotoine Korio, Kenya. LEFT: Bead working enterprise at the Maa Trust, Kenya.

Image credit Monica Dalmasso

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HoneyGuide

“Our Vision is that communities and wildlife benefit from each other’s existence and thrive for generations. Investing in building strong governance and management on locally owned conservation areas will have a significant impact in the future of people and wildlife.” — Sam Shaba, Programs Manager.

Honeyguide Foundation is a catalyst for community-led conservation in Tanzania. The foundation’s focus on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) reflects a commitment to inclusive, effective, and sustainable conservation practices. The organisation’s ethos revolves around ensuring efforts are driven and valued by local communities, leading to tangible benefits for both people and wildlife.

Honeyguide believes in equipping local communities with the tools to manage conservation areas effectively. Their work ensures community owned WMAs conserve biodiversity, critical habitats, and migratory corridors. Honeyguide Foundation sees WMAs as social enterprises, and focuses on developing robust governance and professional management. Their Governance Capacity-Building Framework has led to significant reductions in poaching, increased revenue, and stronger community engagement. Over the next five years, with the support of the Nawiri Foundation the organisation aims to broaden its impact, supporting over ten WMAs across Tanzania, covering a vast area of critical ecosystems. This expansion is founded on the lessons learned from existing WMAs, with the intention of replicating their success on a national scale.

Honeyguide’s methodologies are grounded in respect for communities, fostering trust and creating significant impacts. Their approach is innovative, data-driven, and aimed at achieving sustainable and successful WMAs. The organisation’s work contributes to national conservation goals, building investor confidence and improving livelihoods at both local and national levels. ■ For more information on Honeyguide visit www.honeyguide.org

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Maa Trust

“We support communities in the Maasai Mara by promoting small business startups and microfinance schemes, enabling them to make their own money and to invest in their family’s development. In our social enterprise, Maa Beadwork we measure the success of the project not only on how much money the ladies earn, but also the impact these earnings have on their lives.” — Rose Sairowua Maa Beadwork Field Operation Supervisor The Maa Trust is a non-profit organisation working with community-owned conservancies in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Reducing household poverty, improving quality of life and increasing resilience by supporting Maasai women and youth through diversification to environmentally sustainable livelihoods.

They coordinate in-house social enterprises to diversify livelihood opportunities for community members through technical and business skills training. Rose Sairowua (pictured top right) is the Maa Beadwork Field Operation Supervisor. A teacher by profession, she makes sure that fieldwork for the 579 ladies currently engaged with the project runs smoothly. “Maa Beadwork was launched in 2013 at the request of Maasai women who felt they were not benefiting from the conservancies, as rent payments are largely passed only to men. The ladies wanted to be connected to the tourist market in the Mara. The handcrafted beadwork items are sold to visitors through partner camps,” she says. Support is also provided to womens’ groups through microfinance training and loan access. The Maa Trust run a Street Business School entrepreneurship course covering a wide variety of business skills including business identification, book keeping, market research, and business planning. The Maa Trust works in three thematic areas, prioritised by Maasai communities; education and skills, water and health, and sustainable livelihoods. The Maa Trust works together with local communities to support them in their projects to innovate and work towards sustainable development. ■ For more information on the Maa Trust visit www.themaatrust.org

The Silicon Savannah

In the Maasai Mara, a technological revolution is unfolding within conservation, redefining the way we assess and manage data. Technological innovation is changing the face of wildlife and landscape protection across Kenya and Tanzania. Advances in tools like machine learning, acoustic sensors, and satellite remote sensing are revolutionising our understanding and protection of vast wilderness areas. They both enhance data collection and accelerate its analysis, offering deeper insights into ecological dynamics.

EarthRanger. This tool enables the team to track elephant movement, monitor habitats, and understand the nuances of human-elephant coexistence. EarthRanger consolidates diverse data streams into a comprehensive overview, generating a wealth of information for analysis. To effectively process this data, MEP has developed EcoScope, an open-source analysis module for EarthRanger. EcoScope significantly streamlines the analysis of ecological data, facilitating quick generation of reports and insights that were previously unattainable without extensive manual effort. Wilson Sairowua, MEP’s Conservation Manager and a native of the Maasai Mara, oversees the tracking of collared elephants and the management of this data. “The technology empowers us to monitor our field operations more accurately, ensuring both the protection of wildlife and the efficiency of our teams,” Wilson explains.

At the forefront of this transformation is the Mara Elephant Project (MEP). Established in 2011, MEP operates in the Greater Mara Ecosystem, a partnership that includes the Government of Kenya, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), and various community conservancies. Their mission is to employ cuttingedge technology for more effective elephant conservation and habitat protection. MEP’s journey from traditional conservation methods to embracing modern technology exemplifies a broader shift in safeguarding Africa’s wildlife.

“We can then evaluate and analyse that information and use it to protect both the wildlife and the people within the Greater Mara Ecosystem. This data-driven conservation allows us to use science to inform actions on the ground in a meaningful and more efficient way.”

“Technology is pivotal in conservation, especially in its capacity to gather and interpret data about wildlife, habitats, and the social dynamics within these environments,” notes Dr Jake Wells, Director of Research and Conservation at MEP. “Data-driven methods are transforming how we address conservation challenges, enhancing both our understanding and operational efficiency,” he adds.

The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently stirring global debate, with significant implications for conservation research. AI accelerates data analysis and reveals patterns beyond human detection, proving indispensable real-time wildlife →

MEP harnesses Geographic Information System (GIS) technology through a software platform called

protection. Its ability to rapidly process vast datasets is pivotal in conservation, where timely responses to threats like poaching, habitat loss, or human encroachment are critical.

able to use acoustic recording to create a more comprehensive view of biodiversity than is otherwise possible in any other way.” Satellite remote sensing, a tool that once only operated in the realms of space exploration, has found a new calling in the service of conservation. Satellites orbiting high above the African continent provide a bird’s-eye view of the ever-changing landscapes. Conservationists leverage this technology to monitor deforestation, habitat degradation, and even track the movements of wildlife across vast expanses.

