Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The clock is ticking for African innovators, including Zimbabweans, to enter the Wilderness Impact Challenge before the April 30 deadline, with US$100 000 on offer for solutions that turn conservation into a viable economic driver.
Launched in 2025, the global initiative targets practical, scalable ideas that advance the “conservation economy” — linking environmental protection with sustainable livelihoods. Now in its second edition, the challenge invites entrepreneurs, community groups and changemakers to rethink the intersection of tourism, conservation and local enterprise.
“What we have found is that conservation advances faster when it delivers real economic value to the people closest to it,” said Vincent Shacks.
“This edition focuses on practical, empowerment-driven solutions that grow local businesses, improve livelihoods and embed conservation into economic systems.”
The competition awards US$100 000 to the most impactful, implementation-ready idea, with organisers positioning it as part of a longer-term pipeline to test, refine and scale solutions across Africa.
Anchored on Wilderness’ pillars — Educate, Empower and Protect — the 2026 edition prioritises economic inclusion, backing locally grounded models that tackle barriers such as poverty, unemployment and limited market access.
For Zimbabwe, where conservation areas often border struggling rural communities, the opportunity is significant. Entry is free, with barriers deliberately lowered to attract grassroots innovators and community-based organisations. Proposals need not be highly technical, but must show clear, shared value for both conservation and livelihoods.
Zimbabwe featured strongly in the inaugural 2025 edition, with a top-three finalist from Victoria Falls and standout project Ele-Collection gaining recognition.
Ele-Collection converts plastic waste into building materials, reducing pollution, protecting wildlife from ingesting plastics and creating jobs — a clear demonstration of conservation as an economic asset rather than a cost.
Beyond prize money, the challenge offers finalists exposure, networks and potential partnerships to scale impact, targeting issues such as human-wildlife conflict, waste management and rural unemployment.
“Conservation must evolve with realities on the ground,” said Charles Douglas.
“By championing empowerment and economic participation, this Challenge backs ideas that are not only innovative, but implementable and built to last.”
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