Maliasili

#NACSOWeek featured a series of meetings and events that brought focus to communal #conservation and #sustainabledevelopment. A pivotal moment was the launch of the long-awaited National Communal Conservancy and Community Forest Alliance on October 1st, uniting members from diverse regional communal conservancy and community forest associations. This alliance marks a significant step toward strengthening local #leadership in conservation, enabling communities to collaborate more effectively and advocate for their interests in shaping the future of Namibia's natural resources. The week’s activities at the Community Conservation and Inspiration Hub included learning and sharing sessions where stakeholders and community members came together to showcase the work of NACSO’s three working groups. These sessions went beyond highlighting progress toward the strategic plan, they provided a space for open dialogue and reflection, where community representatives offered crucial insights on how to enhance services and tackle persistent challenges. This collaborative approach ensures that conservation strategies remain grounded in the realities and needs of the people who live with wildlife and engage daily in conservation efforts. NACSO Week underscored the power of community-led conservation as a driving force for sustainable development. By actively involving local voices and perspectives, the events reaffirmed a shared commitment to protecting Namibia’s rich natural heritage while improving livelihoods. The ongoing work aims to ensure that conservation efforts benefit both people and the environment, fostering a future where communities are at the heart of environmental stewardship. #BuildingBetterOrgs #people4nature #Namibia #communityledconservation

Last week, Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA) officially launched their 2024-2028 strategic plan at an event in Harare, attended by local stakeholders, partners and government representatives. Their strategic plan is anchored on four interconnected pillars: 1. Human-wildlife conflict mitigation 2. Environmental education and awareness 3. Research and conservation leadership 4. Climate-smart livelihoods WCAs aims to strengthen local communities to lead in human wildlife conflict mitigation, addressing the complex interface between people and wildlife. The SP is a significant milestone for WCA as they strengthen their role as a key contributor to human-wildlife coexistence in Zimbabwe, and I am super proud of their achievement! A few reflections from my experience learning and supporting WCA, on what can contribute to the success of small local organizations: — Strong, self-aware leader supported by a cohesive team from managers/officers to frontline staff. — Clear goals and a strategy owned by the entire team. The WCA team knows their strategy and goals, and each holds their piece of the organizational work plan. — Flexible funding to cover core costs, invest in organizational development, pay competitive salaries and retain talent. — Effective communication to enhance visibility, articulate work programs and share impact. I am confident that WCA will deliver on its mission, and invite potential collaborators to partner with them. Maliasili Moreangels Mbizah Fred Nelson Peter Lindsey Clayton Zazu, PhD Collen Matema Wanjiku Kinuthia Simbarashe Chatikobo Joan Banda Kudakwashe Chuma Farai Nhekairo Lisa Chitura Tapiwa Chimbadzwa Farai Florence Chapoterera

At Kiromo Zoo in Bagamoyo, Pwani, we recently joined Community Wildlife Management Areas Consortium (CWMAC) staff for a crucial workshop on the role of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and a Code of Conduct in grassroots organizations. CWMAC has grown by an impressive 90% in just a year and a half, highlighting the need for robust structures to manage this rapid change. Although the organization has been operating for nearly a decade, it only had two outdated SOPs, covering HR and Financial Management, which needed to be revised to guide the expanding team. The workshop aimed to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth, helping the organization embrace its potential while establishing standards that drive consistency and resilience.  The workshop, facilitated by Maliasili, couldn’t have come at a better time. This workshop came as a turning point, equipping the team with essential management tools to address growing pains and bring clarity to their operations. Introducing updated SOPs is a step toward strengthening internal governance, fostering accountability, and setting the stage for CWMAC's continued progress. By prioritizing clear guidelines and operational standards, the organization is better positioned to meet challenges head-on and thrive in its mission. Judith Charles, CWMAC's Governance Officer, captured the impact perfectly: "I am so glad to Maliasili for facilitating this workshop, it came at the right time. A lot was happening just because we didn't have guidelines on how we should conduct and manage ourselves. With their support on board, CWMAC will now be able to operate in standards. " Her words reflect a renewed sense of purpose and optimism, marking a fresh chapter for CWMAC as they embrace a future built on stronger organizational foundations. #BuildingBetterOrgs #CommunityConservation #Governance #Sustainability #WildlifeManagement #Leadership #OrganizationalGrowth #Tanzania

