Cheetah Conservation Botswana was represented at the International Congress for Conservation Biology (ICCB) 2025, held in Brisbane, Australia. The event brought together more than 1,800 conservation professionals from over 90 countries to discuss pressing biodiversity challenges and innovative solutions.  Jane Horgan, CCB’s Grants and Communications Manager, attended the conference, connecting with key researchers and organizations including cheetah researchers from Ashia Cheetah Project in South Africa and the Colorado State University, working in the Horn of Africa. These interactions provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing in regional cheetah conservation efforts.

The congress showcased emerging technologies that could enhance wildlife protection, including environmental DNA (eDNA) for biodiversity monitoring, artificial intelligence tools for data analysis and conflict mitigation, and EarthRanger’s Ecoscope platform for improved tracking and reporting.
These advancements offer promising applications for CCB’s fieldwork and research.

A key discussion focused on cheetah trafficking in the Horn of Africa, where research revealed that human-wildlife conflict, rather than financial incentives, is the primary driver of the illegal wildlife trade in cheetahs. This finding underscores the importance of community-based solutions, aligning with CCB’s approach to conservation. The conference also highlighted the growing recognition of Indigenous knowledge and local leadership in conservation efforts, further validating CCB’s community-centred strategies. Additional sessions explored sustainable agriculture and landscape connectivity, offering insights that could benefit CCB’s projects in Botswana.

The exchange of ideas at ICCB 2025 reinforced the power of global collaboration in addressing conservation challenges. CCB thanks the organizers and participants for an inspiring and productive conference. By working together, we can achieve greater impact for cheetahs, wildlife, and the communities that coexist with them.

Cheetah Conservation Botswana’s participation in the Ghanzi Agricultural Show provides us with a vital platform to strengthen our ties with the various communities it draws as the largest event of its kind in the country.  We get to talk to people from different walks of life, and share our experiences advancing wildlife conservation.

Over four days, our stall became a hub for knowledge exchange, recreation and reconnection. Some of the discussions revealed growing interest in conservation-friendly livelihoods and practices – particularly how protecting cheetahs can align with economic priorities like eco-tourism and sustainable grazing. We were also delighted to have several ranchers highlighting successful cases where improved livestock management measures reduced conflicts while maintaining their farm's productivity.

The Ghanzi Show continues to be more than an annual event – it is a fundamental asset to our partnerships with people we need to drive sustainable conservation success countrywide. We look forward to more fun exchanges next year!