Dogs 4 Wildlife X AKASHINGA
Dogs4Wildlife are currently in Zimbabwe working with the team from the incredible AKASHINGA to conduct an initial assessment and consultancy role to help develop their K-9 units current effectiveness and advance their skillsets, knowledge and capacity to protect and conserve the amazing wildlife they are custodians of.
We are honoured and extremely privileged to have the opportunity to support Akashinga. They have such an impactful and inspiring story and journey, where the synergy of community and conservation has truly built a legacy of a brighter planet for all.
🧡Akashinga has transformed a traditionally adversarial approach to conservation into an innovative, empowering, and gender-diverse model to protect wildlife and habitats.🦏🌳
⭐In 2017, an initial team of 16 female rangers in the Lower Zambezi valley of Zimbabwe were recruited. These women became the first Akashinga Rangers (The ‘Brave Ones’ in the Shona language).
👊🏽They embarked on a mission to safeguard Zimbabwe’s wildlife from the devastating impact of poaching. This marked the beginning of the organisation’s collaborative approach, working directly with local communities to tackle the challenges of illegal wildlife trade and environmental degradation.
🧡🐘Akashinga has since revolutionised conservation efforts in Africa through an innovative, gender-diverse approach.
👉🏽Today, the organisation continues to expand its reach across multiple countries, forging a legacy of sustainable, female-led conservation that originated with those 16 dedicated rangers.⭐
🧡The impact of these female-led conservation efforts reverberates throughout the community, igniting a cascade of positive impacts.
✅From nurturing children’s education to bolstering healthcare, eradicating poverty, and boosting life expectancy, these ripple effects leave a lasting legacy.
👊🏽With doors to education being opened, women’s leadership opportunities being created, and jobs opening in rural Africa, Akashinga are not only protecting iconic wildlife, but driving sustainable, social change. What an incredible organisation to be partnered with and in support of.