Our Approach:
Leading For Wildlife
AWF has been investing in African conservation leadership for more than 60 years. Early on, we helped to establish influential conservation colleges and wildlife clubs that have reached thousands of young Africans. Throughout our history, we have supported the professional development of young African scientists and managers and promoted conservation education for school children within many of the landscapes where we work. This is because we strongly believe that Africans should lead the way in driving the continent's conservation agenda.
Today, we are focused on growing, advising, and mobilizing African leadership at all levels to make conservation a key part of Africa's growth strategies. We connect and empower networks of youth, civil society, protected-area directors, and other African institutions to drive change. As trusted partners, we ensure their voices are heard from local to national and pan-African levels, putting us at the table with heads of state across Africa and leaders around the world. This influential position is crucial as we advocate to safeguard wildlife and their habitats as essential components to building a sustainable and prosperous future for Africa.