Conservation efforts are typically driven by passion. Long hours with early mornings and late nights; sleeves rolled up and hands dirty; large distances covered, and funds stretched. This underpins the work that Wildlife ACT does - driven by a team that puts huge effort into their everyday jobs.
This year, 2020 - the year of COVID-19 - sees Wildlife ACT reflecting on a dozen years of conservation impact. This is not a year synonymous with rejoicing, but, considering the immense efforts put in by Wildlife ACT's dedicated team, partners and supporters, to keep crucial conservation work going during this global pandemic, it is a perfect time to look back on those past significant achievements worth celebrating - to inspire all of us as we collectively move into this uncertain future.
Twelve years ago, a chance meeting of three individuals - two conservationists working in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and one working in advertising in Cape Town, resulted in a conversation on the subject of biodiversity conservation efforts and the increased challenges being faced in Africa. These challenges included diminishing conservation budgets, impoverished rural communities side-lined by historic conservation initiatives, increases in poaching and shrinking protected areas. This discussion resulted in the formation of Wildlife ACT.
The reality of the conservation landscape discussed at that stage, shaped the vision of the organisation, knowing that information is crucial to manage wildlife and protected areas effectively, and that collaboration is key to achieve impact and consistency.
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