There is an incredible opportunity for everyone – NGOs, traditional leaders, governments, philanthropists, researchers – to create solutions that help us overcome the environmental and social challenges on the horizon.
Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld, Co-founder and CEO
The vast landscapes of Africa, with striking mountains and expansive savannas, are the result of millions of years of natural forces working in balance. These forces have given rise to an astonishing array of plant and animal life, from majestic elephants and lions to colorful songbirds in the towering baobab trees.
But these wonders are under threat. Habitat destruction and climate change are pushing wildlife into developed areas where they must compete for scarce resources. Conflict seems inevitable, and when combined with the illegal wildlife trade, intense drought, and rangeland degradation, the balance that created incredible biodiversity is now in danger of being irreversibly altered.
Our work at African People & Wildlife recognizes that the loss of key species and vital habitat not only affects the natural balance of ecosystems but also has far-reaching economic and social implications for local communities. We can’t build resiliency in our environment without also addressing the needs of people, including their livelihoods and wellbeing.
I’m proud of our efforts to keep people at the heart of what we do while protecting big cats and other endangered species. From Living Walls and Warriors for Wildlife to the Women’s Beekeeping Initiative, our partnerships with rural Indigenous people continue to result in win-win solutions replicated across Tanzania.
We’ve made significant strides to advance holistic conservation through our ACTIVETM approach to community engagement. By sharing our expertise with fellow conservation practitioners, institutions, policymakers, and officials at all levels of government, our team builds capacity for community-driven conservation and climate action.
Nowhere is our help needed more than preparing people to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change. The assistance offered by our rangeland specialists and human-wildlife coexistence officers is critical with hungry lions and livestock forced together. Similarly, we must take the time to empower those who are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis: women and youth. Seeing the return of environmental camps at Noloholo in 2022 was a joy for us all!
Looking back at the entire year, I am reminded how we’ve evolved as an organization, working collaboratively from the ground up while simultaneously taking the long view, perched above the vibrant surroundings like the leopards in this year’s cover photo. There is an incredible opportunity for everyone – NGOs, traditional leaders, governments, philanthropists, researchers – to find solutions that help us overcome the environmental and social challenges on the horizon.
This report demonstrates the power of our collective efforts to create change. African People & Wildlife would not be able to make an impact without the generosity and commitment of supporters like you. With shared determination and hope for a resilient future, we will continue to be a driving force for holistic conservation in Tanzania and beyond.
Read the Full Report Today
Download the 2022 APW Annual Report from our website to start reading about our impact last year and where we are headed in 2023. Want to stay in touch to get the latest updates? Be sure to subscribe to our emails.