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Edwin Tambara
Director of External Affairs at African Wildlife Foundation
Edwin Tambara is a conservation practitioner and leader with over 15 years of experience in African wildlife and environmental conservation.13 He currently serves as the Director of Global Leadership at the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)5, having previously held the position of Director of External Affairs.5
Tambara's journey in conservation began in his childhood in Zimbabwe, where he witnessed the transformation of his village's natural environment due to urbanization.1 This experience sparked his passion for nature conservation and shaped his career path.
Key aspects of Edwin Tambara's background and work include:
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Education: He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in ecology and conservation from the University of Zimbabwe.1 Tambara also pursued a Conservation MBA with the African Leadership University in Rwanda.1
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Early research: Known as the "Butterfly Man" in the mid-Zambezi Valley, Tambara focused on using butterfly species as indicators of ecological disturbance.1 He also worked on amphibian conservation in Zimbabwe's Eastern Highlands.1
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Career at AWF: Tambara joined AWF in 2013, participating in their Conservation & Leadership Management Program.1 He has since held various roles, including Conservation Planner, Manager for Strategy and Impact, and Director of External Affairs.5
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Policy influence: In his current role, Tambara works to influence U.S. policy outcomes that benefit biodiversity conservation in Africa.1 He engages with legislators, development leaders, and conservation partners to elevate the African conservation agenda in international discussions.1
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Awards: Tambara recently accepted the 2024 FT Africa Sustainable Future Award on behalf of AWF, recognizing their work in promoting biodiversity economies.2
Tambara is passionate about empowering African youth in conservation and promoting innovative approaches to balance economic development with environmental protection.14



