Conservation non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have turned their attention towards the creation of innovative funding mechanisms and stronger partnerships with donors and tourism partners as they seek to fill the funding gaps left by halted US government support.

US President Donald Trump’s January 20 announcement of a 90-day pause on all foreign development assistance had wide-ranging impacts on Africa’s biodiversity protection and socio-economic development initiatives.

Kish Chetty, Head of Sustainability at the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), said the illegal wildlife trade is of particular concern.

“The withdrawal of global funding and reduced international commitment to combating this crisis will weaken enforcement, anti-poaching efforts and community-based conservation initiatives, making it easier for trafficking syndicates to operate.”

Chetty told Tourism Update there is strong recognition by the organisation’s partners, along with donors, of the urgency to source alternative funding.

“Many donors, including philanthropic organisations, corporate partners and international agencies, have shown willingness to support innovative financing mechanisms, including blended finance approaches and nature-based solutions. However, securing long-term and sustainable funding remains a challenge.”

He emphasised the critical role that tourism partners play in this respect.

“The tourism sector is a vital partner in conservation as healthy ecosystems and thriving wildlife underpin the success of nature-based tourism. Tourism entities, public and private, actively contribute towards EWT conservation-related activities across South Africa and help fund critical conservation projects with the EWT,” Chetty said.

Key alternative funding mechanisms explored by the EWT include biodiversity and carbon credits, water funds and wildlife bonds.

Great Plains Conservation CEO Dereck Joubert said, historically, donors stepped up to fill funding shortfalls.

“It will reduce government funding up and down the line but I’ve always seen a dramatic swing to private philanthropy when this happens.”

He voiced deeper concerns linked to a looming US recession.

“I’ve just been from the west to the east coasts of the US and the uncertainty is virtually palpable. Everyone is eyeing a recession, which makes it harder to raise money to fund conservation and that will harm private investment and possibly restrict tourism flows.”

South Luangwa and Gorongosa feel the effects

National parks such as Zambia’s South Luangwa and Mozambique’s Gorongosa have been particularly impacted by the freezes.

In an appeal to donors, Rachel McRobb, CEO of Conservation South Luangwa, said the organisation faces the potential cancellation of two major US government grants that make up approximately 30% of its budget.

“Losing this funding would have a devastating impact across the ecosystem, particularly at a time when we are seeing human-wildlife conflict and demands on wildlife increase across the landscape,” she said.

“While we sincerely hope that our US government funding is reinstated and aligns with US international priorities, we are concerned about keeping our core activities running at a critical time. We are therefore taking proactive steps in these next months to try and raise as many donations as possible of any size so that our vital work is not interrupted.”

In Gorongosa, since 2004, the US Agency for International Development has been a primary funder and implementing partner of various programmes under the park’s successful restoration project. The agency has contributed more than US$50 million towards the reintroduction and protection of key wildlife species and community development projects.

Ashwell Glasson, Registrar: Student Administration and Programme Support for the Southern African Wildlife College, said the funding freeze brought the question of over-reliance on foreign aid firmly into view.

“The Trump reset has reminded us, again, that we have to shift African conservation to more financial self-reliance, greater innovation and new partnerships that promote pragmatic conservation strategies at the coal face.”