The evolution of conservation education and its role in saving apes in Africa

The current paradigm of conservation initiatives promotes activities that benefit conservation of wildlife while at the same time improving the welfare of humans living near wildlife habitats. This dual focus of conservation has resulted in an increase in activities that engage local communities. Th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of primatology 2021-04, Vol.83 (4), p.e23203-n/a
Main Authors: Bettinger, Tammie, Leighty, Katherine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Apes
Community
community engagement
Community involvement
conservation
Education
educator
evaluation
Evolutionary conservation
Local communities
Primates
Time use
Welfare
Wildlife
Wildlife conservation
Wildlife habitats
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Summary:The current paradigm of conservation initiatives promotes activities that benefit conservation of wildlife while at the same time improving the welfare of humans living near wildlife habitats. This dual focus of conservation has resulted in an increase in activities that engage local communities. The past decade has seen a shift in how conservation practitioners define the role of conservation education. While once limited to a focus on increasing knowledge and influencing attitudes and behavior of local communities, today the term is used to encompass a range of activities from traditional education to training local people in alternative livelihoods that can positively impact conservation outcomes. This change in the use of the term, as well as the increased awareness of the need to involve local communities in all aspects of conservation activities, has resulted in complex programs that cross many disciplines. This special edition provides examples of current practices at conservation sites focused on apes in Africa. HIGHLIGHTS The term conservation education has expanded to encompass a wide range of activities that involve engaging with communities located near ape habitats. Local communities should be involved in all aspects of conservation, from planning to implementing programs.
ISSN:0275-2565
1098-2345
DOI:10.1002/ajp.23203