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.
Who We Are Today
Over two decades, African People & Wildlife has transformed from a field-based initiative into a pioneering conservation organization that is integrated within communities across Tanzania. This evolution is driven by our people, primarily local Tanzanians working within their communities and who bring a combination of expertise, dedication, and cultural understanding. Simply put, our team of over 250 members is full of adaptable problem-solvers. By employing those with firsthand knowledge of challenges and opportunities, APW ensures our efforts are relevant and meaningful.
One of the many inspiring figures in our journey is Revocatus Magayane, APW’s Environmental Education and ACTIVE Senior Program Officer, who has shaped the direction of our education programs. With a soft spot for our scholarship recipients, Revocatus has watched many students come and go from the classrooms of Noloholo.
Witnessing students evolve from eager wildlife club members to college graduates has been profoundly rewarding. I love this work because it’s not about me; it’s about the future we build together for people and wildlife. Seeing young minds develop a passion for conservation gives me hope that the next generation will continue to fight for healthier and balanced ecosystems.
Revocatus Magayane, Environmental Education and ACTIVE Senior Program Officer
Uplifting women and girls is a continuing priority. Through initiatives such as the African Women in Conservation Initiative and the beekeeping program, we are breaking barriers and championing women as leaders, educators, and decision-makers. While female leadership in conservation has been growing, we recognize that much more must be done. APW is committed to acting with intention to accelerate progress, ensuring that women have the support and opportunities they need to thrive within our organization and beyond.
Empowering individuals is just one part of our broader mission. Sustained progress also comes from collaboration, which extends beyond our team and partner communities to a diverse network of funders, governmental bodies, and conservation organizations. By co-creating sustainable solutions with a range of voices, we improve overall effectiveness, ensuring that efforts to address environmental challenges align seamlessly with both community needs and national priorities.
As APW’s programs have grown, so too has the expertise of our team. Many staff members who started as program assistants or field officers now lead initiatives, reflecting our investment in cultivating talent and professional growth. This evolution has not only enriched our knowledge base but also cemented our reputation as a formidable force in conservation, dedicated to building capacity from within.
Today, our holistic approach is evident in every project and geography. Living Walls have revolutionized human-wildlife coexistence – dramatically reducing conflict and saving lives, both human and animal. Sustainable grassland management has enhanced livelihoods while preserving biodiversity, and Warriors for Wildlife continue to confront pressing issues like poaching and habitat degradation.
If it seems bold to call APW a movement, then we will be bold. There’s no better word to describe the tenacity and heart of the people who make our work and impact possible: our staff, partners, supporters, and the communities who inspire us to keep moving forward.
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.