From the newsroom

In the vast, untamed wilderness of Zimbabwe, where the battle for wildlife is fought not just with guns but with knowledge, the Akashinga Academy in Phundundu stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local leadership and a commitment to sustainability are placed at the centre of conservation efforts. This case study looks at how LEAD Conservation’s approach to developing in-house training capacity played a pivotal role in shaping the Academy’s ability to meet its own needs, while also preparing its teams for the unpredictable challenges that lie ahead.

By embedding training within the local context and cultivating leaders from the ground up, Akashinga has shifted the dynamics of conservation training. The result? A more efficient, culturally aligned, and self-sufficient approach to wildlife protection that echoes the wider goals of LEAD Conservation’s work—empowering people to lead and adapt to ever-changing circumstances. But in this world, sustainability is never given. It’s earned. And this story traces how LEAD helped Akashinga carve out its own path to long-term success.