As we close another remarkable year, we reflect on the milestones, challenges, and stories that have shaped our journey in 2024. This year has been a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring commitment to safeguarding our planet’s most precious landscapes.
We’re taking a moment to celebrate the people, projects, and progress that have defined the past year - and looking ahead to the exciting opportunities and challenges of 2025. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission.
We are honored to welcome Curtis Osceola, Chief of Staff for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, to our Board of Directors. A tireless advocate for Everglades restoration and Tribal sovereignty, Curtis has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that safeguard Indigenous lands, integrate cultural heritage with modern conservation, and strengthen community well-being. With expertise in legal strategy, policy, and cross-sector collaboration, Curtis’s leadership will be invaluable in guiding our mission to empower Indigenous communities and drive sustainable conservation efforts in Florida and beyond.
We are proud to share that Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, CEO and Secretary General of Aaranyak, our partner in Northeast India, has been nominated for the 2025 Indianapolis Prize, the "Nobel Prize of Animal Conservation." This honor recognizes his decades of dedication to protecting endangered species and critical habitats. Bibhab's visionary leadership continues to inspire global conservation efforts, and we celebrate this well-deserved recognition of his incredible work.
On the 3rd December 2024, 1,274 rangers - the largest cohort ever - graduated from the Kenya Wildlife Service’s Law Enforcement Academy at Manyani, marking a pivotal moment for conservation in Kenya. With President William Ruto and other dignitaries in attendance, this milestone highlights the vital role of rangers in safeguarding Kenya’s natural heritage. WildLandscapes International was proud to participate, with Director David Houghton donating a drone to support conservation efforts. Discover how these dedicated individuals and collaborative initiatives are shaping a sustainable future for Kenya's wildlife and habitats.
Our team at WildLandscapes is growing! We’re excited to welcome new talent in program strategy, communication, and conservation, strengthening our ability to protect and restore wild landscapes. With expertise spanning international development, storytelling, and on-the-ground conservation, these additions enhance our capacity to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful impact worldwide.
In September, WildLandscapes facilitated an inspiring advocacy visit to Washington, D.C., for senior leaders of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), led by Director General Dr. Erustus Kanga. The delegation showcased KWS’s bold conservation priorities—like black rhino recovery and community-led wildlife protection - to U.S. policymakers, including Senators Chris Coons and Elizabeth Warren, and key organizations such as USAID and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This visit sparked valuable partnerships, highlighted KWS’s transformative vision, and laid the groundwork for future collaboration. The trip concluded with a visit to Yellowstone National Park, providing inspiration for managing large-scale protected areas.
Harney County is set to enhance its conservation efforts with an $18.4 million grant awarded to the High Desert Partnership (HDP) from the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This funding will support collaborative projects focused on tackling water scarcity, wildfire risk, and drought, bolstering the resilience of the county’s agricultural landscapes and unique wildlife habitats. With nearly 20 years of experience, HDP and its partners will implement initiatives like water conservation, wetland restoration, invasive species control, and conservation easements to support local ecosystems and communities.
WildLandscapes International is honored to receive the NLC Catalyst Fund award for our Green Heart of the Everglades project, in partnership with the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes of Florida. This initiative secures mineral rights across 447,417 acres in Big Cypress National Preserve and Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, protecting a critical part of the Everglades and addressing historical injustices. With this funding, we’ll build a co-management framework to support Indigenous stewardship and strengthen ecological resilience in the Everglades for both nature and local communities.
We are thrilled to welcome Ian Craig as our Senior Africa Director at WildLandscapes. With over 40 years of experience, Ian is renowned for founding the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Northern Rangelands Trust, pioneering community-led conservation in Kenya. His leadership and expertise will guide our efforts to expand sustainable conservation models and protect biodiversity across Africa.
Explore our 2023 Annual Report for an inside look at the progress we’ve made in conservation over the past year. We’re proud to share how our efforts have protected critical habitats, supported endangered species, and strengthened local communities around the world. Dive in to see how we’re driving meaningful change and what’s next on the horizon.
