Serengeti National Park, Tanzania | Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania | Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Amongst other topics, this WILDeconomy Masterclass will ultimately unpack the role and contribution of the wildlife economy in Africa. Tapping into research conducted by African Leadership University, this immersive itinerary will revolve around five key economic activities:
What is the role of ecotourism in the post-COVID world?
This topic includes non-consumptive tourism related to nature and wildlife
Should we be valuing wildlife, and why?
This topic includes the breeding of wild and indigenous animals for hunting, game meat, products and other uses
To hunt or not to hunt: is that the question we should asking?
This topic includes trophy hunting, game meat hunting, as well as some aspects of fishing, such as artisanal, small-scale and recreational fishing
What are forest products and where do they fit in to the wildlife economy and conservation in Africa?
This topic includes other consumptive uses including forest products used commercially and for subsistence purposes
Is carbon THE solution? And if so, what is the problem?
This topic includes income-generating, carbon reduction frameworks such as REDD+, and other mechanisms that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve/preserve natural systems of carbon
Director of Research at the ALU’s School of Wildlife Conservation, Dr Sue Snyman is currently channelling her passion for the natural world and beyond by looking at the wildlife economy across Africa. Investigating ways to unlock its potential in different countries, Dr Snyman uses policy-and practice-relevant research to support her findings and decision-making. Her overall research focuses on promoting sustainable, diversified wildlife economies in Africa and encouraging investment in conservation and the related wildlife economy activities.
Previously, Dr Snyman worked as the Group Sustainability Manager for Wilderness Safaris, a private sector ecotourism operator. She is vice-chair of the IUCN WCPA Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist (TAPAS) Group and coordinator of the Communities and Heritage Working Group within TAPAS. She also recently managed the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Programme for IUCN in 24 African countries.
‘Wildlife’ includes indigenous, undomesticated terrestrial and marine animals, plants, and other life forms.
The wildlife economy uses wildlife, plants and animals (marine and terrestrial), as an economic asset to create value that aligns with conservation objectives and delivers sustainable growth and economic development. The wildlife economy includes the sustainable utilisation of indigenous wildlife to support economic development, while still contributing to conservation. Activities within the wildlife economy may be consumptive, or non-consumptive.
Led by Dr Snyman and her team, get ready to dive a little deeper into the importance of the wildlife economy through a combination of interesting resources, respectful debates, and hands-on application. Learn more about the topic in relation to you and our planet as a whole.
The WILDeconomy Masterclass itinerary is perfect for wildlife-loving academics, adventure seekers and those who want to immerse themselves in real-world discussions and impactful solutions that help to leave our world a better place.
1 night Arusha | 3 nights Serengeti National Park | 2 nights Masai Mara National Reserve
*A seat on this journey includes a donation contribution of USD 100 per person to the ALU Internship Fund. Each student is required to complete at least 3 months of internship each year as part of the ALU ‘learning by doing’ model.
Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were calls for greater diversification in the wildlife economy to reduce a heavy reliance on ecotourism and to build greater resilience for local communities living in and around protected areas, government and the private sector.
This 7-day, WILDeconomy Masterclass will tackle, amongst other topics, the following key questions:
Through a series of thoughtful discussions and interactive activities, you will come to understand that conservation and development are not mutually exclusive. By unlocking and diversifying Africa’s wildlife economy, it provides benefits at a local, national and regional levels ensuring that wildlife (fauna and flora, marine and terrestrial) is seen as a key strategic asset that should be invested in.
New thought leadership by ALU has inspired this new partnership that holds the promise of sustainable solutions for protected areas in the face of burgeoning populations and shrinking resources.
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