The Human Key: Unlocking Coexistence with Wildlife

Across the world, stories of people and wildlife living side by side offer powerful hope. From farmers adapting to elephants in their fields, to communities protecting predators they once feared, it’s clear: coexistence is not only possible, it’s happening.

But the key isn’t better tech or stricter separation. It’s people. This webinar explores why lasting solutions to human-wildlife conflict must begin with those who live closest to the challenge, and the opportunity. Join us to hear from experts working on the frontlines, and discover why no conservation effort will succeed without the insight, involvement, and leadership of people on the ground.

Join our expert panel on the next Tipping Points webinar, which will be facilitated by conservation ecologist Peter Makumbe.

The panellists are: Alexandra Zimmermann, Anna Songhurst, Morris Munene and Ntateko Mzimba.

Alexandra Zimmermann is a global leader in human-wildlife conflict, and chairs the IUCN Specialist Group on the topic. She has worked in over a dozen countries, from Brazil to Nepal, focusing on community-led conflict solutions. An Associate Professor at Oxford, she also advises the UN, FAO, and international conservation funds. Her expertise spans science, policy, stakeholder dialogue, and social dynamics behind conflict.

Nkateko Mzimba is a 12-year veteran of the Black Mambas, an all-women anti-poaching unit in Greater Kruger. Named Africa’s Best Field Ranger in 2023, she leads field patrols and trains rangers internationally. She is a powerful force for change in her village, championing food security and environmental education. Her vision is to build a centre where communities grow into conservation champions.

Anna Songhurst is an elephant specialist and co-founder and CEO of Ecoexist Trust in Botswana. She holds a PhD in human-elephant conflict and works to reduce tensions between people and elephants. She has helped establish key coexistence networks in Botswana and the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier conservation region. She serves on multiple IUCN groups, guiding regional collaboration and science-based solutions.

Morris Munene is a Nature Risk Manager at AB Entheos, specialising in financial risk, biodiversity impact, and sustainability strategy. He helps organisations assess and mitigate nature-related financial and operational risks. With a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and cross-sector collaboration, he drives resilience planning. Passionate about nature-based solutions, he bridges ecology and business for long-term environmental value.

Peter Makumbe is the OGRC Research Manager at Shangani Holistic ranch in Zimbabwe. He is dedicated to promoting human-wildlife coexistence, particularly in landscapes where communities, livestock, and wildlife intersect.

This is the 33rd episode of Tipping Points in the monthly OGRC webinar series.