From 2–6 March 2026, the Tusk Conservation Symposium brought together more than 70 conservation leaders in Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Organized by Painted Dog Conservation and JRS Grantee Tusk, the fifth biennial symposium convened representatives from over 50 Tusk partner organizations to reflect on progress, exchange ideas, and shape the future of conservation across Africa. JRS Program Officer Siro Masinde represented JRS at the symposium this year and shares his reflections from the event.
Held under the theme “Leading Change: The Next Chapter in African Conservation,” the symposium featured a dynamic mix of sessions, workshops, and panel discussions. Key topics included organizational resilience, effective communication, partner experiences, and the growing role of technology and infrastructure in conservation. The event provided a valuable platform for shared learning and collaboration on both persistent challenges and emerging opportunities.
A highlight of the symposium was a series of field visits hosted by Painted Dog Conservation in Hwange National Park and adjoining areas. Participants engaged with on-the-ground initiatives, including the Bush Camp education program, the Painted Dog Rehabilitation Centre, and the Visitor Centre. These visits offered practical insights into how community engagement, education, and science-based conservation come together to deliver tangible impact.
The symposium also created a unique space for networking and strategic engagement within Tusk’s partner ecosystem. Siro Masinde, JRS Program Officer, attended the symposium and connected with a wide range of conservation leaders, including past, current as well as prospective grantees and collaborators. Among them were Mr Nick Bubb (CEO, Tusk Trust), Prof. Edson Gandiwa (DG, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority), Dr. Olivier Nsengimana (Founder & CEO, Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association), Mr Michael Keigwin (CEO, Uganda Conservation Foundation), Ms Rachel Ikemeh (Director, SW/Niger Delta Forest Project, Nigeria), among many others. Importantly, the event facilitated engagement with some of the current beneficiaries of the JRS–Tusk partnership subgrant, namely, Mr Misbahou Mohamed (Co-Director, Dahari, Comoros), Ms Fanny Minesi (General Director, ABC, Friends of Bonobos, DRC), and Mr Douglas Braum (COO, The Pangolin Project, Kenya).
Participation in the symposium delivered several key benefits for JRS. It strengthened relationships with high-level conservation leaders and partners, enhanced JRS visibility within the broader conservation community, and provided valuable insights into emerging priorities and co-funding opportunities. The event also reinforced existing partnerships while opening new avenues for collaboration with prospective grantees.
Equally important were the practical lessons drawn from the field, particularly around resilience, communication strategies, and the integration of technology into conservation practice. These insights will help inform JRS’s programmatic direction and future grant-making.
Overall, the Tusk Conservation Symposium was a highly successful timely and impactful gathering, underscoring the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strong partnerships in advancing biodiversity conservation across Africa.
Read more about the JRS-TUSK Partnership to Support Biodiversity Monitoring Capacity for African Protected Areas and Conservation Leaders here.