In the search for sustainable ways to share the planet, Western conservation models often focus on technical fixes or financial incentives. However, a compelling new study published in Volume 55 of Ambio by CCB’s PhD scholar, Otshabile Bahetoleng and her supervisor, Amanda Stronza of Texas A&M University suggests that the key to harmony may lie in an ancient African philosophy. Their paper, 'Botho: A cultural framework for resilient human–wildlife coexistence in Botswana', explores how the traditional principle of Botho can transform our relationship with the natural world.
 
Botho is a Setswana term that defines a person’s humanity through their connections to others. While often applied to social conduct, the authors argue that this ethos extends to the environment. The research posits that "Botho provides a moral and ethical foundation for coexistence", framing wildlife not as a resource to be managed or a threat to be eliminated, but as a fellow “stakeholder” in a shared landscape.
 
The paper highlights how the erosion of traditional values has contributed to rising tensions between rural communities and species like elephants and lions. In many instances, modern conservation has “severed the cultural ties that once facilitated tolerance”. By interviewing community members in the Ghanzi District, the authors found that resilience in these systems is highest when “humanity is expressed through respect and empathy for all living beings”.
 
One of the study's central arguments is that resilience is not just ecological but deeply psychological and cultural. The researchers state that “reclaiming Botho allows for a shift from conflict to a more relational form of coexistence”. This approach moves beyond compensation schemes, which often fail to address the emotional toll of living with wildlife, toward a model where “mutual respect dictates the terms of engagement”.
 
Ultimately, Bahetoleng and Stronza offer a powerful critique of top-down conservation. They conclude that for coexistence to be truly resilient, it must be “rooted in the cultural identity and ethical frameworks of those who live closest to wildlife”. By integrating Botho into policy, Botswana could lead the way in creating a more compassionate and enduring form of environmental stewardship.

​Making connections with new audiences is something we always look forward to. At the invitation of our friends at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, CCB got the opportunity to engage with a group of students and faculty from Akita Prefectural University in Japan who were participating in the Mokolodi Volunteer Programme. Katlego K Kolanyane-Kesupile, Engagement and Awareness Coordinator, delivered an insightful presentation about the organisation, our work, and the communities of the Ghanzi District that make promoting coexistence more than a slogan for us.
 
We are grateful for the fruitful relationship we have with Mokolodi Nature Reserve all these years since our founding, and we are encouraged to continue the growth of our global networks.

The Conservation Education Network held a convening in Johannesburg from 3 - 6 March. Our Communities for Conservation – Development intern, Goitseone Samson, braved new terrain to represent CCB among 26 other educationalists. The group met to exchange ideas and share their context-specific experiences to strengthen education strategies. The event provided a valuable platform for us to share our conservation education initiatives while reinforcing the practical skills we have to enhance local impact.
 
A key focus of the workshop was understanding how education drives behaviour change –  specifically in promoting human-wildlife coexistence and promoting sustainable natural resource use. Through dedicated theory of change sessions, participants learned ways to effectively link conservation challenges with clear inputs, activities, and measurable short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes. The sessions about monitoring and evaluation further emphasised the importance of tracking progress to ensure programmes achieve their intended goals.
 
The workshop further functioned as a hub for practical tool-sharing with participants sharing interactive educational games that others could adopt to boost learner participation and understanding during their various activities. “Participating in the workshop and presenting our work to an international audience helped me gain new skills, knowledge, and confidence to carry out my work and represent CCB effectively”, shared Samson, continuing,  “engaging with experienced peers also gave me insight on ways to strengthen my work”.
 
Beyond the formal sessions, the connections built with fellow educators have opened doors for ongoing knowledge exchange and resource sharing. The experience has renewed our confidence in facilitating impactful conservation education and reinforced our belief that collaborative efforts and small actions at the community level can yield positive results for conservation.