In July, CWMAC took to the field to document the stories of two remarkable Wildlife Management Areas: Randilen and Makame. Our goal was to capture, on film and in interviews, how community-led conservation is changing lives in these areas.
At Randilen WMA, we focused on the social and economic benefits that conservation brings to community members. From livelihoods to better education and healthcare, we captured how the WMA activities are translating into real, tangible improvements in the daily lives of the people living alongside wildlife. This storytelling initiative was made possible in collaboration with WildAid, Honeyguide, and Tanzania Safari Channel, whose support helped bring these community success stories to life.
Meanwhile, in Makame WMA, our lens turned to the power of community ownership and participation. Through interviews with elders, WMA managers, village representatives, and local representatives, the story highlighted how inclusive decision-making, local governance, and active involvement in protection efforts are empowering the community. Makame’s story underscored that when communities take the lead – patrolling their lands, managing resources, and governing their conservation efforts – the outcomes are more effective and more sustainable.
Together, the voices from Randilen and Makame paint an inspiring picture of community-led conservation in Tanzania: It is a model where local voices guide decisions, and where protecting wildlife also builds stronger, more resilient communities. For our donors and partners, these stories are vivid proof that supporting grassroots initiatives yields extraordinary returns: wildlife safeguarded, incomes raised, and hope renewed on the ground.