20 Years of Impact: Warriors for Wildlife and Creating a Force for Coexistence
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.
Warriors for Wildlife: Creating A Force for Coexistence
Over the years, the Warriors for Wildlife program has transformed from a local experiment to a signature part of APW’s conservation efforts, now spanning more than 160 dedicated officers. Initially focused on addressing predator-livestock conflicts, the program has evolved to tackle broader challenges, including human-elephant coexistence and the protection of critical habitats. This growth reflects an adaptive approach that blends traditional knowledge with technology-based tools like GPS mapping and mobile data collection.
The program’s community-driven focus has been key to its success. Warriors have grown into respected local experts, fostering collaboration and trust among communities that once viewed wildlife primarily as a threat. Their expanded roles now include education, conflict prevention, and rapid response, reflecting a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between people and wildlife.
As APW looks ahead, the program’s growth solidifies our position as one of Africa’s largest forces for coexistence, uniting communities and ecosystems while advancing efforts to address conflict on an unprecedented scale.
I have been with Warriors for Wildlife from the start, and seeing how the program has grown makes me very proud. These men and women, they are so crucial to our work of showing how to live together with wildlife. Officers go into difficult places with brave hearts, protecting people and animals. This work is not simple, but it is important. Each and every day, we are making a way for people and wildlife to share this land peacefully.
Elvis Kisimir, Human-Wildlife Conflict Prevention Senior Program Officer
Impact Snapshot
- 165 Warriors for Wildlife serving as human-wildlife coexistence officers
- 8,000+human-wildlife conflicts responded to by Warriors for Wildlife
- 70% rate of success in preventing the retaliatory killing of lions
- 600+ lions receiving ongoing protection across multiple landscapes
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.
