Traditional leaders, traditional knowledge

In Lesoma Village, Botswana, wildlife wander into human communities in search of food, water, and space to live. Nestled between Chobe National Park and Matetsi Forest Reserve, lions, elephants, hyenas, and buffalo are common sightings.  

What happens when wild animals’ ranges extend far beyond the boundaries of protected areas? One pressing issue that results is human-wildlife conflict. When animals—elephants in particular—are restricted to small fragments of their former natural habitat, they can cause serious damage to developed human areas. 

That’s why we’re committed to including community voices in conservation. When we hear from people living in the landscapes we’re striving to protect, we can best promote coexistence between people and animals. 

This understanding sparked the idea for the Traditional Leaders Network. This year, we hosted the 4th African Traditional Leaders Conservation Network Workshop in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, under the theme, ‘Connected for sustainable conservation and coexistence.’ 

From 15-20 June 2025, leaders from Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana gathered together to learn from each other and discuss solutions they could share with their own communities. 

The knowledge of the land and wildlife Indigenous communities hold is made even more valuable when shared with others. When we enable Indigenous Peoples to lead the way, what we get is conservation that is inclusive, innovative, and effective. We build a world where future generations can thrive alongside animals.