Rajewski, G. (2023, March 2). To conserve African Wildlife, a push to benefit African people. Tufts Now. https://now.tufts.edu/2023/03/02/conserve-african-wildlife-push-benefit-african-people 

The focus of conservation shifts to an innovative approach that seeks to simultaneously preserve African wildlife and improve the lives of African communities. The initiative, taking place in various locations across Africa, aims to harmonize conservation strategies with socioeconomic development by focusing on the causes of drought and how to change its effects as well as redefine how land is being used. This inclusive approach has been progressively implemented, signaling a fresh perspective on conservation. Actions taken by the AWF to reduce locals’ dependence on forests for farmland, firewood, and meat by training hundreds of women in tailoring and soap-making is helping to preserve vital habitats for wildlife.

I really like the approach that Sebunya of the African Wildlife Foundation takes to conserving wildlife, they see it as a problem with humans and managing ourselves rather than managing the animals and wildlife around us. By weaving together conservation and community well-being, the endeavor strives to safeguard vulnerable species and ecosystems while fostering sustainable livelihoods and enhanced quality of life for local residents while allowing them to understand the importance of native wildlife. I like how the efforts aren’t just to restore but to help the community understand the importance of restoration and get the community involved in the restoration of land and the protection of important habitats.