Dr. James Danoff-Burg, Vice President of Conservation, and Katie Shaw, Conservation Social Scientist at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, facilitated an eight-day workshop in partnership with Imvelo Safari Lodges. The workshop, conducted from April 14 to 21, involved 19 students and two professors from Lupane State University and the National University of Science and Technology.
The focus was on social sciences and conservation psychology, addressing theory, tools, and methods. Participants carried out 204 interviews across six villages, evaluating the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative. This initiative reintroduced rhinos to a region in Zimbabwe, benefiting local communities.
The interviews revealed improvements in healthcare, education, employment, and water development from the initiative. Employment in tourism linked to the rhino sanctuary was notably high. Income increased from selling local crafts to tourists. Revenues from the sanctuary-funded clinic have ostensibly improved local health conditions.
The study also highlighted areas for expansion, such as wildlife conflict prevention through fence placement and crop protection from elephants. The findings were presented to local headmen, village secretaries, the community conservation chairperson, and Chief Baba Mlevu.
