Viewpoints

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.

This year was the most successful and impactful to date for African People & Wildlife. Our programs created record numbers of wins for people and wildlife, we shared our community-driven conservation model across Africa and beyond, and stories about our work reached new audiences around the world.

Our Earth is a delicate balancing act, and current trends are pulling us in an increasingly unsustainable direction. It’s up to each of us to counter that pull by taking meaningful actions that support effective and lasting conservation outcomes.