Paper short abstract:

As a collaboration of indigenous peoples, conservation activists and scholars from developing and developed countries we explore grassroots conservation challenges & opportunities, highlighting indigeneity, capacity, funding, interdisciplinary science, mentorship, neocolonialism and media

Paper long abstract:

At the Landscape and Conservation Mentors Organization, a grassroots body based in Katavi Region of Tanzania we work together to promote, support and improve community livelihoods, sustainable environmental practices, wildlife conservation and community development in rural areas surrounding protected areas. We are a collaboration of indigenous leaders, Tanzanian graduates, professionals and researchers from many different backgrounds who have many years of experience with community action, interdisciplinary research, NGO employment, successful campaigns addressing human-wildlife conflict, and failed programmes in rural Africa. After a brief summary of our history and acheivements we would like to highlight the challenges and opportunities that we face. These include (a) interfacing with international programmes and funders, (b) expanding our capacity with respect to interdisciplinary science, (c) responding to calls for indigenous action, (d) addressing ethical concerns associated with resource conflict, interethnic tensions and human-wildlife conflict, (e) mentoring, and (f) negotiating the experiences of working with and for the government, NGOs and the private sector. With this information we aim to frame a proposal for how outsiders committed to biodiversity conservation and community wellbeing in rural Africa can best direct their skills, expertise and funds. Our target audience includes community activists in the developing world, scholars aiming to support activism at their research sites, and funding organizations seeking to make their contributions more effective.