Repository

Conservation / Research

Otshabile Bahetoleng & Amanda Stronza , 18 May 2026

In this article, Otshabile Bahetoleng and Amanda Stronza explore how the African philosophy of Botho shapes human–wildlife coexistence in cattle farming communities of Botswana’s Kalahari region. Drawing on ethnographic field research, the paper argues that coexistence with large carnivores is not sustained only through formal conservation policies or economic incentives, but also through relational cultural values rooted in interdependence, compassion, dignity, and mutual respect. The article examines how Botho influences relationships between cattle farmers, conservation practitioners, institutions, and wildlife. Rather than viewing coexistence as a fixed conservation outcome to be externally imposed, the paper presents coexistence as a dynamic social process embedded in everyday moral and cultural life. The authors show that when conservation actors engage communities with empathy, fairness, and respect, tensions between people are reduced, creating conditions that can indirectly support tolerance toward wildlife such as lions and other carnivores. The paper further critiques top-down conservation approaches that overlook local systems of relational governance and culturally legitimate mediation. It argues that conservation institutions can strengthen coexistence by acting in ways that align with local expectations of Botho, particularly through responsive engagement, dialogue, and mutual recognition. Ultimately, the article positions Botho as both a cultural ethic and a practical framework for building more resilient and socially grounded approaches to human–wildlife coexistence in Southern Africa.

Governance / Research

Kevan Zunckel, 22 April 2026

This document outlines the governance, coordination mechanisms, and best practices for managing Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) within the SADC region to promote sustainable regional cooperation and conservation.

Sustainable finance / Webinar

Sustainable Finance Coalition, 16 April 2026

A Webinar Series for the SADC TFCA Sustainable Finance Community of Practice Sustainable Finance in Practice is a four-part webinar series under the Sustainable Finance Coordination and Capacity for Transfrontier Conservation Areas, implemented by the Sustainable Finance Coalition under the Joint Action NaturAfrica/ Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management (C-NRM) programme. It is designed to support members of the TFCA Community of Practice on Sustainable Finance to uncover how finance solutions work in real settings through practitioner insight, practical case examples and discussion on relevance for connected landscapes.

Water and River Basins / Research

Various TWP, 14 April 2026

The Kafue River, a vital waterway in Zambia, faces significant environmental challenges despite its importance for biodiversity, livelihoods, and economic activities. ​ Key findings from the 2024–2025 surveys include:

Water and River Basins / Research

Various TWP, 14 April 2026

This document provides an overview of the Wilderness Project's 2024 expedition to Lake Kariba, focusing on environmental monitoring, water quality, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. Lake Kariba and The Wilderness Project Overview The Wilderness Project conducted a 19-day scientific expedition along Lake Kariba to assess its ecological health, water quality, biodiversity, and human impacts, providing vital baseline data for sustainable management. ​ Lake Kariba's Geographical and Hydrological Significance Lake Kariba is the world's largest man-made reservoir, located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, covering approximately 5,580 km². ​ The expedition covered 834 km along the Zimbabwean side from the Zambezi River mouth to the Kariba dam wall. ​ The lake supports fisheries, hydroelectric power, and tourism. ​ Since its construction in 1959, it has been relatively well-studied but requires ongoing monitoring for sustainable management. Located 1,800 km upstream of the Indian Ocean, it is critical for regional water, food, and power security. Fixed Survey Sites and Data Collection Methods Systematic monitoring was established at 123 fixed sites for long-term ecological assessment. Data collected included aerial drone surveys, water quality tests, eDNA samples, macroinvertebrate assessments, pathogen samples, bat-call recordings, and island and tributary surveys. ​ Fixed sites enable comparison over time to detect ecological and water quality changes. ​ Drone flights and systematic sampling occur every 10 km along the lake shore and tributaries; eDNA and macroinvertebrates are sampled every 50-75 km. ​

Water and River Basins / Research

Various TWP, 14 April 2026

This document provides an overview of the Wilderness Project's 2024 expedition to Lake Kariba, focusing on environmental monitoring, water quality, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. Lake Kariba and The Wilderness Project Overview The Wilderness Project conducted a 19-day scientific expedition along Lake Kariba to assess its ecological health, water quality, biodiversity, and human impacts, providing vital baseline data for sustainable management. ​ Lake Kariba's Geographical and Hydrological Significance Lake Kariba is the world's largest man-made reservoir, located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, covering approximately 5,580 km². ​ The expedition covered 834 km along the Zimbabwean side from the Zambezi River mouth to the Kariba dam wall. ​ The lake supports fisheries, hydroelectric power, and tourism. ​ Since its construction in 1959, it has been relatively well-studied but requires ongoing monitoring for sustainable management. Located 1,800 km upstream of the Indian Ocean, it is critical for regional water, food, and power security. Fixed Survey Sites and Data Collection Methods Systematic monitoring was established at 123 fixed sites for long-term ecological assessment. Data collected included aerial drone surveys, water quality tests, eDNA samples, macroinvertebrate assessments, pathogen samples, bat-call recordings, and island and tributary surveys. ​ Fixed sites enable comparison over time to detect ecological and water quality changes. ​ Drone flights and systematic sampling occur every 10 km along the lake shore and tributaries; eDNA and macroinvertebrates are sampled every 50-75 km. ​