MEP’s innovative use of AI includes employing geo-fences to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. These virtual boundaries, set around farmlands and communities, trigger alerts when collared elephants breach them, enabling prompt on-ground intervention to guide the elephants back to safety.

Another notable initiative is ElephantBook, MEP’s in-house developed software that utilises machine learning to identify individual elephants. By analysing unique features such as tusk size and ear shape, ElephantBook enhances monitoring efficiency and enriches data crucial for understanding elephant populations. The MEP team has successfully identified 1,500 out of the 2,600 elephants in the greater Mara area using this technology.

In the context of Kenya and Tanzania, where ecosystems are delicately balanced, satellite remote sensing becomes a vital tool in identifying areas under stress and formulating targeted conservation strategies to solve the issues.

MEP’s innovative use of Artificial Intelligence includes employing geo-fences to mitigate humanwildlife conflict.

Wilson underscores their approach: “Our team, comprising of young researchers, conducts daily fieldwork, photographing elephants and noting distinctive features. We aim to create a unique identification system for each Mara elephant, accessible to conservationists and NGOs alike, democratising the data for broader use.”

“The proliferation of tracking devices, cameras, sensors, and remote sensing imagery gives us an unparalleled amount of data to study and analyse. A big challenge is now in the analysis and our ability to answer meaningful questions, and quickly, from this data,” said MEP’s Dr Jake Wells. “We need to develop newer analytical tools, data platforms, and services that are designed specifically to be used for conservation, an area which has typically trailed behind other industries in driving the development and adoption of technology.

The MEP isn’t the only organisation to be embracing new technological advances. Beyond the visible spectrum, acoustic sensors strategically placed across the landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania offer a fresh way to study biodiversity.

Capturing the symphony of nature, from the chorus of frogs as night falls, to the roars of distant lions, sophisticated algorithms sift through this auditory treasure trove, identifying not only the presence of key species but also their behavioural nuances. For example, the distinctive call-and-response communication of elephants can be unravelled.

“Specifically, I think development of a data analysis pipeline, designed to process aerial images from drone surveys using machine-learning models is the next key investment in conservation technology. This will enable us to analyse hyper-spectral imagery and build our understanding of wildlife habitat,” he concluded. With new technologies still emerging, embracing their power will be integral to shaping the future of our threatened ecosystems and protecting both the wildlife and people who live in them. ■

In Nyerere National Park, the Six Rivers Foundation are deploying acoustic receivers as part of a significant new biodiversity study. Brandon Kemp, one of the founders at Six Rivers Africa explains how this helps advance their studies. “Wildlife, such as frogs and bats, are generally not caught on camera traps so it has been hard to accurately study them. We are

The lifeblood of the Maasai Recognising the importance of cattle, and finding solutions to manage grazing so that it still allows for a traditional way of life, has to be central to long term conservation plans if communities are to embrace them.

Dust rises as a lean herd of cattle emerges from the scrub. A teenage boy walks in silence behind them clad in a bright red Shuka cloth in vivid contrast to the surrounding pale-yellow grasses. The road is full of cows now, but it’s a tiny number in comparison to the mind-boggling amount that are managed in Tanzania and Kenya. Here in Tanzania the figure is around 33 million, and in Kenya it’s slightly less, but still significant at over 21 million. Of course, there are also vast numbers of other animals too, not least millions of sheep and goats, all needing grass to feed on.

it less productive and more sensitive to changing weather patterns.

In areas such as the Usangu Wetlands of Ruaha, in Southern Tanzania, cattle grazing was a significant contributor to the drying up of the Great Ruaha River, creating a water crisis that had ramifications for the whole country. The impact of increasing cattle numbers on ecologically sensitive landscapes is considerable, making it a critical factor in conservation planning. However, livestock still needs grassland, and moving herds outside protected areas creates a new issue of illegal grazing. Herds are moved over many kilometres daily, into areas where grazing is banned. This creates topographical changes, creating paths, and reduces the quantity and quality of food available for wildlife, with a knock-on effect for the whole food chain. The effect of cattle grazing on wild herbivores differs between species, but many will avoid areas recently grazed by cattle.

The young herdsman pauses, casting a reproachful scowl in our direction as he gently chides his cattle to navigate around our vehicle, a temporary disruption in the herd’s procession. Cattle are not merely livestock in this realm; they’re the lifeblood of the Maasai culture, integral to identity and survival. For the Maasai they are a cornerstone of cultural identity, wealth, and sustenance, deeply intertwined with their pastoral way of life.

Cattle are not merely livestock in this realm. They’re the lifeblood of the Maasai culture.

In recent decades, the Maasai’s pastoral existence has come under threat. The rising human population, climate change, and land use conflicts have upended the delicate equilibrium of the Maasai’s pastoral heritage and the health of the ecosystem. Cattle represent the fundamental Maasai currency, sold and bartered for all sorts of goods and services. Families build up large herds as a demonstration of wealth and status.

A model found in several of the Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in Tanzania, and Conservancies in Kenya, is to allow managed grazing. The Mara North Conservancy’s rotational grazing system, overseen by Grazing Manager Raphael Kereto (pictured top left), is an exemplar of a sustainable approach that supports both the ecosystem and the Maasai’s pastoral practices. “In the rotational grazing system of Mara North Conservancy, the cattle are moved between blocks of around ten square kilometres,” Raphael explains. “We also designate cattle-free zones within the conservancy. Since managing grazing this way we’ve not lost cattle to drought, and they are fetching more money at market as they are healthier. They aren’t being walked long distances to graze each day and we can provide access to medicine.”

