Libyan Wildlife Trust: A Journey Through 8 Years of Inspiring Initiatives in Libya
Founded on November 9, 2011, by a group of nature enthusiasts and wildlife defenders, the Libyan Wildlife Trust (LWT) has established itself as a cornerstone of conservation efforts in Libya. Despite an unstable national context, the organization has grown and reinvented itself through a vision centered on collaboration, biodiversity protection, and support for local communities.
History of Resilience and Growth
What sets LWT apart is its unique journey as the only civil society organization (CSO) to have benefited from the three phases of the Small-Scale Initiatives Program for Civil Society Organizations in North Africa (PPI-OSCAN). This continuous participation has allowed the organization to grow not only in administrative, technical, and leadership capacities but also in visibility. Today, LWT is a reference point for Libyan government agencies, making significant contributions to the registration and management of protected areas such as Misallatah Natural Reserve.
Supporting Future Generations
In a challenging political context, LWT has laid the groundwork for unique collaboration by mentoring a young CSO in southern Libya, the Al-Khayl Association one of the PPI OSCAN beneficiaires as well. This innovative partnership includes the transfer of technical, administrative, and strategic skills—an unprecedented achievement in the country. This approach highlights the importance of continuity and knowledge sharing to sustain conservation initiatives.
A Model for Conservation
Anas Al Gaidi Chairman of the Board of directors at LWT, emphasizes that “continuity, leadership, and supporting future generations are key to maintaining the success of NGOs and building strong collaborations in Libya and beyond.” Through its pioneering role in ecological restoration and community engagement, LWT has become a vital actor in Libya and beyond, contributing to environmental policies and advocacy through different platforms such as the Multi Environmental agreements (MEAs).
National and Regional Contributions
LWT’s commitment to ecological restoration has been exemplified through projects such as the rehabilitation of the Nasser Forest. Suffering from issues like excessive water salinity, the forest’s biodiversity had deteriorated over the years. With support from PPI-OSCAN, LWT restored the water infrastructure and rehabilitated the forest ecosystem, making this project a key contribution to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Vision for the Future
LWT is focusing on developing its 2025-2030 strategy. This ambitious vision includes ongoing protected area management, environmental education for youth, and strengthening national and regional partnerships.
The Libyan Wildlife Trust exemplifies how an NGO can turn obstacles into opportunities and inspire conservation efforts even in difficult circumstances. Their message is clear: “Libya is an open protected area for everyone. We invite all to discover the natural richness of our country.”
LTW is supported by the Small Initiatives Program for North African CSOs (PPI OSCAN), coordinated by IUCN-Med in Libya and co-funded by the Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM), the MAVA Foundation and the Sigrid Rausing Trust Foundation.
