JRS proudly supported and participated in the 2024 Tusk Conservation Symposium held in Rwanda from March 4-8, 2024.  The Tusk Conservation Symposium is a biennial gathering of African conservation leaders and practitioners, convened by JRS grantee the Tusk Trust.  Tusk invited over 50 partner organizations from 19 African countries to discuss this year’s topic: Evolution and Leadership in African Conservation. 

JRS Executive Director Matthew Cassetta represented JRS at this year’s event– attending workshops, collaborating with other delegates and giving a presentation titled Considerations for the Design of Field Biodiversity Research Programs. Other topics covered at the symposium centered on community engagement to sustain protected areas, leadership transitions and strategic communications for conservation. Three field visits to protected sites in Rwanda examined challenges and solutions on the ground and brought together stakeholders and park employees to share current experiences and successes.

Watch a highlights video of the 2024 Tusk Symposium at this Tusk youtube link.