71% of African conservation NGOs say global partnerships need reforms.

Not only are local communities and organisations essential for conservation but also for addressing issues of sustainability, poverty reduction, and economic development in Africa. However, local organisations collaborate with international organisations to assist these communities in protecting the biodiversity they inhabit, conserving fauna, adapting to climate change, and enhancing their social and economic well-being.

According to a 2023 report published by Maliasili in September, partnerships between global conservation organisations and their African counterparts are crucial to the success of conservation efforts. However, these partnerships continue to confront obstacles regarding power dynamics, transparency, and interest alignment.

Resson Kantai Duff, Portfolio Funding Director at Maliasili, told the Africa Climate Conversations that the approach, structure, and maintenance of these partnerships must be collectively reimagined.

Today's episodes examine the report's findings, the financing issues at the heart of the partnership challenges, building trust, why African conservation organisations must look inward within Africa for funding, and how international conservation organisations can most effectively address the partnership dilemma for future effective collaborations.