What were once traditional grazing lands have been converted for agriculture or set aside as wildlife conservation areas and National Parks, leaving the Maasai displaced from large stretches of land with a smaller space for their herds. With little room to roam, the issue has been further compounded by drought, leading to devastating cattle losses.

Overgrazing, amplified by the expanding Maasai population, has a significant consequence as the land reaches its ecological capacity. This weakens the capacity of soil to store nutrients and carbon, making

Unfortunately, with the value and health of the cattle increasing, this then results in a new issue; more cattle. “Our main challenge now is managing →

numbers; the farmers are resistant to reducing the number of livestock” Raphael adds. “Of course, as families earn money from other revenue sources, a lot of that is also converted into more cattle.”

Philip Valentine, the general Manager of the Mara North Conservancy explains, “Our main preoccupation is with the high numbers of landowners’ cattle that we host. these numbers are way too many for the conservancy to sustain. They have been moving around the grazing blocks and exhausting the grazing and the water pans ahead of time. When they need to return to previously grazed areas, there has been no adequate grass regeneration.” Alistair Nicklin, General Manager at the Mara Naboisho Conservancy who operate a similar scheme of managed grazing zones, revealed that grazing remains one of toughest conundrums in the conservancy to solve.

“Grazing is probably the most contentious issues we have in the conservancy, depending on grass availability. During drought it becomes very difficult and we see a lot of illegal grazing, with cattle and sheep driven through no-grazing zones to water. Of course, they grab every blade of grass on the way. It also becomes an ethical dilemma as we don’t want to see livestock suffer.”

“We need to look at increasing year-round water availability for herds, and increasing grass density in areas previously overgrazed,” says Alistair. “Livestock management is a critical aspect of conservation in this ecosystem.”

Another solution being explored is the breed of cattle used, and Raphael feels this could be one answer. “We want to encourage quality over quantity, and a shift to pastoralists having fewer, but more valuable and productive cattle” he suggests. New cross breeds offer benefits such as more tolerance to adverse climatic conditions, better milk and beef production, and less feed requirements, reducing costs for farmers. Community involvement is paramount in finding a solution that can be embraced by all parties. Managed grazing offers a positive solution, but only where herd numbers are sustainably managed, as part of the grazing puzzle that allows the Maasai’s pastoral heritage to coexist with conservation in a changing environment. ■

A path forward in the wilderness In one of Tanzania’s largest and most remote areas, a fresh strategy combining scientific research with community engagement, is breathing new life into a depleted ecosystem.

The evening sky is transitioning rapidly from azure blue to deep purple, leaving us in darkness with the sounds of hidden wildlife all around. We pull our vehicle over to the side of the track, and using the light from its headlights, attach a camera to the trunk of a tree, positioning it so it looks out on a clearing with a small pool of water at its centre. This is a perfect place to discover what animals are moving under cover of darkness.

In 1993, the Great Ruaha River ran dry for the first time in known history. This catastrophe was caused by human activity within the Usangu wetlands. Once rich in wildlife, the area was unrecognisable. Rice farms with their thirsty requirements, fed by unmanaged water trenches were drying out the wetlands. This was compounded by intense grazing, with cattle tramping the ground and removing grass cover, which in turn increased evaporation of the remaining water. The hydroelectric turbines stopped turning, reducing the electricity needed for economic development. To counter the problems, the Tanzanian Government expanded Ruaha National Park to include the 6,000 square kilometre wetland wilderness.

We’re in Usangu Game Reserve, Tanzania. Our knowledgeable Asilia guide, Fadili Sinang’o explains that a full biodiversity audit has been carried out and as things stand, we’re looking at an amazing success story for an area that not that long ago was an ecosystem on the brink of collapse. Our camera trap set, we head back to camp, wondering what creatures we might record overnight.

The Greater Ruaha Ecosystem in Tanzania is a vast region, encompassing approximately 50,000 square kilometres and is home to over 10 percent of Africa’s lions. We’re in the Usangu Wetlands area, a relatively new addition to Ruaha National Park, following its inclusion in 2006.

An old and often abused hunting block, the Usangu wetlands feed into river systems crucial to the whole country. These remote watery plains, at the heart of which sits the Ihefu Swamp are the source of the Great Ruaha River. This is the lifeblood for huge areas of the country; not least because its two hydroelectric dams generate about 50 percent of Tanzania’s electricity.

This was not without controversy because annexing Usangu meant displacing people. There were 27 villages relocated, and the communities from the 31 further villages along the outskirts of the park were banned from entering the land that was once the resource they lived off. Livestock grazing, fishing, hunting, farming and wood gathering were all forbidden under new rules. Understandably, community feelings ran high.

Sheila Makindara, Head of Community at Six Rivers, leads a transformative initiative to enhance local livelihoods, by addressing challenges faced by displaced communities. “There is a lot of confusion, especially amongst the older villagers,” she explains. “They don’t understand why they are no longer able to enter the park and use its resources.” →

“These are very poor rural people, without electricity or the means to buy other fuel. All their cooking is done over woodfires, but now they’re struggling to gather enough fuel to meet their basic needs. They look into the park and see it just lying there, so ask what is the harm of going into the park to pick up the wood that will otherwise be left?” “The problem is the sheer number of people. One person picking up firewood doesn’t have an impact, but there would be 600 people or more and it isn’t sustainable. It has to be an all or nothing approach,” Sheila continues.

To change the narrative, solutions need to found, and this includes finding alternative energy sources and improving income so the local communities can afford to buy it. Right now, they feel it’s all about wildlife and people don’t matter. “Our work is to find a balance for both because ultimately this will be the only way to protect the ecosystem,” she concludes.

younger generation is more open, with many embracing the opportunities that tourism in the park is opening up. A partnership created between Asilia, Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), and the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute was the start of the region’s recovery. In 2021 Asilia Africa approached the community looking for people who were keen to train for roles at a new camp.

