From April 14-21, Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Vice President of Conservation, and Katie Shaw, Conservation Social Scientist at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens worked in partnership with Imvelo Safari Lodges to lead an eight-day workshop for 19 students and two professors from Lupane State University (LSU) and the National University of Science and Technology (NUST).
This workshop focused on the basics of social sciences and conservation psychology, including theory, tools, and methods. During the workshop, participants conducted 204 interviews across 6 villages that evaluated the impacts of Community Rhino Conservation Initiative, which has reintroduced rhinos to this region of Zimbabwe while benefitting local communities. This study is vital in evaluating whether the six communities near the rhino sanctuary are seeing the intended benefits.
The findings of the interviews highlighted the healthcare, education, employment and water development benefits that have resulted from the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative. Results showed that employment rates resulting from tourism and the rhino sanctuary are high, more income has been generated through selling local crafts to tourists, and the clinic (built with revenue from the rhino sanctuary) has improved the health of local families. The study also helped identify areas in which the project can expand, including fence placement to stop wildlife conflicts between humans and animals like hyenas, lions, elephants, and jackals, as well as future work that can help protect crops from elephants and increase access to irrigation.
Results of the interviews were presented to an audience comprised of local headmen, village secretaries, the community conservation chairperson, and the local chief, Baba Mlevu.
This work is vital because conservation isn’t just about protecting animals, it’s about understanding and supporting the people who share their landscapes. By listening to local voices, we can help shape solutions that benefit both communities and wildlife. But our work doesn’t stop there. This is one of just 80+ conservation projects we’re actively supporting across the globe, each one rooted in the belief that protecting wildlife means supporting people, too.
