About Us | The Afro Foundation for Wildlife & Nature Conservation (AFWINC)

About Us

Who We Are

Afro Foundation for Wildlife & Nature Conservation (AFWINC) is a registered non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting Africa's wildlife, conserving biodiversity, restoring natural habitats, and empowering communities to become active stewards of the environment.

Africa is home to some of the world's most iconic wildlife and diverse ecosystems. However, these invaluable natural resources face growing threats from habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, climate change, deforestation, and human-wildlife conflict.

At AFWINC, we believe conservation succeeds when local communities are at the heart of protecting nature. Through education, partnerships, scientific conservation, and sustainable livelihood initiatives, we work to ensure wildlife and people thrive together.

Our commitment is to preserve Africa's natural heritage for future generations while creating lasting environmental and social impact.

Our Mission

Africa's wildlife belongs to all of humanity

To conserve Africa's wildlife and natural ecosystems through community engagement, environmental education, habitat restoration, scientific conservation, and sustainable development initiatives.

Our Vision

A continent where people and wildlife thrive together

A future where Africa's wildlife, forests, rivers, and communities flourish together in harmony, creating a sustainable environment for generations to come.

Our Origin

Founded in the field,
not the boardroom

In 1997, field biologist Dr. Amara Diallo was conducting gorilla surveys in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest when she witnessed a snaring incident that would change her life. The poaching was not driven by greed, but by hunger — a community with no alternative livelihood had turned to bushmeat to survive.

She went back to Kampala, resigned from her research post, and with three colleagues and a borrowed Land Rover, founded the Afro Foundation for Wildlife & Nature Conservation (AFWINC). The idea was simple, if slightly naive at the time: conservation that puts people first, not last.

Today we operate across seven African nations with over 340 staff and 1,200 community rangers. We still get things wrong and have to course-correct — but 27 years in, nobody's walked away.

Join Our Mission

Our Core Values

What we stand for

These aren't framed posters in an office. They're what actually gets argued about when a call is hard to make.

Conservation

Protecting wildlife and preserving biodiversity.

Integrity

Promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conservation practices.

Sustainability

Supporting long-term environmental solutions that benefit both people and nature.

Community

Empowering local communities as partners in conservation.

Education

Inspiring environmental awareness through learning and outreach.

Collaboration

Building partnerships with governments, organizations, researchers, and volunteers worldwide.

What We Do

Conservation in practice

Seven interconnected areas of work, each reinforcing the others.

Wildlife Conservation

We support initiatives that protect endangered species, combat illegal wildlife trade, and preserve critical habitats across Africa.

Habitat Restoration

We restore degraded forests, wetlands, and natural ecosystems through reforestation, sustainable land management, and ecological rehabilitation.

Community Conservation

We collaborate with local communities to develop conservation solutions that improve livelihoods while protecting wildlife and natural resources.

Environmental Education

We educate schools, youth groups, and communities on environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and climate resilience.

Tree Planting

Our reforestation programs aim to restore native forests, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance ecosystem resilience.

Research & Monitoring

We support scientific research, biodiversity surveys, and wildlife monitoring to inform evidence-based conservation strategies.

Climate Action

AFWINC promotes climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives that protect ecosystems and strengthen community resilience.

Our Programs

Where the work happens

Wildlife Protection Program

Supporting anti-poaching awareness, wildlife rescue, and conservation partnerships.

Forest Restoration Initiative

Restoring degraded landscapes through native tree planting and ecosystem rehabilitation.

Youth Environmental Education

Engaging schools and young people in conservation education and leadership development.

Community Sustainability Program

Helping communities adopt sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly livelihoods, and natural resource management.

Biodiversity Conservation

Protecting endangered plants, wildlife, and critical ecosystems through research and community participation.

Our Impact

Every conservation effort contributes to a healthier planet

Our goals include:

Protecting endangered wildlife species

Restoring degraded ecosystems

Planting thousands of indigenous trees

Supporting sustainable community livelihoods

Reducing human-wildlife conflict

Educating future conservation leaders

Promoting environmental awareness across Africa

Why It Matters

Why Conservation Matters

Africa's wildlife and ecosystems are among the world's greatest natural treasures. Conserving them protects biodiversity, supports local livelihoods, secures clean water sources, strengthens climate resilience, and safeguards our shared natural heritage.

When wildlife thrives, communities prosper, and future generations inherit a healthier planet.

Our History

27 years of
growing impact

1997

Foundation Established

Dr. Amara Diallo and three colleagues founded AFWINC in Kampala, Uganda, with an initial focus on mountain gorilla protection in Bwindi.

2001

First Community Ranger Programme

We launched Africa's first formally trained community ranger corps, training 80 rangers from villages bordering Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

2006

Expansion to East Africa

Opened offices in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam; launched rhino protection corridors in Tanzania and Kenya.

2011

Pan-African Partnership

Signed a landmark transboundary conservation agreement across six nations — the first of its kind on the continent.

2018

Wild Dog Recovery Programme

Launched one of Africa's most ambitious African wild dog reintroduction and corridor protection initiatives.

2024

4.2 Million Hectares Protected

Reached our landmark milestone of 4.2 million hectares under active protection across seven countries.

A Foundation Born
from Africa's Wild Places

Who We Are

Africa's wildlife belongs to all of humanity

A continent where people and wildlife thrive together

Founded in the field,
not the boardroom