Zubery Ngalawa is one of the young team at Usangu Camp, a housekeeper with obvious pride in his work. “At first people in the village were unhappy with me and I was threatened when they found out I would be working in the park. Many thought I was training to be a ranger so didn’t trust me, and there are still people who earn a lot from poaching because you can get a good money from just a few hours of illegal fishing. When things escalated, my house was burnt down, showing the anger of the older generation towards their exclusion from the park.” For Zubery things have since improved. His family now see the benefits because of his income, are

While the feelings of the people who live in the villages bordering the park are still mixed, the outlook of the

proud of him and talk to others about the importance of wildlife and tourism. “There are still a lot of people who don’t understand,” he adds.

His story is echoed by others working in the camp. Anderson Mesilla is a guide who grew up in one of the nearby villages. “My grandfather collected honey from within the park, and as I got older, I joined him. Having the opportunity to work and train as a guide has changed my life. I’m an ambassador for this ecosystem and can see the positive impact that is taking place.” But he acknowledges his grandfather, now in his nineties, is still angry.

“My house was burnt down, showing the anger towards being excluded from the park”

A scholarship programme now offers others from the local area a chance to train in different areas of hospitality. Fifty fully-funded places are being offered this year, with plans to increase it to a hundred in the future. Other projects offering opportunities to the local community include enterprises to farm honey or grow chillis. Studies have revealed that each person employed has eight dependents, meaning revenue generating enterprises can significantly uplift the lives of many. →

Six Rivers Africa, funded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has made a large financial commitment to southern Tanzania and is working together with Asilia on protecting this remote wilderness. “Embracing the community clearly is critical. They need a vision; a successful national park with lots of tourists and jobs,” says Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

have lifted and shifted that approach onto new areas. Everything we are doing now stems from Usangu,” adds Brandon Kemp. “There were a lot of learnings, some positives, but of course also some negatives. This has helped us refine and advance what we are doing. It’s definitely not perfect but we’ve significantly improved our approach.”

Brandon Kemp, Founder of Six Rivers Africa, has been involved in the Usangu Wetlands story since the start. He knows that for this ecosystem to thrive, it needs to have a greater value. “In Tanzania, if the land can’t add value, it will disappear and take on another form of revenue generation. This could be agriculture. We want to avoid this and make these parts of the parks valuable to the country,” he explains.

“These learnings have played a significant role in a new study in Nyerere National Park. We are using 150 camera traps now, which is almost double the number we used in Usangu. Instead of netting fish, we are using eDNA to study aquatic life and working with acoustic recorders, then using software to identify the calls that are being made.”

“Down the road, we feel that biodiversity accreditation will be important. Although currently carbon offsetting is the main player, we do foresee this moving towards biodiversity credits. What we are doing now will allow us to understand what biodiversity is there and monitor our progress of protecting these ecosystems. The ultimate goal for us is getting these areas of land generating enough revenue so that the government sees it as a worthwhile income source and dedicates attention and funding to protecting it.”

“When I first visited Usangu it felt very different. It was full of poachers and cattle despite being part of the National Park, but its potential was clear. Monitoring such a vast area with no roads or infrastructure was impossible, so the land and its wildlife was being abused,” he continues. “In order to understand these vast wilderness areas, we needed a biodiversity study to work out the health of the eco-system and find out what lived there.” “We started our research through the use of camera traps, with 60 places through the bush covering 120 kilometres,” Brandon explained.

The progress made, despite the difficulties of the past are heartening. There are clearly challenges ahead to ensure that communities prosper, but the improvement in biodiversity and the landscape itself is a big step along the road.

“We left them out for three months, collecting a huge number of data points that needed analysing. We found that every species that occurred on the Ruaha mammal list were present in the Usangu Game Reserve, plus a small antelope that hadn’t been recorded in this area before. We continued our survey looking at fish in the river and placing small mammal traps.”

At camp, we sit to review our camera trap images from the night before. First of all, an elephant, eyes glowing white, looks towards the lens, then in the frame is the familiar sight of two dik-dik stopping by to drink. The final shot reveals something different, a slim cat-like animal with what looks like a Zorro mask across its eyes. It’s a secretive genet, a good capture data wise, highlighting the diversity of rarer wildlife in the region. As visitors we feel we’ve played a part in the ongoing research that is helping to put this ecosystem back on its feet. ■

Now visitors to the park participate in the ongoing camera trap studies. “These aren’t just to create a nice story for guests,” reveals camp manager, David Msuya. “It helps us build up a bigger picture and monitor the success of what we are doing. Unlike other many National Parks, this area is relatively unknown, and we don’t know all the wildlife that’s here.”

IMAGES: Page 94, Usangu guide Fadili Sinang’o setting a

The Usangu Wetlands is a success story, that shows what could be rolled out in other areas. “We’ve taken what we did in Usangu as proof of concept, and we

camera trap. Page 96, a genet caught on the camera trap

pictured. Page 97, Fadili Sinang’o logging data of wildlife seen

on a morning game drive. Opposite, the Usangu wetlands.

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Six Rivers Africa

“Six Rivers Africa aims to be the leading non-profit organisation in supporting conservation and communities in wilderness areas. Our integrated approach to address conservation problems, provides the opportunity to create positive and lasting impact on the lives of local communities living adjacent to National Parks” — Sheila Makindara, Head of Community, Six Rivers Africa. Six Rivers Africa, an arm of the Six Rivers Foundation, is at the forefront of Tanzania’s conservation efforts, targeting the nation’s southern wilderness. The initiative’s strategy weaves together scientific research and community engagement to address the complex challenges of biodiversity conservation.

Six Rivers focus is within National Park areas, primarily Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park, partnering with governmental organisations in the research and development of these critical ecosystems.

