We are LEAD, a conservation support organisation dedicated to strengthening the capacity of rangers and protected area managers to tackle complex conservation challenges. Through tailored training, mentoring, and practical tools, we help frontline teams improve their operational effectiveness, leadership, and strategic thinking. We work across Africa and beyond, supporting conservation initiatives that protect biodiversity, engage communities, and promote sustainable land use.
LEAD Conservation is a not-for-profit organisation registered in the Netherlands with ANBI status, a designation for public benefit organisations that meet specific Dutch tax and transparency requirements.
LEAD Conservation strengthens frontline conservation efforts by developing leaders, educators, decision-makers, and problem-solvers in protected areas. We provide training, mentorship, and strategic support that enables teams to move beyond reactive responses and adopt proactive and preventive wildlife protection strategies.
A world where protected areas are safeguarded through integrated conservation efforts—an approach that builds capable, adaptive, and professional teams that manage threats effectively while enabling coexistence between people and wildlife.
We believe conservation is about humans—the people who protect wildlife, the communities living alongside it, and the leaders shaping the future. At LEAD Conservation, our team is made up of mentors, problem-solvers, and hands-on leaders who know that real change starts with skilled people making smart decisions at the right time.
We’ve walked the same paths as the rangers we train, faced the same challenges, and learned that leadership, trust, and adaptability make all the difference. Every member of our team is here because they care—about the mission, the people on the frontline, and making conservation more effective, ethical, and sustainable.
Meet the people making it happen.
We partner and align with other organisations to help you with implementing ITR.
Partnerships will be updated once confirmed
We are a long-term conservation support organisation focused on strengthening capacity through tailored mentoring, embedded training, and strategic support. Our aim is not to deliver one-off courses, but to build lasting capability within protected area teams.
LEAD is a non profit, not a training vendor or short-term contractor. Our funding comes from partner organisations such as the Thin Green Line Foundation, so we can provide support to frontline teams.
That’s a good place to start. We don’t replace what’s already working; instead, we help refine and strengthen it. Many partners use LEAD to support instructor development, improve operational planning, or integrate training with threat mitigation strategies using the ITR framework.
Yes, though our preferred model is cluster-based, we also support special projects when there’s a strong case—such as unique operating conditions, potential for high impact, or strategic alignment. These are assessed case by case.
LEAD does not train individuals or run ranger recruitment programmes. If you’re interested in becoming a ranger, we recommend contacting the wildlife authority, conservancy, or NGO operating in your region.
We do occasionally post open positions or calls for collaboration in our news section. However, we prioritise experienced African rangers, instructors, and managers—people who know the context, terrain, and challenges first-hand. If a role is available, it will be listed.
We’re always open to meaningful partnerships. If you or your organisation have relevant expertise, experience, or a shared commitment to strengthening frontline conservation, we’d be glad to explore how you might contribute—whether through knowledge exchange, technical support, or collaboration within a cluster. Please contact us directly to start the conversation.
