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!

The 2025 Kang Farmers Field Day took place at Khakha Farm and it offered an opportunity to inch toward marking a turning point for Botswana’s agricultural future. With Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) having interest in bridging farming and conservation concerns, we did our fair bit to make our presence and support felt. Hosted under the theme: "New Botswana: A Tool to Overcome Obstacles in Farming to Increase Food Production" the gathering running from 23 – 24 May brought together over 300 farmers, policymakers, and industry experts to address Botswana’s dual challenges of food security and wildlife preservation.

The guest of honour, Honourable Baratiwa Mathoothe – Assistant Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, used the occasion to highlight the Kgalagadi North farming community’s resilience in adapting to extreme climates and wildlife pressures. Having also been affected by the heavy rains earlier this year, the region’s farmers play a principal role in attaining the national agricultural aspirations. CCB’s delegation included 11 members from our partner networks – namely Southern Livestock Farmers Network (SOLIFANE) and Ghanzi Farmers Network (GFN) – who showcased practical coexistence strategies to farmers grappling with drought, habitat loss, and predator conflict.

The CCB stall drew significant interest with attendees eager to learn about climate-smart farming initiatives. It spotlighted three transformative approaches: chilli-based elephant deterrents that are a measure to reduce crop losses, drought-resistant sorghum varieties that require less watering, and integrated livestock management systems that have proven lower incidents of predator conflicts. CCB’s Farming for Conservation (FFC) team, King Modise and Balekanye Mbinda, demonstrated these methods alongside agricultural technicians with particular interest in kraal redesigns that have reduced cheetah-related livestock losses. As an organisation whose community engagements inform our work, it is important for us to share how technology and traditional knowledge can merge to create sustainable solutions.

​The event was well attended by government departments, parastatals, exhibitors, and farmers from across the country. It provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and networking. Farmers from SOLIFANE and the GFN Farmers Network had the opportunity to engage with agri-businesses, explore new farming equipment, and share experiences aimed at improving their agricultural practices.

All systems are ‘Go!’ at the Exatheni Veld Products Centre (EVPC) in Bere! Established alongside the Kalahari Crafts and Cultural Centre (KCCC) in Kacgae – both executed under the Government of Botswana and UNDP Kgalagadi Ghanzi Drylands Ecosystem Project (KGDEP) – this processing centre is a remarkable achievement and noteworthy addition to natural resource-based developments in the area. The EVPC will be overseen by the Au She Xla Ulu Natural Resource Conservation Trust, and serve as an extension of their indigenous plant-based initiatives – which include exploring growing indigenous plants in controlled spaces.
 
The Centre also includes on-site workshop spaces, an office, and secure storage areas, offering a fully functional base for continued training, production, and creative collaboration. This makes it more than just a marketplace; the KCCC is a symbol of what’s possible when communities are given the tools to lead their own sustainable economic initiatives. Investing in the achievements of these goals are partners like CCB, Matebeleng Milling – a market player in organic, ethically sourced veld products for trade, such as Devil’s claw and Kalahari truffles; the Natural Products Association of Botswana – a representative body for natural and indigenous producers in the country – and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN), who continually engage with communities on strategies for scaling up production, as well as market-readiness.
 
It is still early days; however, the wealth of knowledge and products is evident, and the motivation to build a self-sustaining community enterprise is pronounced. From pressing oil from melon seeds, to crushing nuts and slicing truffles, this Centre will allow mechanisation of traditionally labour-intensive processes. We look forward to seeing how this new iteration of relating with the gifts of the land positively impacts the preservation and celebration of indigenous knowledge and products for generations to come.