The Wilderness Project’s groundbreaking expeditions are unlocking scientific knowledge about Africa’s major river basins, mapping vast stretches previously undocumented and advocating for their protection amid growing development pressures.
- Expeditions have mapped more than 30,000 km of rivers across four major basins.
- The Angolan Highlands revealed as a vital water source feeding multiple river systems.
- Science and storytelling unite to drive conservation policies across Africa.
What happened
Since 2022, The Wilderness Project has embarked on extensive scientific expeditions through Africa’s largest river basins: the Okavango, Zambezi, Nile, and Congo. Led by founder Steve Boyes, these journeys have charted more than 30,000 kilometers of river, much of it previously unmapped by scientific teams. Utilizing traditional dugout canoes, specially crafted watercraft, and on-foot surveys, the project is covering remote and challenging terrain that holds critical freshwater resources.
One remarkable discovery is the identification of the Angolan Highlands as the primary source plateau for the Zambezi River and other rivers in the region. This highland plateau receives intense seasonal rainfall and acts as a giant natural reservoir, including vast peatlands that release water gradually through dry periods. By increasing baseline scientific data and geographical understanding, the expeditions provide a crucial foundation for long-term environmental protection.
Why it feels good
The project combines scientific rigor with storytelling by a new generation of African narrators to raise public and political awareness. This approach aims to empower policymakers with solid evidence to safeguard vital watersheds and ecosystems. Recognition efforts include presenting findings at global forums like the 2025 Ramsar Convention to secure international conservation designations that can influence future land-use decisions.
Despite ongoing challenges, such as regional disputes over hydropower projects like Ethiopia’s Grand Renaissance Dam on the Nile and stalled developments on the Congo River, the project inspires hope. It highlights the power of collaborative science and cultural advocacy to balance development needs with ecological preservation, ultimately contributing to the wellbeing of nearly half a billion people dependent on these waters.
What to enjoy or watch next
Follow upcoming expeditions planned to reach 25 per year in the near future, continuing to map and monitor African watersheds with increasing detail and precision. These efforts will deepen understanding of one of the world’s most important freshwater landscapes and potentially uncover new critical habitats and water sources to protect.
Keep an eye on developments from international conservation bodies regarding formal protections for the Angolan Highlands and other key ecological zones within these basins. Additionally, watch for diplomatic progress around transboundary river management agreements, especially concerning the Nile Basin’s complex geopolitical tensions, which could reshape regional water use and conservation strategies.