Success Story

IAPF has spent the last 13 years working to develop strategies that not only protect wildlife but also ensure that the land is a healthy habitat where animals can thrive.

     The Akashinga rangers started patrolling in 2017 and their efforts have helped contribute to some remarkable achievements alongside other local stakeholders.

    To date, there has been a 90% reduction in elephant poaching in Zimbabwe's mid-to-lower Zambezi Valley.

     In the 16 years before the initiative began, this area, which is home to one of the world's largest remaining elephant populations, had lost 8,000 elephants to poaching.

     For the Akashinga rangers, these figures serve as essential evidence of the hard work they put in every day to keep protected areas safe from poaching, whether they're out on patrol or learning about the diverse wildlife that lives there.

    Since the arrival in 2021 of Moreangels Mbizah as Lead Scientist (Zimbabwe) for IAPF, we have been able to work toward reversing what some locals may perceive as a negative issue for their communities into an opportunity to work together.

    We seek to prevent human-wildlife conflict by building strong relationships with locals in our immediate surroundings.

     On the importance of cultivating good relationships with local communities, Moreangels emphasizes that we spend a lot of time and money annually on community projects and welfare programs. The positive results we gain from helping these communities, help minimize poaching threats.

     It is a win-win for all involved!

     We invite you to be involved in protecting wildlife populations and helping restore natural ecosystems.