We’re thrilled to support our partner, Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA), as they gear up to reveal their bold new #Strategic Plan this Friday! 🌿 🐾 WCA is dedicated to conserving #wildlife and ecosystems through community-led #conservation and innovative approaches. From protecting vital habitats to fostering local stewardship, WCA’s work makes a profound impact on both people and nature. As a partner, Maliasili worked closely with WCA to help shape this forward-thinking plan, ensuring it reflects their mission to ignite lasting change for wildlife conservation in Africa. We can’t wait to see their continued success and how this strategy will propel their efforts to the next level! #strategicplan #goals #communityledconservation #Zimbabwe

🌍 Join us today for the Network of Engaged International Donors (NEID) 'Linkages Series' webinar, as we explore the crucial role of private philanthropy in funding climate change solutions. This session, #Community-led #Restoration for #People and #Climate, will be moderated by Resson Kantai Duff from Maliasili, featuring insights from José Monteiro (ReGeCom, Mozambique), Rahima Njaidi (MTANDAO WA JAMII WA USIMAMIZI WA MISITU TANZANIA (MJUMITA), Tanzania), and Nyaguthii Chege (The Green Belt Movement, Kenya). 🌱 With African organizations receiving less than 10% of climate #funding, this conversation will highlight how community-driven initiatives are shaping climate action and the importance of scaling support for Indigenous Peoples and local communities (IPLCs). We'll also discuss the pivotal roles of women and youth in creating sustainable solutions. ⏰ Don’t miss out! Join us from 2:00-2:45 PM EST today for strategies to accelerate change. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eaPDMMxD #CommunityLedRestoration #ClimateAction #Philanthropy #Maliasili #MJUMITA #GreenBeltMovement #ReGeCom #ClimateFunding

Earlier this month, our Deputy Director for Southern Africa, Omagano Shooya, spoke at the 11th Giving Women Conference in Geneva, on a panel moderated by Masego Madzwamuse, the Head of the Environment Programme at the Oak Foundation. This year’s theme, "Women at the Frontline of Climate Action and Innovation," highlighted the indispensable role of women in the climate conversation. Omagano contributed to the session "Amplifying Voices from the Field," emphasizing the need to shift funding practices so more meaningful support reaches local organizations tackling the climate crisis. Her message on advocating for “good money” directly to grassroots efforts resonated, sparking lively discussions on stage and in the room. The conference was dynamic, inspired, and full of intimate exchanges. It brought together UN agencies, INGOs, funders, and policy leaders, all listening to the powerful stories of women and local communities. Some key takeaways: 📌 The climate crisis is a communication crisis 📌 The gap between community action and the corridors of power must shrink 📌 Look for “benefit multipliers” (aka women) in your investments Reflecting on the event, Omagano noted, “I’m seeing a big need for our amplifying work in Europe, particularly in places like Switzerland where a large philanthropic community resides. There’s a growing interest in changing the [funding] status quo and hearing directly from those on the frontlines of climate change, like our partners.” These reflections align closely with Maliasili’s Pledges to Practice report, launched at New York Climate Week, which offers clear examples of how best funding practices can raise the impact of local organizations. The report illustrates how channelling good money directly to the point of impact strengthens the work being done by grassroots efforts and amplifies the voices that need to be heard most. As we continue to amplify the voices of our partners, we’re encouraged by the recognition of local knowledge and the drive to change the funding status quo. Click here to read the report: https://lnkd.in/dVeBYVnW #ClimateAction #WomenInClimate #LocalVoices #Philanthropy #GivingWomen2024 #FundingChange #MaliasiliPartners #PledgestoPractice #ClimateChange #ClimateJustice #GenderEquity

In August and September this year, we had the privilege of facilitating two strategic planning workshops in Nairobi for the South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO). Our mission is to help support SORALO in developing their #strategic plan for the next 10 years.  Founded in 2004, SORALO is a #community-based organization representing the pastoralist communities of Kenya's South Rift Valley. They operate as a crucial bridge between the Maasai Mara and Amboseli ecosystems. SORALO’s work centers on sustainable land management, promoting coexistence between people and wildlife, and addressing the challenges facing local communities, such as land rights and environmental threats. SORALO’s approach emphasizes community involvement, ensuring that the people who live on and depend on the land are at the heart of conservation efforts. Over the last 20  years, they’ve built an impressive track record of adaptive, community-driven impact. A particular strength is SORALO’s ability to respond to changing needs while maintaining their commitment to the people and landscapes they serve. The South Rift faces exacerbating threats, making SORALO’s work more important than ever. Working with SORALO’s amazing team and bringing together diverse perspectives from across the organization, the strategic planning workshops were an opportunity to reflect on their past achievements, challenges, and strengths, and to chart the course for the next decade. Here are some key workshop takeaways: - #Inclusion and participation is key for rich, impactful discussions. - Knowing your strengths helps guide future decisions. - Having a clear purpose helps with making strategic decisions easier.  - A strong #strategy is an important tool that helps communicate your mission to stakeholders. At Maliasili, we learn so much from these processes, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support this important work! #SustainableDevelopment #CommunityEmpowerment #LandManagement #WildlifeConservation #SORALO #Maliasili #Kenya #StrategicPlanning

