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David Banks is a veteran of both The Nature Conservancy and Africa. David has been with the Conservancy for nearly 20 years and has led conservation efforts in many places, including directing our Alaska chapter.
David and his wife volunteered for the Peace Corps in Ghana and have now returned with their family to Africa. From the Conservancy's home base in Arusha, Tanzania, David ventures out to the field frequently, meeting with like-minded conservation partners, government officials, and the people who live where we work.
He shares his experiences and views on the future of conservation in Africa here.
Swema Kabliya walks to get water in the village of Nkonkwa, on Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. The Nature Conservancy is launching a large-scale effort in the Greater Mahale Ecosystem with Pathfinder International and the Frankfurt Zoological Society to address chimpanzee habitat protection, fisheries management, freshwater protection and community development, including reproductive health. © Ami Vitale
On the first leg of a two-week project tour, David travels to the Mahale Mountains and visits villagers along Lake Tanganyika. Read post
The second leg of David's two-week journey takes him to Zambia's Kafue National Park and to visits with tribal elders. Read post
Member of a local Maasai community in the Laikipia district, where The Nature Conservancy works with local partners to conserve the Northern Kenya Rangelands for wildlife and people. © Henner Frankenfeld/Redux Pictures
Kenya’s first new national park in 25 years will provide long-term benefits to wildlife and people. Read post
Stark contrasts between Tanzania and Ethiopia convince David that conservation must connect with people. Read more
David reflects on the first gathering of elders from Tanzania's Hadza people and their imperiled lands and culture. Explore
Michael Ntosho from the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with ivory confiscated from poachers in Kenya. © Henner Frankenfeld/Redux Pictures
David visits China to learn more about its operations in Africa and discovers a land oozing with contrasts. Explore
An african Elephant (Loxodonta africana) drinks from a well at the Sarara Camp and Namunyak Conservancy on the Northern Rangelands of Kenya. Photo © Suzi Eszterhas
To better understand elephant movements, David Banks joins Iain Douglas-Hamilton of Save the Elephants to collar an elephant at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Explore
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