As African People & Wildlife celebrates 20 years of community-led conservation, we are sharing key stories from our 20 Years of Roar anniversary impact report. This series reflects on where we have come from and what lies ahead, including the progress we will share from 2025 as our programs continue to evolve. Read the full report and visit our interactive timeline.
20 Years More
Our journey began humbly, living out of tents and navigating wild country to meet the community members who would become our partners and co-creators. One vivid memory stands out: crossing the swollen Tarangire River in an old Land Rover, muddy water climbing past the doors, the engine sputtering before falling silent - all for the chance to talk with people about solutions for coexistence. That unwavering, raw determination remains at the heart and soul of African People & Wildlife and our sister organization, Tanzania People & Wildlife.
Today, with two decades of impact behind us, we will roar into the next twenty years – guided by the communities that continue to shape our work. We have learned that inclusive dialogue and local leadership are vital for effecting meaningful change. By exchanging knowledge, we refine and adapt holistic strategies that balance human aspirations and environmental needs.
Climate resilience lies at the forefront of our expanding efforts. Drawing on Indigenous ecological wisdom and modern science, we are targeting the restoration of degraded lands and improved governance of grasslands. Our vision is a rich mosaic of wildlife routes woven into agricultural and pastoral landscapes, supported by early warning systems that protect both livelihoods and biodiversity.
As we expand across Tanzania and Africa more broadly, we are deepening our relationships with governments, institutions, and partners to drive systemic solutions. We continue to prioritize underserved youth and women, offering leadership programs that transform conservation wins into pathways for poverty alleviation and sustainability. Through collaborative approaches, technology, and data-driven insights, we aim to amplify local voices so that conservation emerges as a shared responsibility.
Innovation fuels our journey forward. From nurturing new human-wildlife mitigation tools to cultivating conservation-friendly businesses, we anchor our success in partnerships with communities and stakeholders on the ground. Informing policy development and review with real-world evidence and community perspectives further strengthens our capacity for enduring and measurable impact.
Looking back reminds us how far we’ve traveled, when simply reaching communities was a triumph. Yet we move ahead with the same resolve that once carried us on foot across a raging river. Together with you, we ignite transformative ideas, protect the wild wonders of our planet, and build a future where people and nature thrive side by side.
There was no doubt in our minds that this work mattered, even when the mud was thick, there were snakes in our tent, or conventional conservationists were perplexed by our approach. The roar of lions and the trumpets of elephants still call us to act boldly, and we are incredibly grateful to stand together with you and the communities who make our mission possible.
Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld and Charles Trout, APW Founders
On the Horizon
- Scaling grassroots conservation efforts to strengthen coexistence between local communities and wildlife
- Supporting climate-adaptive habitat management and restoration for greater ecological benefits
- Designing leadership programs for underserved women and Tanzanian youth to drive inclusive economies
- Integrating traditional knowledge with data-driven innovation to strengthen governance and strategies for resilience
- Building cross-sector partnerships to amplify local voices and institutionalize community-led conservation
Celebrating 20 Years of Roar
We’re grateful to have you with us during this landmark year. Marking 20 Years of Roar reminds us how much is possible when communities and supporters move forward together. If you’d like to honor this moment, making a gift in recognition of the anniversary helps sustain the work and relationships that make coexistence possible. Thank you for being part of the path ahead.
