As we gear up to celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2025, we’re reflecting on an incredible year of achievements at African People & Wildlife (APW). In 2024, we experienced moments that mirrored our mission to protect nature and uplift communities—testaments to the power of collaboration and innovation. Join us as we look back on the people, places, and wildlife that made this year unforgettable!
1. Reaching New Heights with 2,000 Living Walls
This year, we hit a monumental milestone: 2,000 Living Walls now protect communities and wildlife. These predator-proof corrals safeguard over 23,900 people and their livestock from carnivores, significantly reducing human-wildlife conflicts. Explore the Living Walls Dashboard →
2. Showcasing Conservation Excellence to Global Leaders
The British High Commissioner visit to our Conservation Technology Center in Ngoley village was a proud moment for APW. Demonstrating the tangible impacts of our programs strengthened international partnerships and showcased how community-led conservation is reshaping landscapes and lives across northern Tanzania.
3. Supporting Villages with Elephant Coexistence Solutions
This year, APW made significant strides in Ngorongoro with its elephant coexistence program, as shown in our latest ArcGIS Story Map. Our efforts included equipping local teams with tools and training to implement non-lethal mitigation techniques, like the handover of a new patrol vehicle. By learning from community insights and data gathered on the ground, we are continuously refining our approaches and bringing proven solutions to new areas like Greater Natron.
4. Strengthening Team Bonds at Noloholo
In August, APW staff came together at the Noloholo Environmental Center for a team-building retreat filled with purpose and inspiration. This workshop celebrated achievements, tackled challenges, and fostered trust and collaboration. Together, we developed a roadmap for the future and strengthened the connections that drive our mission forward. You’ll see more about our direction and goals in a soon-to-be-released update to our 2030 Strategic Plan!
5. Revitalizing Grasslands for Livelihoods and Wildlife
Collaboration played an increasingly important role in 2024, with shared sustainable grazing plans harmonizing the efforts of nine villages across Babati and Longido districts. By managing grasslands together, these communities are reducing resource conflicts, adapting to erratic rainfall, and improving grazing lands for both livestock and wildlife. This work reflects our core philosophy of connectivity—uniting ecosystems and people for a sustainable future.
6. Championing Women in Conservation
APW is proud to support the next generation of women leaders in conservation. This year, our cohort of mentees immersed themselves in activities across our program areas, gaining hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of challenges and solutions. From listening to community voices to leading discussions on natural resource management and health education, these young women had the opportunity to shine.
7. Sharing Grassroots Solutions at CBA18
As local hosts of the 18th International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation (CBA18), we welcomed conservation practitioners from around the world. By sharing insights on grassroots climate adaptation, we fostered collaborations and highlighted APW’s leadership in addressing complex environmental challenges through community engagement.
8. Expanding Opportunities with Enterprise
This year marked the groundbreaking of a second honey processing center, which will create additional economic opportunities and improve market access for Mama Asali beekeepers. Products like honey, soap, candles, and skincare are in all-time high demand, empowering women like Elizabeth Loth, who shared, “My life has really changed for the better. I’ve sent my child to university, saved money, and now own my own place.” Explore the Story Map →
9. Inspiring the Next Generation
In 2024, APW’s youth environmental education programs flourished with impactful activities that connected young people to nature and conservation. Wildlife clubs led hands-on projects like tree planting and waste recycling, fostering environmental stewardship. Scholars’ retreats and girls-focused lessons offered leadership training and practical conservation knowledge, while summer camps at the Noloholo Environmental Center immersed students in exploring local wildlife and ecosystems.
10. Highlighting Rangers on a Global Stage
APW-supported Community Game Scouts shone on the international stage, gaining recognition on World Ranger Day and excelling in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge. Their ongoing work in the Tarangire-Manyara landscape prevented 83% of carnivore-related conflicts from escalating, saving animals like cheetahs and ensuring coexistence remains possible in challenging landscapes.
Reflecting on these highlights fills us with pride and gratitude for everyone who made 2024 a year of progress. As we step into our 20th anniversary, we’re excited to build on these achievements and make 2025 even more impactful. Be sure to subscribe to email updates from our team to see 2025 activities as they happen!