While it faces significant criticism for its management of national parks in Africa, the organization African Parks is striving to defend its record. Founded in the 2000s by a Dutch businessman in collaboration with former leaders of South African national parks, this entity currently manages 18 parks across 13 African countries.

The criticism directed at African Parks primarily focuses on two points: land occupation methods and governance. Indeed, the organization has signed long-term management contracts with the relevant states, allowing for a significant concentration of its activities in certain protected areas.

According to RFI, these contracts have raised concerns among local communities and human rights organizations. The accusations involve potential violations of the rights of indigenous populations, who are often sidelined in favor of environmental conservation.

According to a statement from African Parks, despite these controversies, the organization claims to have succeeded in improving biodiversity in several parks it manages. For example, Liuwa Plain National Park in Zambia reportedly saw a significant increase in its wildebeest population due to targeted conservation efforts.

Furthermore, African Parks emphasizes that its management model includes the establishment of economic programs for local communities. These initiatives aim to create a balance between conservation and sustainable development. However, these claims are often contested by experts who point to a lack of transparency in the implementation of these projects.

Despite these tensions, African Parks continues to draw attention to its crucial role in protecting threatened ecosystems. As noted in a report by Al Jazeera, the organization has also received significant funding for its projects, which could play a decisive role in its ability to respond to criticism.