Resource Africa

Resource Africa is a UK-registered nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting rural African communities in managing their natural resources sustainably. It operates under charity number 1003530.

Background

Resource Africa's roots lie in community-led conservation efforts, notably influenced by the Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) developed in Zimbabwe in the 1980s. This programme pioneered community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), where communities are granted legal rights to use natural resources sustainably.

Mission and Vision

Resource Africa's mission is to empower communities to manage and benefit from their natural resources effectively. Its vision centers on communities exercising their rights to sustainably manage, conserve, and benefit from these resources. The organisation prioritizes human rights, equity, and sustainable resource use as integral to its approach.

Activities

Resource Africa collaborates with national networks of community-based organisations practicing CBNRM. It provides technical support and expertise to these networks, enhancing their capacity to advocate for their rights and achieve sustainable development goals. The organisation is active in several countries in southern Africa, promoting policy reforms that secure local communities' rights to own, control, and benefit from natural resources such as land, wildlife, and water.

Guiding Principles

• Human Rights: Central to their work, recognizing the interdependence of human rights and environmental integrity.
• Sustainable Use: Advocates for communities' right to use wildlife and ecosystems sustainably.
• Equity and Governance: Focuses on land and resource tenure, enhanced livelihoods, gender equality, equity, and empowerment.

Impact

Resource Africa's efforts contribute to positive conservation outcomes by providing incentives for communities living with wildlife, thereby benefiting both people and nature. They support joint advocacy initiatives to ensure community voices are heard on international platforms.

[1] https://www.resourceafrica.net [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1003530&subid=0 [3] https://www.resourceafrica.net/about-resource-africa/ [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1003530/what-who-how-where [5] https://www.globalhand.org/en/search/all/organisation/22492?search=Global+Hand+non-profit+listing