Photovoice Project to Highlight Community Connections to Upemba National Park

In November 2025, Upemba National Park carried out a socio-economic evaluation mission using the Photovoice method, enabling local communities and some retired and active rangers to document their relationship with the park through photography and storytelling. The mission forms part of the FairFrontiers research collaboration between Upemba National Park, and the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) at Kyoto University. The project explores how changing forest–agriculture boundaries affect people, ecosystems, and equity.

Three villages bordering the park – Kisandji, Kasungeshi, and Kyalwe – were selected for this pilot phase due to their close interaction with Upemba’s landscapes. Participants from different generations, including community members, active and retired rangers, were trained to use disposable cameras over a three-week period to capture images reflecting daily life, natural resources, and meaningful places.

The photographs and discussions hope to reveal the emotional and cultural ties to the landscape, centered on resources such as water, fish, and forest plants, as well as values of respect, belonging, and responsibility toward nature. This initial phase focused on training and image collection. The next stage will involve producing the photos for discussions to deepen understanding of community perspectives and inform future conservation and development actions.

Participants also reflected on changes in the park over time and their hopes for peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife. Through initiatives like Photovoice, Upemba National Park continues to strengthen community dialogue and promote inclusive, people-centered conservation.

Images: Antonio Longangi, UNP Communication