The evolution of conservation education and its role in saving apes in Africa.

The current paradigm of conservation initiatives promotes activities that benefit conservation of wildlife while at the same time improving the welfare of humans living near wildlife habitats. This dual focus of conservation has resulted in an increase in activities that engage local communities. The past decade has seen a shift in how conservation practitioners define the role of conservation education. While once limited to a focus on increasing knowledge and influencing attitudes and behavior of local communities, today the term is used to encompass a range of activities from traditional education to training local people in alternative livelihoods that can positively impact conservation outcomes. This change in the use of the term, as well as the increased awareness of the need to involve local communities in all aspects of conservation activities, has resulted in complex programs that cross many disciplines. This special edition provides examples of current practices at conservation sites focused on apes in Africa.