About
Peace Parks Foundation is a pioneering conservation organization established on 1 February 1997, dedicated to re-establishing, renewing, and preserving large functional ecosystems that transcend national boundaries across southern Africa. Operating across five transboundary landscapes covering a combined 675,990 km², the foundation co-manages 10 protected areas spanning 11 African countries in collaboration with governments and local communities. The foundation takes a holistic approach to conservation, combining wildlife rewilding—having relocated over 18,167 animals to previously degraded areas with populations growing to an estimated 100,000—with robust community development programs such as Herding for Health and vocational training through the Southern African Wildlife College. Geographical Information System (GIS) services and wildlife crime prevention are also key operational pillars. Conservation finance is central to its sustainability model, leveraging carbon credits, biodiversity funds, conservation bonds, and tourism revenues to ensure long-term viability of protected areas. The foundation's Community Development Programmes promote economic growth for people living within transfrontier conservation areas, addressing livelihoods, health, gender equity, and climate resilience. Peace Parks Foundation is suited for conservation professionals, researchers, policy makers, NGOs, and donors interested in large-landscape conservation, rewilding, sustainable finance, and community-led environmental stewardship in Africa.
Key Features
- Transboundary Landscape Conservation: Manages 10 protected areas across 11 African countries within five priority landscapes totalling 675,990 km², reconnecting fragmented ecosystems across national borders.
- Wildlife Rewilding Programme: Has rewilded over 18,167 animals to previously degraded areas, with populations growing to an estimated 100,000 individuals across co-managed parks.
- Conservation Finance: Leverages carbon credits, biodiversity funds, conservation bonds, and tourism revenues to enable the financial sustainability of key protected areas.
- Community Development Programmes: Promotes economic growth and resilience for communities within transfrontier conservation areas through programmes like Herding for Health and vocational training.
- GIS & Wildlife Crime Prevention: Deploys Geographical Information System services and anti-poaching strategies to monitor ecosystems and combat wildlife crime across vast landscapes.
Use Cases
- Conservation researchers and ecologists studying large-landscape rewilding and transboundary wildlife management in southern Africa.
- Government agencies and policy makers seeking co-management frameworks for cross-border protected areas.
- Donors, impact investors, and conservation finance professionals exploring biodiversity credits, carbon markets, and conservation bonds.
- NGOs and development organisations looking for community-based conservation models that integrate livelihood programmes with ecological restoration.
- Educators and students researching African conservation, wildlife corridors, and sustainable development in transfrontier regions.
Pros
- Proven Large-Scale Impact: Over 26 years of measurable conservation outcomes spanning 11 countries, with documented wildlife population growth and landscape restoration at a continental scale.
- Integrated Holistic Approach: Combines conservation, community development, and financial sustainability into a single co-management model, addressing both ecological and human dimensions of conservation.
- Strong Institutional Partnerships: Works directly with national governments, local communities, and international donors, giving programmes strong legitimacy and long-term viability.
Cons
- Geographically Focused: Activities are concentrated in southern Africa, limiting direct applicability or replication for conservation efforts in other global regions without significant adaptation.
- Donor-Dependent Funding Model: While pursuing conservation finance solutions, the foundation still relies substantially on donations and grants, which can create funding uncertainties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peace Parks Foundation?
Peace Parks Foundation is a non-profit conservation organization founded in 1997 that facilitates the establishment and management of transfrontier conservation areas (peace parks) across southern Africa, promoting conservation, community development, and sustainable finance.
Who founded Peace Parks Foundation?
It was founded by HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, President Nelson Mandela, and Dr Anton Rupert on 1 February 1997.
How many countries does Peace Parks Foundation operate in?
The foundation operates across 11 African countries, managing 10 key protected areas within five transboundary landscapes covering a combined 675,990 km².
How does Peace Parks Foundation fund its work?
Funding comes from a mix of individual donations, institutional donors, and conservation finance mechanisms including carbon credits, biodiversity funds, conservation bonds, and tourism revenues.
What is Peace Parks Foundation's Vision 2050?
Vision 2050 is to secure 980,000 km² of functional transboundary landscapes across southern Africa where both people and nature can thrive sustainably.
