While managing camps in the northern Okavango Delta, Britt and Cardo worked closely with members of the Okavango Community Trust, which was comprised of 5 village areas; Seronga, Gunotsoga, Beetsha, Eretsha, and Gudigwa. These villages, with a combined population of 2,500, was one of the poorest areas of Ngamiland West. The purpose of the OCT was to manage the land that was in their control. They currently oversee two wildlife concessions comprising of roughly 180,00 acres (NG22 & NG23). As camp managers, Britt and Cardo saw first hand the importance of community based conservation. The safari camps could hire only people from the local communities and in return the locals would receive extensive training in the field of tourism, including guide, chef and management training. It is truly a win / win situation. Although, Geographic Group enjoys planning unique African adventures, the basis of what we do leads to giving back through community efforts and wildlife conservation, which go hand and hand.
Below are some organizations that Geographic Group recommends…
|
The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is the leading international conservation organization focused solely on Africa. We believe that protecting Africa’s wildlife and wild landscapes is the key to the future prosperity of Africa and its people – and for over forty-five years we have made it our work to help ensure that Africa’s wild resources endure. |
|
For some 20 years, the Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust has supported a wide variety of wildlife management, research and education projects in southern Africa. These projects address the needs of existing wildlife populations, seek solutions to save endangered species and provide education and training for local people and their communities. |
|
Children in the Wilderness is dedicated to helping children whose childhoods have been interrupted and disrupted by life threatening conditions such as illness, poverty and the HIV/Aids epidemic. Using environmental education, therapeutic recreation and good old-fashioned fun, Children in the Wilderness exposes children to new opportunities, increases their self-esteem, builds and strengthens their capabilities to cope with life's challenges and educates them with the life skills necessary to actualize their greatest potential. The Children in the Wilderness programme hosts children, aged between 8 and 17 years, in groups of up to 30 at a time, for periods of up to a week, at no cost to the school or children. The well structured curriculum is offered in a safe wilderness environment where nature becomes the teacher and the healer, aided by experienced and well-trained counselors. The outcome of the programme is a win-win for all. The children are inspired to strive to achieve their utmost potential; their enthusiasm and new ideas are shared with their families and communities - and more local people are involved in the conservation of critically threatened environments.
|
|
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy works as a catalyst for the conservation of wildlife and its habitat. It does this through the protection and management of species, the initiation and support of community conservation and development programs, and the education of neighboring areas in the value of wildlife. |
|
(RED) is an ingenious idea that unites our incredible collective power as consumers with our innate urge to help others. (RED) is where virtue meets desire. Each time you buy a (RED) product or service, at no extra cost to you, the company who makes that product will give up to 50% of its profit to buy and distribute antiretroviral medicine to our brothers and sisters dying of AIDS in Africa. Every dollar goes straight to Africa. Straight to the people who need it. Straight to keeping them alive so that they can go on taking care of their families and contribute socially and economically to their communities. The most sought-after brands in the world have become (RED) partners. American Express, Apple, Converse, Dell, Emporio Armani, Gap, Hallmark, Microsoft, and more recognize that (RED) is a business model that is right for their brands, their consumers and the world. (RED) is an answer to an emergency. An answer that is working. Over 2.5 million people have been impacted in just 2 years. Buy (RED), save lives. It is as simple as that. (RED) Desire and Virtue. Together at last. |
|
B&H Photo Video has created a wonderful initiative which helps fund the Wilderness Trust. Any orders that Wilderness Safaris guests place with B&H via the link on the Wilderness Safaris website (above) will be recorded and B&H will donate an amount on their behalf to the Wilderness Trust. In return, these guests will receive free shipping to anywhere in the continental US. |
