The 8th CBNRM (Community-Based Natural Resource Management) Conference was a landmark event designed to deepen the conversation around sustainable development, particularly focusing on the role of communities in managing and conserving natural resources. Held under the theme of “Empowering Communities, Sustaining Ecosystems,” the conference attracted a diverse group of participants, including government officials, researchers, development partners, NGOs, private sector representatives, and community leaders.

Key topics addressed included the integration of traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices, enhancing community livelihoods through eco-tourism and sustainable harvesting, and adapting to climate change impacts on natural resource management. The conference also provided a platform for showcasing success stories of community-managed projects that have achieved tangible benefits, such as increased biodiversity, improved ecosystem health, and strengthened local economies.

Workshops and panel discussions facilitated knowledge sharing and skill-building, while field visits allowed participants to witness real-world applications of CBNRM principles. The event concluded with actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing policy support, funding mechanisms, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of community-driven conservation efforts. The 8th CBNRM Conference underscored the importance of community ownership in achieving environmental sustainability and equitable resource distribution.