Wildlife conservation, South Africa

Planet

Carbon Reduction

The reserve runs the habitat conservation program that seeks to conserve, protect and restore firstly the unique quartz-soil habitat and to prevent plants unique to this area from extinction, fragmentation or reduction in range. There is a specific focus on the Spekboom habitat, due to its abnormal quality of removing approximately 10 times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than for instance plants in the Amazon forest. The program accommodates both vegans and vegetarians and 80% locally sourced and 20% from outside of town, I would say. Most of the food is seasonal. All food waste is given to the local pig farmers.


Environment & Widlife

The entire lodge runs on a big solar energy system harnessing the hot weather of the Klein Karoo. The primary focus of the reserve is upon maintaining the health of the natural world, habitats and biological diversity. South Africa is home to some incredible wildlife species, and volunteering encourages protecting natural habitats to live a conservation life. The reserve operates with a conservation mindset. Guides are trained to think conservation and to educate all visitors to think conservation as well. The Wildlife Conservation Project includes: Cheetah Conservation, Elephant Conservation, Lion Conservation, and Meerkat Conservation. Also, as a proudly South African foundation, they are committed to contribute towards reconciliation through the trust’s vision of empowerment, development, education and mentor-ship of the beneficiary community. A portion of the funds accumulated by these conservation projects is donated towards entities that support animals to be free-roaming.

People

Local Economy

The Foundation was established to support conservation and community projects in Southern Africa. When you stay at main Game Lodge, a mandatory conservation fee is added that goes directly to the Foundation. The contribution ensures the ongoing support of all the different conservation efforts. The local people and the underprivileged primary farm school benefit when guests stay at the lodge, boosting the local economy. The children in the school come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The mandate of the establishment is to improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person. The Game Lodge has been involved in supporting local education of underprivileged children for many years and is building on this to change lives and empower children.

Employment, Inclusivity & Diversity

95% of staff is locally employed, 89 staff members of which 60 staff members are women. One of the very important functions of the foundation is to help taking care of the farm school. Government funds are limited and the foundation contributes towards teachers salaries, the education material needed as well as the upkeep of the school facilities. We donate what is needed at the school (e.g. stationery, toiletries, cleaning supplies and much more) Future plans involves the building of a jungle gym where they can play. A social worker to assist in the assessment of children and to support teachers and children in general.

The teachers at the school have a very small income. The teachers must drive long distances to get to the school and a large portion of their monthly salary goes towards getting them to school. The foundation support their transport.