Viewpoints

On October 22, 2021, a group of Tanzanian youth experienced the beauty and wonder of Tarangire National Park for the first time—through film. African People & Wildlife (APW) premiered “Tarangire: Our Heritage, Our Future” at Regalz Cinemaxx in Arusha, Tanzania following a period when its annual Tarangire National Park trips for rural youth were paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year has also shown us the power of nature’s resilience and the strength of the human spirit. When we join forces, lift each other up, and fight onward with determination together, we can achieve amazing things—even in the most difficult times.

I am an African woman working as the Conservation Enterprise and Marketing Officer with African People & Wildlife. After watching the events taking place with the Black Lives Matter movement, I was moved to write about my experiences and the opportunities that we as Africans—particularly women—have in the field of conservation. While the Black Lives Matter movement began in the U.S., it directly affects all people of color worldwide, including Africans.

Across Tanzania’s Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem, more than 1,350 environmentally friendly beehives – hanging from giant baobab and acacia trees – represent much more than meets the eye.