As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club, a gathering of minds and hearts took place on April 17th. The event, dedicated to wildlife conservation and community development, featured the esteemed Dr. Laly Lichtenfeld, a visionary in the field of conservation.
Dr. Lichtenfeld, co-founder of African People & Wildlife, has spent over two decades in Tanzania, fostering a world where communities and wildlife not only coexist but flourish together. Her approach is holistic, integrating the needs of wildlife with the aspirations of local communities.
The evening began with Dr. Lichtenfeld sharing captivating stories from the African savannah — tales of majestic lions, elusive leopards, and communities working hand-in-hand to protect these creatures. She emphasized the importance of empowering rural communities as environmental stewards, highlighting successful initiatives that have turned former poachers into protectors.
One of the key messages from Dr. Lichtenfeld’s talk was the concept of “win-win” solutions. These are strategies that benefit both the wildlife and the people who live alongside them. By using innovative techniques like building living walls to prevent human-wildlife conflict, African People & Wildlife has created a model for conservation that others can follow.
The audience was particularly moved by Dr. Lichtenfeld’s passion for elevating rural women as leaders in conservation. She shared the inspiring program of women who participate in the Mama Asali Enterprise Center assisting women with honey production, an effective path to both increase cash income and protect wild habitat. With the right support and resources, have become powerful agents of change in their communities.
As the event concluded, the attendees were left with a sense of hope and a call to action. Dr. Lichtenfeld’s insights provided a clear path forward for conservation efforts — one that involves collaboration, respect for local knowledge, and a deep commitment to the natural world.
The Naples Sailing & Yacht Club, with its commitment to community engagement, proved to be the perfect backdrop for an event of this magnitude. It was a night that will undoubtedly ripple through the waters of change, inspiring all who attended to play a part in the conservation of our planet’s precious wildlife.
Conclusion
Dr. Lichtenfeld’s work reminds us that the future of wildlife conservation is intertwined with the well-being of local communities. Her message is clear: when we work together, we can create a sustainable future where both wildlife and people thrive.
Resources
For more on Dr. Lichtenfeld’s work and African People & Wildlife, visit their website.
To learn about upcoming events at the Naples Sailing & Yacht Club, check out their calendar.
Event Photos
OUR TEAM

Andrew “Andy”
D. W. Hill, CFA
President and
Co-Founder

Jennifer R.
Figurelli, CTFA
Managing Director
and Co-Founder

Elicha D.
Moore
Client Concierge
Representative

Sean
O'Brien
Associate
Portfolio Manager