The countdown is on for the Wilderness Impact Challenge, with just one month left to submit entries for this trailblazing conservation initiative. With a USD100,000 prize available to bring the winning idea to life, Wilderness is calling on innovators, researchers and organisations from around the world to put forward bold, scalable solutions that address human-wildlife conflict and promote long-term coexistence.
“It’s been truly inspiring to witness the creativity, dedication and forward-thinking solutions submitted from across the globe. The Wilderness Impact Challenge was designed to spark innovative approaches to critical conservation problems and enhance sustainability, and it’s great to see this challenge being so well-received. From visionary technologies to community-driven initiatives, it’s clear that people are deeply invested in finding real, scalable solutions to human-wildlife coexistence”, said Vincent Shacks, Wilderness Group Impact Manager.
Rooted in Wilderness’ Protect, Educate and Empower Impact pillars, the Challenge focuses on projects that directly benefit both wildlife and communities across Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda. For its 2025 edition, all entries must be centred on the Protect pillar, inviting submissions that focus on wildlife areas and the communities connected to these regions of operations for Wilderness.
“Conservation needs to move at a pace and in a direction that aligns with the urgent challenges of our time. Collaboration and creativity are key, and that’s why this challenge serves as the perfect springboard – whether for young conservationists bringing fresh perspectives, or established organisations with proven solutions that need the boost and funding to scale. With just a few weeks left before we select our finalists in mid-March, we’re excited to see the final wave of submissions and the transformative ideas they will bring”, added Vince.
Entries close on 28 February 2025, with finalists announced on 14 March 2025, and the winner revealed at the end of March. This is the last chance to take part in this important conservation challenge. For more information and to submit an entry, visit here or contact info@wildernesstrust.com.