Key to their approach is a comprehensive ecological study, including biodiversity audits and wildlife monitoring, coupled with advanced aquatic research. Protection strategies are multifaceted, involving collaboration with government forces, specialised ranger training, and aerial support. In wildlife restoration, the initiative conducts regular ecological surveys and reintroduces critical species, directly engaging with the natural cycle of these regions. Community involvement is integral to Six Rivers Africa’s ethos. This encompasses educational initiatives, infrastructural support in schools, and fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to conservation among local populations. By aligning with governmental policies and acknowledging the global biodiversity crisis, Six Rivers Africa not only confronts immediate ecological challenges but also sets a sustainable course for Tanzania’s environmental future. This model demonstrates a synergy of scientific rigor, community partnership, and policy alignment, essential in the global fight to preserve natural habitats and biodiversity. ■ For more information on Six Rivers visit www.thesixriversfoundation.com

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Innovating for Co-Existence

Saving both elephants and livelihoods with simple solutions requires constant invention. Elephants are smart but a bright young team in Tanzania is busy innovating to find sustainable ways to help rural farmers living on the edge of protected areas safeguard their crops. On the outskirts of a remote Tanzanian village, two farmers squat at the side of a maize field. One scoops up dirt; small chips of rock tumbling from his hand as he carefully places a handful of the warm soil onto a piece of paper spread before him by the other. A plastic bag is split open, and a generous amount of hot red chili powder is poured out, then mixed into the soil. Finally, a foil packet containing a condom is revealed as the unlikeliest component in the construction. Gently unfurling it, they embark on the delicate operation of stuffing it with the pungent soil-chili mixture, before adding a small firecracker and tying the top, leaving its fuse protruding. As the contraption is held up, a broad smile crosses both their faces. This simple device, a Chili Cracker, will help him keep their crops safe.

festers, then communities start looking at killing elephants as a solution to the problems they are facing. Key to any long-term conservation solutions is supporting a peaceful co-existence between wildlife and people.

Our demonstration isn’t quite over. Despite a strong, hot wind that’s causing small dust tornadoes to whirl around the fields, they want us to see and hear the effect of the Chili Cracker, so a huddle is made against the breeze, the fuse is lit and suddenly it’s arcing across the sky towards imaginary elephants. With a loud and sharp crack, the Chili Cracker explodes, its contents carried on the wind. Naturally, neither sound or smell is welcome to an elephant, and as long as you’ve chosen your position correctly for the prevailing wind, the result should be elephants moving off the crops. There is ingenuity to these low-tech but clever methods of crop protection. Importantly, they can safely deter elephants allowing farmers to preserve their crops without harming wildlife.

A farmer can lose several acres of crops in a single night if elephants invade a farm. Crop destruction can be devastating for rural communities relying on farming for their livelihood.

As human settlements spread, and crop production increases to support a rapidly growing population, agriculture encroaches further on elephant habitats, bringing with it increased contact and conflict. With their livelihoods at stake, negativity towards elephants and the protected areas they inhabit

Lemuta Meng’oru is a young Tanzanian who, as a farmer, came into conflict with elephants and has experienced first-hand the destruction a hungry animal can inflict on a crop. He now works for Honeyguide, a non-profit NGO committed to →

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developing sustainable enterprises within community protected areas of northern Tanzania. As a Human Wildlife Conflict Officer, it’s his job to look at strategies to prevent crop destruction, using methods that are accessible in small rural villages.

He talks knowledgeably about the Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) Toolkit that he and his team have been developing. The words ‘Innovation’ are written large on the wall behind one of the desks at their headquarters in Arusha. Innovation is the byword for their work. Keep thinking, experimenting, and educating the farmers so they can reduce any potential conflict, ensuring both human and elephant can coexist peacefully.

The toolkit needs to use methods and technology that are accessible in remote farming villages, can keep the humans implementing them safe, and remain effective over time. It’s perhaps the latter which is the most challenging; elephants are clever quickly become desensitised to some of the tactics deployed, requiring constant innovation and invention.

Lemuta is quick to establish that first and foremost, it is essential to understand elephant behaviour, before deploying any of the tools they have developed as part of the kit. “We teach people about elephants so they can use the tools safely. For example, we tell them that they need to pay attention to things like wind direction before they start using the toolkit. We stress the importance of respecting the elephants to help avoid dangerous interactions. Simple things such as staying quiet until you know their location makes a big difference to human safety.”

The toolkit itself is purposely low-tech. “We start off by looking at what the villagers are using already and then consider how we can improve the efficiency of what they are already doing. There is no point in us developing solutions that aren’t quick and efficient to use, or that require significant investment such as the use of drones. We look to address the challenge of human-elephant conflict through constant adaptation and by teaching an understanding of elephant behavior to ensure coexistence. Our toolkit offers simple but effective solutions.”

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On talking to farmers, the Honeyguide team discovered that torchlight was traditionally the first line of defence, along with noise; either shouting or banging pans. “We took these ideas, talked at length to farmers, and thought about how to make them more effective,” said Lemutu. Sometimes the answers were simple; a brighter LED torch with further reach and a strobe function was far more effective than the low-cost, often battery hungry, dim flashlights in use.

Local communities will not support anti-poaching if the same elephants that the poachers are killing, are destroying their livelihoods.

Other innovations took a technique that was working, such as noise, but advanced it by adding a flashing light and increasing safety by turning it into an item that was thrown a distance away from the user, so it didn’t bring a frightened or potentially angry elephant into closer proximity where, in the dark, anything could happen.

“We want to adapt this device further” explains Lemutu. “If an elephant is 200 metres away, we need to make it so that it can be thrown close to that elephant allowing people to keep their distance.” →

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He shows us a new bell alarm prototype, nestling it in the handmade sling and demonstrates how it can be thrown further than the current box model. “We’ll keep refining it and when it is ready, we’ll bring it to the community for testing. Then once it’s in use, we’ll start looking for the next idea.”

