Sowing Seeds of Change - The Role of Conservation in Africa's Economic Growth

As we near the end of 2023, I am reflecting on the extraordinary opportunities I have had to travel across the African continent this year. It has been such a privilege to meet so many people working to build the continent from the ground up. I have been able to see first hand the benefits of economic empowerment and the power of conservation initiatives to not only protect critical wildlife and ecosystems but also uplift vulnerable communities. I was able to see firsthand how conservation tourism is flipping the script for many rural communities across Africa dramatically impacting their economic story.?

On my recent trip to Rwanda I was blessed to speak with two women, Aime and Gentille, who work as porters for Volcano’s National Park. They shared their immense gratitude for tourism growth in Rwanda and the enormous benefits their community had seen from the conservation efforts of the National Park. With their community's share of funding from visitor fees they have been able to see schools improve, hospitals gain modern resources and equipment such as ambulances, and the ability for women to provide for their families due to work opportunities. Not only are the Mountain Gorillas protected but rural communities benefit from conservation too.?

Here are some of the key benefits conservation efforts in Rwanda are providing:?

1. Employment Opportunities: Women like Aime and Gentile now have jobs, which in turn has elevated their voice in their communities. Economic empowerment has transformed their own abilities to provide for their families, leveling their status in their own homes and in their communities.?

1. Community Empowerment: The economic freedom that the National Park provides allows communities to invest in their own communities for the good of all. Aime and Gentile told me since women now have a voice in the community they were able to buy an ambulance for their community which has in turn meant that no women now die in childbirth. Women have access to health care because they have access to transport to get them to a hospital. Economic empowerment led to community empowerment which is transforming the landscape of leadership at a community level. The interconnection between caring for their unique ecosystem and their own economic and social benefits have become clear. The natural environment and communities can flourish.??
2. Social Empowerment: Beyond the tangible economic benefits, conservation efforts serve as a catalyst for the profound social empowerment of women. This empowerment presents women with opportunities to cultivate and achieve broader professional goals. As women ascend to leadership positions within the community, they garner respect and break away from typical gender norms. This allows for more confidence and the chance to become influential change-makers, fostering a ripple effect that extends far beyond the conservation arena and contributes significantly to the overall well-being and progress of their communities and nation.?

The delight of seeing the extraordinary effects of travel leave me with a hunger to travel more in 2024. I had never seen quite so clearly before the connection between the power of conservation and economic and social empowerment. But the two are very clear. If we look after our planet, we’ll look after each other.??

In the wise words of Nelson Mandela, “It is in your hands, to make a better world for all who live in it.” So how will you support conservation efforts and uplift vulnerable communities in 2024?

Let me encourage you:??

Support Conservation Organizations: Identify reputable conservation organizations operating in Africa, such as World Wildlife Fund (WWF), African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), African Parks Foundation or local initiatives like the Mara Elephant Project. Contribute financially or volunteer to support their projects.

Ecotourism and Responsible Travel: Choose eco-friendly and sustainable tourism options when planning your 2024 vacation. Your travel can have a much greater impact than you can imagine. Your support for conservation initiatives will have an outsized impact on local economies.?

Educate and Raise Awareness: Share what you learn. When the penny drops for you it can have an enormous ripple effect if you share what you now know. Vulnerable habitats and people need you to champion their cause. Could you be an unsuspected advocate for the wild places around the world? Take a trip, learn, experience, share what you know.?

In 2024 I’m going to be launching a new travel company to help you do just this. Stay connected to learn more in the coming months. I can’t wait to unveil how you?can impact local economies and champion gender equity just by taking a trip. Be sure to check back for a special announcement early next year as we continue to invest in sustainability and conservation!

Have a wonderful holiday season everyone. Thanks for your support and encouragement as always.

Sarah