From September the 16th to the 18th, the Maliasili team gathered with Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) at Harare's Manna Resorts, a place where nature and development exist in harmony. Surrounded by #wildlife in this inspiring setting, ZELA’s passion for using the law for #sustainable natural resource governance and responsible investments was palpable. They are committed to empowering marginalized communities through legal solutions to access and benefit from their #naturalresources. With 24 years of experience, ZELA sees environmental justice as the cornerstone of defending our planet. Together, we crafted a 5-year #strategy to ensure local communities participate in and lead environmental decisions. ZELA's mission shined through: to promote equitable, just and sustainable environmental and natural resources management and protection of marginalised communities and citizens in Southern Africa. Participants left with a clarity on how they can use the law to empower communities and protect the environment in an impactful way. The workshop's success underscores ZELA's commitment to environmental justice. By supporting community-led conservation and #advocacy for policy reforms, ZELA's passionate lawyers champion a sustainable future benefiting people, planet, and climate. Their tireless efforts ensure marginalized voices are heard, and rights are respected. #impact #buildbetterorgs #conservation #people4nature

As we reflect on the momentum from #ClimateWeekNYC 2024, the Seeding Solutions report stands out as a pivotal call to action. Launched in partnership with leading voices across Africa, it emphasizes the vital role of community-led #conservation in addressing the dual challenges of #biodiversity loss and climate change. At the heart of the report is a clear message: local communities are indispensable stewards of Africa’s ecosystems. By empowering them, we unlock climate solutions that not only protect critical habitats but also strengthen local livelihoods. Africa, despite contributing only 4% of global carbon emissions, faces disproportionate climate impacts. Yet, it holds vast potential for natural climate solutions from forest conservation to rangeland restoration. We invite all stakeholders to invest in these grassroots solutions. The report outlines powerful examples of how community-led initiatives across the continent are sequestering carbon, restoring habitats, and building resilience in the face of climate change. This is more than conservation. It's about equity, social justice, and ensuring that those most affected by climate change lead the way in addressing it. #SeedingSolutions #ClimateWeekNYC #CommunityLedConservation #ClimateAction #Biodiversity https://lnkd.in/dEbmTuxY

From September 9th to 13th, our Maliasili team embarked on an inspiring journey with SAFIRE, a pioneering organization dedicated to community-led natural resource conservation and sustainable commercialization of natural resources. In the heart of Buhera (250 km south of Harare), Zimbabwe, we witnessed firsthand the impact of SAFIRE's 30-year legacy. We visited remarkable community projects, including nutrition gardens and irrigation schemes, which showcased SAFIRE's innovative approach to environmental conservation and livelihood improvement. What initially appeared ordinary unveiled extraordinary stories of transformation. SAFIRE’s efforts led to the successful relocation of 90 riverbed gardens and 50 wetland gardens, effectively preventing massive siltation and wetland degradation. Solar-powered water systems now sustain these communities, thanks to SAFIRE's vision. By working closely with local stakeholders, SAFIRE ensures that community voices are central to shaping initiatives that benefit both people and the environment. A testament to this collaborative spirit is the recent tree-planting activity with Maliasili, which symbolizes our partnership and commitment to nurturing a greener and more sustainable future together. Together, we co-created SAFIRE's 2025-2029 #strategic plan, fueled by the team's passion and commitment. This collaborative process resulted in a clear, ambitious roadmap, charting the course for the next five years. We're honored to support SAFIRE's relentless dedication to empower disadvantaged communities across Zimbabwe. Their work continues to inspire us, and we're proud to amplify their impactful work. #buildingbetterorgs #zimbabwe #conservation