Wildlife Conservation in Africa

With the increase in human population growth, extension of transport routes and expansion of agricultural and industrial activities, conficts between humans and wildlife have grown stronger over the years. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, in Africa, these conficts have become more frequent and severe over recent decades.

In the heart of Zimbabwe’s breathtaking landscapes, a beacon of hope shines bright for wildlife conservation, fighting for a harmonious existence between communities and wildlife is Moreangels Mbizah. Moreangels is a passionate conservation biologist, and the driving force behind Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA), a community-led organisation dedicated to preserving the country’s rich biodiversity.

Early Beginnings

Moreangels is one of five children. She grew up in Chiredzi, a town in Masvingo province in the south-east of Zimbabwe, where she stayed until she left for university. Her fondest memories include ploughing the fields and harvest time with her grandparents. She says her journey into the realm of conservation began by chance because growing up she did not know anything about wildlife conservation, she had never visited a national park, and she did not have any examples of people that looked like her and worked in conservation. Through her master’s degree in tropical resource ecology, she stumbled across the wildlife ecology course, and she decided to do her research on African wild dogs. Visiting wildlife areas, speaking to communities near these areas and experiencing nature for the first time in her adult life was the moment she made a deep connection and knew that this was her calling. Fuelled by her passion, Mbizah pursued her academic endeavours in conservation biology, earning degrees from leading institutions both in Zimbabwe and abroad. Armed with knowledge and determination, she embarked on a mission to make a tangible diference in the field of conservation.

Founding Wildlife Conservation Action

In 2019, Mbizah founded Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA) with a vision to empower local marginalised and diverse communities located in the lower Zambezi region of Zimbabwe in the fight against habitat destruction, poaching, and other threats to wildlife. The organisation believes that anything they do without involving the community is not sustainable, the model of the organisation is around community guardians who are trained and equipped with conservation skills. These guardians are part of the community fabric, helping in the reduction of human-wildlife conflict, and building resistance against climate change and natural resource scarcity in their areas. At the core of WCA’s ethos is community involvement. Mbizah and her team work closely with local communities, engaging them in conservation initiatives and providing education on the importance of preserving their natural heritage. By fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship, WCA empowers communities to become guardians of their environment. Mbizah believes that conservation is one of the most interdisciplinary fields in the world, she says that everyone needs to be part of conservation regardless of their professional background. WCA still struggles to get funding and the support it needs.

Impact And Achievements

Over the years, Moreangels and WCA have achieved remarkable successes in their conservation eforts. Through targeted interventions, they have helped safeguard critical habitats, mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, and combat illegal wildlife trade. Their work has not only protected endangered species but also improved the livelihoods of countless people dependent on natural resources. Moreangels says that she is grateful for the partnership between WCA and the community, she boasts that they have seen a 67% decrease in human-wildlife conflict in an area they have been working in for the past three years. Local stakeholders, rural district councils and the government have played an integral role in the success of WCA.

Moreangels has had an impressive and illustrious career and she says one of her career highlights was becoming a Ted fellow and getting the opportunity to speak on the Ted Talk stage, talking to millions of people about what she loves most. As Mbizah looks to the future, her focus remains firmly set on expanding WCA’s reach and impact. Through continued collaboration with communities, governments, and conservation partners, she aims to create a sustainable future where humans and wildlife thrive in harmony. Beyond her work on the ground, Moreangels Mbizah serves as an inspiration and role model for aspiring conservationists, particularly women, in Zimbabwe and beyond. Her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to conservation have earned her recognition and admiration within the global conservation community.

In Moreangels Mbizah and Wildlife Conservation Action, Zimbabwe has found a beacon of hope for its natural heritage. Through tireless eforts and unwavering dedication, Mbizah and her team do not only protect the wildlife, but also empower marginalised and vulnerable communities to become stewards of their environment. As she continues to champion the cause of conservation, her legacy will endure as a testament to the power of grassroots activism and community-led initiatives in safeguarding our planet’s precious biodiversity.