Africa can’t wait: An introduction
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Connecting the dots
For decades, African nations have grappled with the challenge of safeguarding their rich biodiversity while also addressing pressing socio-economic needs.
Amid these complexities, one truth stands out: African conservation needs a reframe, told better through African voices. This means recognizing the breadth of perspectives from African people who hold the knowledge and science-backed strategies to support both conservation and sustainable development.
As a communications specialist, I am all too aware of the dangers of a single story. A single story robs people of dignity, diminishes their agency, and leaves us vulnerable to narrow perceptions. For me, growing up, all I saw were foreigners in conservation narratives. That singular perspective shaped how I understood African conservation, because stories influence the way we see ourselves and others.
Me (second from left) with my everyday heroes
In response, I have developed a four-part series highlighting African heroes in conservation, ranging from researchers to non-profit conservation organisations such as the Friends of Arabuko Sokoke Forest, who are working tirelessly to preserve a country’s heritage.
The thread connecting this series is simple: conservation through the lens of African heroes. And my heroes don’t wear capes. Some are everyday people whose wisdom is often overlooked, yet they hold invaluable local knowledge. Others are researchers who use their expertise to raise awareness and strengthen communities. Together, they embody the spirit of custodianship.
What I have learned through this journey has deeply enriched me. It has shown me the importance of celebrating what Africans are doing, and the urgency of telling these stories. The primary responsibility for safeguarding African conservation rests with Africans themselves, as custodians of their lands and heritage.
The series begins with my home country, Kenya. Here, I show how each story connects to a larger whole: individuals and organizations working toward a common goal of protecting the environment. Their message is shared and clear: “We have to do this for the next generation.”
“For me, growing up, all I saw were foreigners in conservation narratives. That singular perspective shaped how I understood African conservation, because stories influence the way we see ourselves and others.”