Conflict prevention, intercultural communication, Solution focus work for the Leopard Ecology and Conservation, Botswana

On the doorstep of Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Khutse game reserve faces many challenges, from worsening draught to human wildlife conflict as predators leave the reserve to find food, amongst others. Khutse reserve is stunningly wild and beautiful.

LEC (Leopard Ecology and Conservation - www.leopard.ch) is a small NGO of highly motivated and dedicated San trackers, Setswana staff and European scientists working on leopard and lion conservation in this harsh environment.

For two weeks I was working in a very remote sandy bush camp, with a rich mixture of cultures: from the extraordinary San trackers who read nature like others read hidden messages in books; to the Community and Education Setswana team who work with the farmers to help with the complexity of human wildlife co-existence and run projects to increase livelihood in the communities; and with some truly inspiring and knowledgeable scientists and conservationists.

All share a deep sense of mission: to enable lions and leopards to survive and even better to thrive in Khutse.

Thank you to the entire team for their welcome, their trust, their eagerness to learn and the fabulous meaningful work they do.

Melissa, 1 April 2024