Water and River Basins / Research

Various TWP, 14 April 2026

This document provides an overview of a conservation-focused research expedition along the Middle Zambezi River, highlighting ecological, hydrological, and human activity data to support sustainable management and protection of the region's wilderness. Expedition Overview and Objectives The Wilderness Project conducted a 9-day research transect along the Middle Zambezi River from Kariba Dam to Luangwa Town to collect baseline data on hydrology, water quality, biodiversity, and human activity to support sustainable river management. 267 km traveled from Kariba Dam to Luangwa Town 12 team members from four African countries 31 research sites established Data collected included water quality, biodiversity, and river flow The expedition aimed to inform future monitoring and conservation efforts Middle Zambezi River and Surrounding Ecosystems The Middle Zambezi River flows through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, supporting high biodiversity and significant cultural history, with key features like Mana Pools National Park and the impact of Lake Kariba. Located between Lake Kariba and Cahora Bassa Part of the Mana Pools UNESCO World Heritage Site Supports high densities of large game, including over 6,000 hippos The landscape features mahogany, wild fig, acacia, and baobab trees Historically significant with evidence of stone age tools dating back 10,000 BC Mana Pools became a National Park in 1975 after elephant populations were nearly extirpated in the 1800s The natural landscape is maintained through local communities and conservation efforts Hydrology and Water Flow Dynamics The river's flow is heavily influenced by upstream dams, especially Lake Kariba and the Kafue River, with flow measurements indicating significant impacts from dam operations and drought conditions. ​ Total flow below Kariba Dam was 466 m³/s during the survey ​ Kafue River contributed approximately 380 m³/s, raising total flow to 849 m³/s downstream of confluence ​ River flow declines between sites likely due to dam releases and evaporation ​ Hydrological alterations affect erosion, sediment load, and aquatic biodiversity Water Quality and Environmental Conditions Water quality monitoring shows generally acceptable conditions but highlights issues like turbidity spikes and elevated pH linked to dam releases and natural processes. Water quality mostly within guidelines; turbidity spikes observed ​ Elevated pH levels require further investigation ​ Specific conductivity increased after the Kafue River confluence ​ Water quality influenced by upstream activities, including dam operations and natural weathering ​ Fluctuations in river levels impact erosion and sediment dynamics ​

Water and River Basins / Research

Various TWP, 14 April 2026

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Lower Zambezi River expedition, its methods, findings on hydrology, biodiversity, land use, and the socio-economic impacts on local communities. The Wilderness Project's Mission and Goals The Wilderness Project aims to explore, study, and protect 1.2 million km² of African wilderness by 2035 through partnerships with local communities, governments, researchers, and NGOs. Focuses on establishing hydrological and ecological baselines for Africa’s major river basins: Zambezi, Congo, Nile, and Okavango. Seeks to enhance conservation and understanding of Africa’s undocumented water sources and watersheds. Collaborates with multiple stakeholders including universities, government agencies, and local custodians. Aims to support biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and socio-economic stability. The Zambezi River and Its Significance The Zambezi River originates in Zambia and Angola, flowing over 2,575 km to the Indian Ocean, supporting 30 million people and generating hydroelectric power. Flows through eight countries with a catchment area of 1,320,000 km². Critical for local livelihoods, food, and water security. The Cahora Bassa Dam (built in 1974) significantly altered natural flow and sediment transport, reducing peak floods and sediment by up to 70%. The river widens into the Zambezi Delta, a broad alluvial plain with diverse ecosystems, including extensive mangroves and the Marromeu Wetland. The delta has experienced landscape changes due to reduced flooding and sediment supply, leading to habitat loss and ecological shifts.

Water and River Basins / Research

Lauren Searle – The Wilderness Project, 14 April 2026

In 2023, The Wilderness Project launched a series of research expeditions in Southern Africa. One of the goals of these expeditions was to survey the Zambezi River, from its several sources to its outflow into the Mozambican Indian Ocean. As part of this effort, a research transect was conducted on the Zambezi River in Zambia — starting at the town of Chavuma at the Angolan border and ending downstream of the Barotse Floodplain at Sioma. The total distance of the transect was 560 km, all of which was travelled in purpose-built canoes. This report summarises the findings of the expedition and presents an assessment of the health, human development, and ecology of the Zambezi River between Chavuma and Sioma.

Conservation / Strategy and guides

Connected Conservation and KAZA TFCA Secretariat, 13 April 2026

This document is a manual providing strategies and methods for reducing and mitigating human-rodent conflicts within the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA). Overview of KAZA TFCA and Human-Rodent Conflict Management The KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) is a collaborative initiative among five African countries focusing on shared natural resource conservation, community development, and managing human-rodent conflicts to promote sustainable coexistence. ​