A key part of Lemutu’s role is monitoring the success of the toolkits. “Before we started this programme, some farmers were only harvesting around 10% of their crop, but now many are reporting that they are able to harvest 90%,” he proudly explained. In addition, nobody has been killed while trying to protect their crops in areas where the toolkit has been deployed, and attitudes towards elephants are changing among the farmers.

Sam Shaba, Programs Manager at Honeyguide, underlines that if conservation goals are successful, we should expect that wildlife numbers will increase. “Let’s be honest, more wildlife will result in more conflict,” he says. “We need to be ahead of the game, and make sure that we are well positioned when this happens; this means we need to start today. We need to develop tools and approaches, in partnership with local communities, to protect their crops and livestock from attack.” Under the shelter of a large tree in Mswakini Juu, in Tanzania near Randilen WMA, village leader Solomoni Emanueli discusses the impact the efforts have made in his area. Softly spoken but clear in his views, he’s straight talking about the positives of the scheme, but accepts there is more work to be done.

“Having a crop protection team working together has made a big difference,” he explains. “It was never good when each farmer tried to protect their crops alone. Now we work together and the training we’ve had on how animals can react has given us a better understanding of animal behaviour. Nothing is 100% effective, but the Toolkit and education has really helped us.” Sam concludes, “We want the local communities to be active participants in protecting the wildlife and natural resources. It is our responsibility as conservationists to deliver the solutions that will help them to protect their farms and livestock from attack. Only when we are really engaged here, can we be true to ourselves, and stand together with communities to jointly support the conservation of wildlife and habitat.” →

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Exploring the conflict tool kit ... 1. Elephants mainly crop-raid at night, and many farmers were found to be using a cheap flashlight as a basic deterrent with marginal success. The light source was not bright enough in these torches, the light beam reaching perhaps 20m, and insufficient to scare the elephants away. 2. On testing it was found that new LED torches were far more effective. The strobe function is particularly effective. Elephants do not like flashing lights and quickly move away from them; the beam reach of this model is circa 900m while waterproofing adds to the durability of the torch. 3. Air horns are a cheap and effective deterrent, often used in tandem with LED lights for a combined auditory and visual irritant to the elephants. 4. The Honeyguide team had found that some elephants were becoming desensitised to air horns and were moving towards the noise source endangering the users. In response, the team produced a new bell alarm that can be thrown on the ground which also incorporates a flashing strobe light. The unit is rechargeable and serviced by the team annually. 5. Currently in development is a new alarm. At present sitting in a cylinder, the next step will be to incorporate the alarm and light into a ball shape. With the aid of a sling this can be thrown further than the box alarm, ensuring there is plenty of distance between the users and any elephants, who if not scared away may approach the alarm to destroy it. 6. The Chilli Cracker combines an auditory and physical deterrent. Elephants have a strong sense of smell and an intense dislike of chilli powder. A cloud of the spice is generally enough of an unpleasant irritant to make them leave. Full instructions are given to farmers and the chilli crackers have proven to be inexpensive, accessible, and effective. However, like most deterrents, they can decrease in effectiveness over time. 7. The final line of defence, this modified roman candle firework has a 100% effectiveness in deterring elephants to date. Once fired it releases a series of loud explosions accompanied by bright flashes. However, as a single use item, they are expensive, and it is advised they should be used as a last resort when elephants are refusing to leave a farm and all the other tools have been used. ■ 111

Keeping The Peace Meet the men and women protecting both communities and wildlife in the hinterland between where protected wilderness ends and human habitation begins.

The darkness of pre-dawn transitions into the clarity of daybreak as a dusky pink sky hangs over the bush surrounding a small village in Southern Tanzania. A solitary figure stands quietly surveying the terrain, and in the shadow of a large tree he crouches by a dusty track to an examine a single spoor among the wind-blown leaves and animal tracks, before mentally mapping what might have happened under the cover of night. He’s a Lion Defender, and it’s his job to know whether a predator has passed through the area and if it’s a threat to local livestock. His name is Darem, and he’s no stranger to tracking the movement of lions. He once killed one as a young Barabaig warrior in a show of strength and virility, part of an ancient tradition among the males of his village. He’s not proud of it now and talks softly, almost bashfully, about his time as a wildlife poacher.

Aged 17, he drove his spear into a lion for the prestige; it was a way of life. Wildlife was regarded as nothing more than a commodity as he crept into the National Park to kill elephants and buffalos, while also leading lion hunts. His attitude changed in 2012 when he joined a new Lion Defenders programme run by the Ruaha Carnivore Project (now called Lion Landscapes). It was known that traditional killing was having a substantial impact around Ruaha National Park in Tanzania, where dozens of lions were being killed in a single year. Warriors claiming the first spear would receive gifts of cattle from the community, which was a way to build status. To address the situation, Lion Landscapes developed a programme that gave young men like Darem, the opportunity to fulfil a traditional warrior role, while receiving financial benefits. Now, instead of killing wildlife, they are its protectors in a true poacher-turnedgamekeeper role reversal. →

Darem’s day starts at 6am as he heads out into the bush before the pastoralists take their cattle out to graze. Typically, he’ll be looking for tracks, but also has wider intelligence to work from. Lions are often picked up on camera traps placed in the bush that surrounds the villages, and some animals have been collared. The data is collected and analysed, allowing predictions to be made as to where conflict might possibly occur.

revenge on the offending lions. Heading out on foot, he spotted the lethal trap, and could see five lions hungrily circling. As he chased them off for their own safety, he felt a profound purpose in his role, protecting both lions and people.

His story is echoed by another Lion Defender, John Matiasi. A slim and athletic-looking Tanzanian, John used to spend his days sleeping, and his nights hunting elephants in the National Park. Now, like Daren, he advocates for wildlife, and is a predator protector with three years of experience under his belt.

