Do you have an idea that could transform the way communities obtain benefits from wildlife?
Together with our partners, the African Leadership University’s School of Wildlife Conservation and WWF Regional Office for Africa, we are delighted to announce that applications are now open for the Beyond Tourism in Africa innovation challenge.
With this challenge, we are seeking ideas that could help transform rural communities in Africa through innovative sources of income from wildlife that go beyond tourism. Participants have the chance to win a place in the African Leadership University’s incubation programme and access to seed money for their idea.
The purpose of Beyond Tourism in Africa is to find solutions that allow for the protection of nature while also providing sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience to the communities that manage land or live in close proximity to wildlife. One of the key selection criteria is that applicants must demonstrate their strong links to the geographic context of their idea. The community or communities the idea aims to help are and should be integral to this process.
Through the challenge, we hope to address a growing dependence on tourism revenue among rural communities in Africa, particularly in funding conservation efforts. The global shutdown caused by COVID-19 has highlighted the vulnerability of communities reliant solely on tourism and has accelerated the need for innovative solutions.
Anyone with a bold idea for a sustainable way to derive income from wildlife may apply. Applications from people within the African continent, from those with strong ties to wildlife-adjacent communities anywhere in Africa and from those with non-traditional conservation backgrounds are encouraged.
Application period: 1 September – 15 October 2020 11:59PM CEST
We will be holding an open webinar on 10 September 2020, where you can learn more about the challenge, ask questions and hear from a lineup of inspiring speakers. More info and registration.
