Certificate in Wildlife Economy and CBNRM Governance
Significant investments have been made in area-based conservation and Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) initiatives across Africa. While NGOs and other agencies are actively recruiting promising young professionals, but few possess the requisite skills to effectively manage CBNRM projects and support indigenous peoples and local communities. This certificate program aims to address this critical gap by providing essential concepts and skills that are currently unavailable through existing training avenues. The training consists of two online courses and a field training experience, each led by Dr. Brian Child.
The Courses
Wildlife Economy & Policy
An introduction to the importance of institutions, governance, and economics to wildlife conservation outcomes. This course compares exclusionary and inclusive conservation models in the context of wildlife recovery in the drylands and forests of southern Africa. It shows that conservation requires rebuilding social and economic institutions.
Community Conservation Governance
Provides advanced theoretical knowledge and empirical lessons on the governance of community wildlife conservation. Starting from Ostrom’s principles for governing the commons, the course covers governance, social capital, institutions such as property rights and devolution, benefits sharing, and more in the management of CBNRM.
Field Training at Anchor Sites
A two-week experience providing in-depth exposure to private wildlife enterprises and practical training in CBNRM governance skills and site visits. This field activity is the glue between theory and practice—and is challenging. Participants will be trained to conduct a situation analysis, conduct baseline surveys, and initiate a community-led change management process.
Please note: Courses are invitation-only and can only be accessed with a password.
