WE RESEARCH, WE PLAY, WE COEXIST
The evolution and growth of our vision for large predator conservation has been a slow transition from natural science to social science. Somewhere along this path in the past 20 years it became all too apparent that we would need to work on the other side of the fence - the people side of the fence – not just be a voice speaking on behalf of the wildlife -if we were to truly have an enduring impact on the future for large predators. That meant sharpening our focus on innovative management tools based in science to reduce human wildlife conflict, as well as investing more in people, educating, especially children, and addressing the many livelihood challenges faced by local farmers who live with wildlife. These three focal areas: Science, Education and Community, are the founding pieces of Wild Entrust’s integrated and holistic conservation program that we capture in our three pillars:
For 35 years, we've worked to help protect endangered large predators through our integrated human and science-based approach to conservation.
WE RESEARCH
TO PROTECT
WE PLAY
TO EDUCATE
WE COEXIST
TO PROSPER
ON THE GROUND
COEX IN ACTION
Grateful acknowledgment to the Government of Botswana for our long-term tenure.
Nature not only fills a critical role in all our lives, but the natural world is key to human health and ultimately the health of the planet. We were both fortunate to grow up in homes that loved and appreciated animals; wild and domestic - with parents that enabled and encouraged us to pursue the out-of-doors to engage with Nature. As adults we each found ourselves - and each other - in Botswana pursuing careers in wildlife conservation. Since 1989, we have held firm our convictions that all animals deserve a place - and a voice that we can help provide. However, over the more than 3 decades of working in conservation we have increasingly grown to appreciate that conservation is not only about wild animals but is ultimately about how people can coexist safely and productively with nature. So, while wild animals need protection, ironically, only people can provide it. And those living on the edge of poverty, challenged by food and income insecurity, cannot be expected to fully participate in this coexistence mission until these basic human needs are met. For 35 years we have engaged in ‘applied conservation research’. We believe in the power of knowledge, and we are proud of the many students who we have worked together with to better understand what animals need to survive and thrive. But while our field research has focused on reducing human wildlife conflict, we fully appreciate the importance of the people side of conservation. Research. Play. Coexist. This is our mission. And going forward, with your help, we will continue fostering new generations of caring people who will be on the ground, in the field, protecting wildlife and wild spaces, for all of us.
Founded by JW McNutt, PhD Behaviourial Ecology and Lesley McNutt, MA, Development Anthropology.
We remain in the field, on the ground, getting it done... with the results to prove it.
OUR VISION
A world where healthy wildlife populations and ecosystems coexist with healthy communities who are empowered with sustainable livelihood practices and approaches to conservation.
OUR MISSION
To pursue a holistic approach to conservation by integrating innovation in research, education, and sustainable community development to protect threatened species and make coexistence with wildlife viable and rewarding for people.
FOLLOW US ON THE GROUND IN AFRICA