If there are any signs of lions in the area, Darem warns the community and, if necessary, physically ushers the predators away. Any lion sighting around the village quickly goes ‘viral’, and even in this remote rural village a flurry of texts from mobile phone to mobile phone quickly spreads the word as Darem rushes to the sighting to ensure the safety of both humans and lion.

Sitting in the shade of a tree, he looks serious as he recounts his early struggles. Not long after starting his role he heard news of a lion hunt starting after a lion taking livestock had roused a group into seeking a retaliatory killing. Approaching the men, he was warned to back off, and told not to call for reinforcements. Despite the obvious tension and potential conflict, he enlisted help and stopped the hunt, but his intervention came at a price. Later, he was beaten for sharing the information. Admirably, he has no regrets about his actions and now enjoys the status that being a Lion Defender brings; as well as the opportunity to earn a wage.

After his morning patrol is complete, he will head back into the village to help reinforce the livestock enclosures, known as bomas. Research by Lion Landscapes showed that 65% of carnivore attacks occurred within poorly protected livestock enclosures, so fortifying these traditional thornbush corrals offers essential support to the pastoralists. If any livestock has become separated from its herd, Darem will also head out in search of the strays, rounding them up and making sure they’re returned to the right farmer.

There are a number of different employment roles that have been created in the village, all slightly different but all achieving the same purpose. They allow local villagers a way of generating an income from the wildlife, while at the same time protecting the income of pastoralists and farmers.

The warrior who first spears a lion on a hunt is rewarded with gifts of cattle from the community and an elevated status.

Traditional warriors who have never gone to school, but who are skilled trackers can use their local generational knowledge to conserve wildlife. The long-term conservation of lions and other carnivores can only be achieved when the people who live alongside the wildlife, sharing the same landscape, are involved in the process, and programs such as the Lion Defenders helps achieve this.

Darem’s pride in his work is evident, he says that while people will still kill lions, he feels better knowing his effort helps prevent this. He doesn’t want to see carnivores disappear and now feels a connection with them.

In this area there are now 18 Lion Defenders employed, covering at least 80% of village land, to help respond to events, reduce hostility and the likelihood of lethal retaliation. →

His face, etched with the lines of experience, is animated as he recounts his journey as a protector of the wild. As he weaves tales of lions saved, one incident stands tall in his memory. Late one night he heard that a cow had been predated and there was a plan to poison the carcass and wreak deadly

LEFT: Lion Defender Darem Philipo is proud of the work he does protecting the community.

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Lion Landscapes Director of Conservation Programmes, Benjee Cascio, is understandably upbeat on how their activities have had a huge impact on the ground. Their data backs up his optimism and there’s a stark difference between the early days of the program and the situation now. For example, during the early 2010s when the concept was just starting, there were over 50 carnivore mortalities in a small area, but in 2023 this has been reduced to just 10 in an area over five times as large.

But the work is broader than that, and a big part of conflict reduction is the protection of livestock and the responses to conflict events. “In 2022 our Lion Defenders reinforced 68 traditional livestock enclosures, constructed 25 wire livestock enclosures, and retrieved nearly 1000 lost livestock,” explains Benjee. “Lost livestock is also a major cause of cattle being predated when they’ve become separated from the herd, and then there is the risk of retaliatory attacks by the farmers,” he adds. Lion Defenders also apply basic treatment to injured livestock after a carnivore attack. This helps to provide immediate benefit to the pastoralists and gives Lion Landscapes the chance to be in direct contact with them. In turn, it helps reduce the potential for retaliatory poisoning or hunts.

Ultimately, Benjee strongly believes that communityled conservation must be driven by local stakeholders, and that by employing individuals that are based in the community it brings more ownership and greater involvement in all the conservation activities. It’s absolutely essential that integrated landscapes are managed so that people and wildlife both have the space and resources to exist together. “Not only do Lion Defenders act as ambassadors to their community, but they are also the ones on the frontline, reducing attacks on livestock, monitoring the presence of wildlife, and responding to conflict events. Their role in community conservation is absolutely pivotal. Due to quick responses and a robust network, we have prevented or stopped 90% of traditional and retaliatory hunts,” he reveals.

“While Lion Landscapes assists in training, resources, and capacity building; ultimately this is a two-way relationship where the community also helps to educate us about its own needs and strategies to reduce human wildlife contact.” ■

Lion Defenders Darem Philipo age 29 (left) and John Matiasi aged 24 (right) are both employed as Lion Defenders. Lion Landscapes research found that 65% of carnivore attacks occurred within poorly protected livestock enclosures (known locally as bomas). As part of their role the Lion Defenders support the village pastoralists by checking their traditional thorn-bush bomas, looking for signs of weakness. They assist with the reinforcement of the enclosures using traditional means.

To the left you can see a newer wire boma which was built as part of a scheme run by Lion Landscapes that supports the provision of wire enclosures in areas of high predation. The enclosures are made with strong diamond-mesh fencing and have been found to be 95% effective at preventing depredations at the boma. The household are asked to contribute 25% of the $500 cost and commit to maintaining the wire enclosure.

Camera Trap Officer Yohana Mtemisika aged 28, has been a Camera Trap Officer for two years. The Community Camera Trap scheme unlocks the value of wildlife for villages adjacent to Ruaha National Park while supporting important wildlife research. The scheme involves 16 villages photographing wildlife via camera traps, earning escalating points for the animals photographed. A small antelope like a dik dik is worth a small number of points, while species such as lion, cheetah or leopard attract a high score. Villages exchange these points for educational, healthcare or veterinary benefits, while capturing research data on wildlife biodiversity. Yohana, a pastoralist, was selected by his village to be a camera trap officer and trained in how to set up and maintain them. He says, “I was chosen as I know the bush well. I try and place cameras on paths where I know the wildlife passes. The whole village is looking out for wildlife now.”

