Nachhaltig unter Wildtieren lebende Gemeinschaften (CLAWS)

Wildtiere und Gemeinschaften gedeihen gemeinsam

Gemeinschaften, die nachhaltig inmitten von Wildtieren leben (CLAWS) ist eine auf den Naturschutz ausgerichtete Organisation mit Sitz in Botswana, primarily within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. KAZA spans 520,000 km² across five countries, encompassing the Okavango Delta and vital habitats for lions, leopards, and over half of the world’s remaining savanna elephants. Home to over 600 bird species, this ecosystem faces growing human-wildlife conflict as communities and elephants compete for resources. 

CLAWS is deeply rooted in the local community, working with pastoralist farmers to balance the needs of people and wildlife. Their approach combines traditional herding practices with innovative technologies to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, particularly focusing on protecting lions while ensuring the livelihood security of farmers. Through the employment of trained eco-rangers and the implementation of predator-proof mobile enclosures, CLAWS has significantly reduced livestock losses and human-lion conflict in the region.

CLAWS' efforts extend beyond simple conservation; they aim to revitalise rangelands and unlock economic opportunities for local communities. By ensuring healthy, well-managed cattle herds and facilitating access to international markets for ‘wildlife-friendly’ beef, they have created a sustainable model that benefits both people and the environment. Their commitment to community-driven solutions enables locals to play an active role in conservation while safeguarding their traditional ways of life.

Das kommunale Herdenschutzprogramm

By reintroducing structured herding, the programme tackles the critical issues of overgrazing, land degradation, and predator-livestock conflict. At the heart of this initiative is the use of mobile bomas, innovative enclosures that shield livestock from predators while allowing for careful, planned grazing. This approach not only protects cattle but also breathes life back into overworked rangelands, allowing ecosystems to flourish once more.

Go2Africa's Partnerschaft mit CLAWS 

Go2Africa is proud to partner with CLAWS to support their crucial work in protecting both wildlife and local communities. Go2Africa has contributed $40,000 to train eco-rangers, roll out predator-proof bomas, and advance plans to support wildlife-friendly beef production. Six professional eco-rangers per boma, manage up to 600 cattle around the clock, ensuring the safety of the herd. To live with the animals 24/7, these dedicated eco-rangers require essential camping equipment, including dome tents, bed rolls, sleeping bags, camping chairs, tables, and cooking utensils, which is included in our contribution. 

Since the inception of our partnership boma, predation has dropped to zero in participating villages, rangelands are recovering, and the first sale of wildlife-friendly beef has been secured, demonstrating a viable model for conservation-led livelihoods.