Malilangwe Trust – Zimbabwe

Protecting wildlife and restoring resilient ecosystems at scale

Malilangwe has become one of Zimbabwe’s leading models for long-term biodiversity conservation, protecting more than 120,000 acres of wilderness through science-led wildlife management, ecological restoration, and highly effective protection systems.

Through sustained investment in habitat management, wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching operations, and ecosystem restoration, Malilangwe supports thriving populations of iconic species while safeguarding ecological integrity across the landscape.

A flagship success has been rhino conservation, with a 10-fold increase in rhino populations since 1998, demonstrating how long-term protection and expert management can reverse decline and restore species recovery.

Conservation teams also manage fire, water systems, vegetation health, and biodiversity monitoring to ensure ecosystems remain resilient for future generations.

Key Areas

• Wildlife protection and species recovery
• Rhino conservation leadership
• Habitat restoration and ecosystem resilience
• Ranger-led protection systems
• Junior Ranger Programme
• Long-term biodiversity monitoring

Generating knowledge that informs conservation far beyond Zimbabwe

Malilangwe is a globally important centre for ecological research and long-term environmental monitoring. Over decades, the reserve has collected and safeguarded more than 400,000 environmental records, helping scientists better understand ecosystems, wildlife populations, and conservation effectiveness.

Research conducted within the landscape has contributed to more than 60 peer-reviewed scientific publications, advancing knowledge on species ecology, biodiversity management, ecosystem function, and conservation practice.

By combining long-term data collection with applied field management, Malilangwe ensures science directly informs conservation decisions – while contributing valuable lessons to practitioners and researchers across Africa and globally.

Key Areas

• Long-term ecological monitoring
• Wildlife and ecosystem research
• Scientific data collection and analysis
• Peer-reviewed conservation research
• Evidence-based management

Expanding opportunity through education, learning, and conservation awareness

Malilangwe invests in education as a foundation for long-term community resilience and conservation success. Through school partnerships, conservation education, and digital learning support, thousands of young people gain access to knowledge, skills, and opportunity.

Each year, more than 5,000 students from 11 local primary schools participate in conservation education programmes, strengthening environmental understanding and connections to the surrounding landscape.

In addition, over 1,560 students currently benefit from e-learning programmes and educational resources, helping improve access to quality education and future opportunities in surrounding communities.

By supporting both formal learning and conservation awareness, Malilangwe helps strengthen the next generation of leaders, learners, and environmental stewards.

Key Areas

• Conservation education programmes
• School partnerships and learning support
• E-learning and digital education access
• Youth development and opportunity
• Environmental awareness and stewardship

Improving wellbeing through nutrition, health, and clean water

Malilangwe’s health and wellbeing programmes help strengthen resilience in neighbouring communities through nutrition support, access to clean water, and improved public health outcomes.

Every day, more than 20,000 local children receive nutritious maheu, helping improve nutrition, concentration, and wellbeing. This long-term investment supports healthier childhood development and educational outcomes.

Access to clean water is also a core priority, with more than 32 potable water sources maintained and regularly tested, helping improve community health, reduce water insecurity, and strengthen resilience during periods of drought.

Together, these programs demonstrate how long-term conservation investment can also create lasting benefits for people and communities.

Key Areas

• Child nutrition programmes
• Clean water provision and maintenance
• Community health and wellbeing
• Climate and drought resilience
• Long-term social investment