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16 Apr 2026
Last call for $100,000 Wilderness Impact Challenge entries
Entries for the 2026 Wilderness Impact Challenge are open for the next 10 days, with the official deadline on 30 April. The challenge invites innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers, system builders, and community leaders worldwide to compete for a $100,000 prize.
Entries for the 2026 Wilderness Impact Challenge officially close on 30 April 2026. Image credit: Wilderness Impact Challenge
It aims to encourage practical, scalable solutions that bolster Africa’s conservation economy and promote sustainable coexistence between people and nature.
Economically meaningful
“What we have found up to now is that conservation progresses further when it is economically meaningful for the people closest to it,” said Vincent Shacks, Wilderness Group’s head of impact.
“This edition highlights practical, empowerment‑driven solutions that help local businesses grow, improve livelihoods, and integrate conservation into local economic systems.
“When communities gain opportunities through conservation, both people and wilderness benefit.
The final selection will be made following a thorough review by Wilderness’ Impact team and an expert judging panel comprised of members of the Wilderness Trust board.
Rooted in Wilderness’ three core Impact pillars – educate, empower and protect – the 2026 edition will focus on the empower pillar, prioritising approaches that address underlying economic barriers to conservation, favouring durable, locally grounded models over short-term interventions.
In this context, the conservation economy is defined as the network of people, enterprises, skills and systems that enable wild places to be protected while supporting secure, dignified livelihoods.
This includes value chains, services, technologies, financial mechanisms and governance structures that connect nature to economic participation and allow communities to benefit directly from conservation-compatible activities.
The challenge
The challenge is open to individuals, teams and organisations worldwide whose solutions address real economic constraints within conservation landscapes.
While proposals must demonstrate relevance to regions where Wilderness operates, initiatives should be designed for local implementation with the potential to scale and adapt across Africa.
“Conservation must evolve in step with the realities on the ground,” added Charles Douglas, chairperson of the Wilderness Trust.
“By championing empowerment and economic participation, this challenge provides a platform for ideas that are not only innovative but implementable and built to last.
“We look forward to seeing the final wave of submissions and the impact they have the potential to unlock.”
Individuals, teams and organisations are encouraged to seize the opportunity to bring forward solutions that can shape a more resilient and inclusive conservation economy across Africa.
For more information and to submit an entry, visit www.wildernesstrust.com/impact-challenge or contact moc.tsurtssenredliw@ofni.