Conservation Revolution
Nature's time is running out. Wildlife is decreasing at an alarming speed worldwide because of poaching, population growth, smaller habitats and polution. One of the main drivers is extreme poverty. Poverty drives people to desperate measures, forcing them to choose between survival and conservation. Innovative and bold solutions are needed to create sustainable sources of income as alternatives to poaching and deforestation.
Will you join the revolution?
A pilot project in Rwanda
Two years ago, African Parks and 100WEEKS joined forces in Rwanda, starting on a bold experiment around Nyungwe National Park. Wildlife being threatened by poaching, 100WEEKS and African Parks decided to combine their strengths towards building a conservation-led environment, where the poorest people living around the forest are no longer dependent on the resources of Nyungwe National Park for their survival and choose to contribute to its long-term sustainability.
The program
By providing cash and training to 220 families living around Nyungwe National Park, the collaboration accelerates the creation a sustainable future where people and wildlife can coexist.
The results
Now, at the end of their 100 weeks program, results are astonishing, for both poverty and wildlife conservation. We now have proof of concept that simply giving cash and training is effective for wildlife conservation.
Proof of concept
Food security without exploiting the park
New businesses without harming the park
Donatha, participant
“Through the 100WEEKS program, I finally have the financial capacity to invest in my and my family’s future. I started a pottery business and my very own farm. These businesses alone allow me to take care of myself and my family in a sustainable way.
Furthermore, the 100WEEKS trainings opened my eyes and taught me to appreciate the park as a source of inspiration and to protect the forests, for my and family’s own good.”
We are shaping the future
We need to act now. Traditional conservation methods are not enough. We need bold, new solutions. 100WEEKS has proven that investing in local communities could be a game-changer. Our pilot program has shown that cash transfers and training can reduce poaching of wildlife and protect habitats. To scale this approach globally, we need rigorous scientific proof. Therefore, we joined forces with Wageningen University & Research to starte a large-scale program, including in-depth research.
The research
Conservation
To research the effect of the program on the park, nature and wildlife will be monitored by rangers and researchers. For this research, cutting-edge methodologies will be used.
Economic development
To research the economic development of the people in the program, data collection methodologies and capacities of 100WEEKS and Wageningen University & Research will be merged.
Relationship with the park
To research the people's relationship with the park, sociologists from Wageningen University & Research will do qualitative in-depth research in the communities around the national park.
Join the revolution
To realize this project, we need your support. By supporting this unique and critical 100WEEKS program, you also help families move out of poverty.
Would you like to know more or work together in a different way? Get in touch.