Fall Field Report: A Season of Awards, Partnerships, and Progress in the Field
When the Grass Grows, Everyone Wins
We’re proud to share that African People & Wildlife has been awarded the IUCN Tech4Nature Award at the World Conservation Congress for our work restoring rangelands and strengthening coexistence in Tanzania.
Accepted in Abu Dhabi by Neovitus Sianga, APW’s Director of Community Conservation and Environment, the award was in the NatureTech Stewards category and recognizes our Sustainable Rangelands Initiative, an effort that empowers communities to blend traditional knowledge with geospatial tools to steward more than 800,000 acres of communal grasslands.
“When people combine their own knowledge with innovative tools, we make better decisions for our land,” said Neovitus. “It means the grass can grow, the livestock can eat, and the wildlife can also survive.”
As we celebrate 20 years of people-driven conservation, the world is watching and learning from what’s working on the ground in Tanzania. Read more on our blog.
Get Your Gift Multiplied for Coexistence
To mark our 20-year milestone and support our future work, a long-time supporter and board member is offering the Roaring Twenties Match! If you are a first-time donor, gifts up to $250 will be tripled, and all other gifts will be doubled. Even a small contribution can help protect wildlife, support local leaders, and keep habitats healthy for years to come.
Quieter Nights in the Greater Serengeti
In the communities near Ngorongoro, we continue to see that human-elephant coexistence strategies are working. From January to June 2025, elephant-related crop raiding made up only 35% of all conflict reports, which is less than in previous years. In more than 70% of these cases, elephants left the fields within 30 minutes, often deterred by non-lethal tools such as chili bricks.
Community coexistence officers have been quick to respond, and farmers are more prepared to act. These shorter, less severe incidents suggest that increased awareness, real-time support, and community education are making a difference.
Hope in a Season of Hardship
As the dry months test both people and wildlife in northern Tanzania, Warriors for Wildlife are on the frontlines helping communities prevent conflict and protect their herds. When a lion from the Noloholo pride attacked livestock earlier this month, local coexistence officers worked with the herder to begin preparing trees for a future Living Wall, a proven solution that protects both cattle and carnivores. Get the full story.
Allies in the Animal Kingdom
- Roars for the Lion Recovery Fund, which continues to be a key partner of coexistence programs like Warriors for Wildlife. Their collaborative support strengthens efforts for big cats across Tanzania and helps us respond quickly to conservation challenges.
- Meanwhile, the Cleveland Zoological Society has stepped up with timely support for our human-elephant coexistence work, which is critical in regions where conflict is escalating and solutions are urgently needed.
- Elsewhere, our friends at the Naples Zoo continue to be a valued partner and vocal leader in demonstrating how zoos (and zoo-goers!) can drive meaningful support for conservation efforts on the ground in Africa.
On the Horizon
Across Tanzania, we’re seeing growing interest from those in the safari industry who champion sustainable and responsible travel. From lodge operators to safari outfitters, more partners are asking how they can support conservation efforts beyond the game drive.
We’re exploring new ways to connect travelers with our programs, whether by visiting program hubs like the future Mama Asali honey processing center in Mswakini, or through thoughtful collaborations that enhance, rather than interrupt, the work. Opportunities like our new safari partnership with Map’s Edge are helping to make these experiences possible for those seeking a deeper connection to the landscapes and communities they visit.
Field Notes
VIDEO | A Glimpse Into Coexistence
A new short film from Global Conservation captures our human-elephant coexistence work outside Ngorongoro.
PUBLICATION | 2024 Annual Report
Explore how your support helped restore land, protect wildlife, and expand opportunity across Tanzania.
STORE | Gifts for Nature Lovers
From our anniversary emblem to the new giraffe designs, our online store is ready for you to celebrate nature.