Conflict Officer Neria Abdi aged 25, has been a Conflict Officer since 2018. In the Greater Ruaha area Conflict Officers are employed in all the villages that Lion Landscapes work in. A significant part of the role is to be the first to respond to depredations, collect data and monitor trends in livestock loss from carnivores across over 500 livestock enclosures. Neria’s role is to support the community while acting as a conservation ambassador. It’s not always easy “There are often a lot of challenges when trying to resolve conflict, such as a lot of anger after a depredation.” Neria says. “Maasai women have traditionally been responsible for domestic work so at first, being female caused me additional challenges in making my voice heard, but now people understand I am there to help and accept my advice. I used to fear lions but my perspective has changed and I see the importance of wildlife. My community now benefits from protecting it.”

Conservation credentials

Assessing the credentials of eco-tourism needs a determination to look beyond the headlines and seek out truly transformational change. It is getting increasingly hard for consumers to navigate the plethora of messages when it comes to seeking out a responsible travel company. Behind the fanfare of ‘PR’ it’s essential to ask whether initiatives you hear about are genuine mechanisms for change or messaging that speaks to the growing demand for responsible tourism. Greenwashing is the phrase used when a business exaggerates its environmental credentials. While doing something is better than doing nothing, we think the fact a camp is solar powered or has a water recycling system, should be standard throughout the industry.

In 2012, Asilia Africa became a Certified B Corporation, and as of 2023 The Nawiri Group and its individual travel companies are also B Corp certified. It’s a powerful framework for change; a marker that says our business is meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. As one of the first hospitality/tourism companies in Africa to achieve this, we are proud of our efforts. For almost two decades, B Corp has been seen as the benchmark; a tool to encourage the setting of high sustainability targets. We don’t see it as the bar to reach, but rather the bare minimum a company serious about making a positive impact should attain. On the surface, stating an organisation is making a difference is laudable, but often initiatives only scratch the environmental surface, or fail to address the long-term picture with any magnitude or depth. In an era where consumers seek sustainable and ethical options, the potential for greenwashing continues to raise concerns.

Are initiatives transformative in the long-term? Positive impact requires genuine collaboration and partnership with communities, and a deep respect for the ecosystem being worked in. Fortunately, many safari companies do this really well, but some less so. Travellers need to be armed with the best information and ask the right questions, so they can make informed choices and be confident their travel has a net positive impact.

We are committed to investing in wilderness areas, by benefitting people and nature. The scale of our plans, and the value of our investment has no comparison to what has been seen from a travel company in Africa before. We hope you will join us in our mission to create a future where vital ecosystems and local communities thrive together. Together we can make a genuine difference. ■

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The Impact of Safari

When arriving in Africa you are naturally excited by the experience that lies ahead, but you should also know you are helping preserve ecosystems, create jobs, and finance vital infrastructure in the rural areas of the country you’re visiting.

13%

The share of this itinerary’s price that is directly covering area management and conservation

$ 1.6m

10.7%

30%

Travel and tourism industry jobs in Kenya

Tanzania’s GDP generated by tourism

Zambia’s land area protected, fully funded by tourism

Kenya The travel and tourism industry represented 8.1% of the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2019 and supported in the region of 1.6 million tourism related jobs.

Tanzania

Tourism is responsible for approximately 6.2% of total employment in the country and also provides 100% funding for the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa) who manage all Tanzania’s national parks covering approximately 15% of the land area.

South Africa

Botswana

Tourism is one of the fastest growing economic sectors in South Africa. contributing 7.1% of GDP. Sanparks, who manage South Africa’s national parks, generate 80% of their operating budget through tourism.

Home to the world’s largest elephant population, the tourism industry contributes 11.5% to the country’s GDP, and provides around 26,000 jobs within the sector.

100%

The share of Tanzania’s National Parks Authority’s (TANAPA) budget that is funded by tourism.

P I O N E E R I N G S U S TA I N A B L E S A FA R I E X P E R I E N C E S I N E A S T A F R I C A

Asilia Africa

For decades, Asilia Africa has led the industry in providing immersive safari experiences in East Africa. Rooted in the Swahili words for ‘authentic’ and ‘genuine’, our name reflects our commitment to exceptional safari experiences and our dedication to conservation and uplifting community. Established by a group of passionate individuals with a deep history in East Africa’s safari industry, Asilia’s journey began with Rekero Camp in 1987 and Oliver’s Camp in 1992. Our merger in 2004 was driven by a shared commitment to the region and a vision to create a meaningful impact. Today, Asilia stands as a leading safari operator, employing more than 1,000 people across a portfolio of Camps and Lodges in Kenya and Tanzania. Our spirit of nature conservation and community empowerment continues to inspire both travellers and partners. An Asilia safari extends beyond the luxury of our camps. It represents a commitment to positive change, powered by responsible tourism. We prioritise responsible sourcing for our camps, from energy to materials, and are dedicated to investing in local staff, uplifting communities, and supporting conservation programs. As a member of the B Corp Certified Nawiri Group, Asilia – itself first B Corp certified in 2012 - unites responsible travel companies, local communities, and experts to forge a sustainable and equitable impact across East Africa. The Group’s mission is to foster environmentally constructive income streams that benefit both natural ecosystems and their custodians. Asilia’s camps have consistently achieved the highest attainable levels of sustainability under Responsible Tourism Tanzania and Ecotourism Kenya certifications, in addition to numerous other awards.

Choosing Asilia for your safari adventure means more than an unforgettable experience; it signifies active participation in wildlife conservation and community initiatives. Together, we work to preserve East Africa’s nature and heritage, and support the well-being of its people, aiming to make a lasting positive impact on our planet. ■

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Responsible Travel. Positive Impact. Reimagined Together. A Nawiri Group Publication NawiriGroup is an impact and collaboration platform that brings together responsible travel companies, communities and expert partners to support some of the greatest, globally relevant natural ecosystems. www.nawirigroup.com contact@nawirigroup.com

Editing and photography: Kate Waite and Andrew James Version 1.0