CITES Parties Failed African Lions at CoP17

CITES Parties Failed African Lions at CoP17

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by Fortunate M. Phaka

The more than 180 nations that are party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) must be commended for some tough decisions they have taken in the past. These are decisions that have contributed immensely to protection of endangered wildlife from the illegal wildlife trade market. The decision concerning trade in lions made at the 17th meeting of the conference of the parties (CoP17) goes down in history as another one of those tough decisions. A significant number of conservationists were not satisfied with the outcomes of a proposal to afford African Lions better protection. For the sake of the youth that was not well represented at the conference, parties should have deliberated more wisely. Our future is inexplicably tied to that of African lions which means that our lives and livelihoods were essentially denied better protection from the dangers associated with wildlife trade.Continue reading “CITES Parties Failed African Lions at CoP17”

Press Release: Johannesburg March for Elephants and Rhinos

Press Release: Johannesburg March for Elephants and Rhinos

Press Release
On Heritage Day, Saturday 24th September 2016  the seventeenth meeting of the conference of the parties to CITES (COP17) the world’s largest wildlife conference, opens at the Sandton Convention Centre. 

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Video: Botswana’s Future Conservation Heroes

Video: Botswana’s Future Conservation Heroes

We went to Botswana with the aim of teaching conservation education and what we learned about children from disadvantaged communities was contrary to popular belief. These children were extremely smart, they had passion for wildlife, and also understood conservation issues. We learned that a large part of conservation education was connecting conservation to people’s lives. By making conservation a relatable concept the learners then started to understand its importance and to realize that the ultimate goal of conservation is preservation of our own wellbeing.

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgQ98eGYaqMContinue reading “Video: Botswana’s Future Conservation Heroes”

Botswana’s Future Conservation Heroes

Botswana’s Future Conservation Heroes

by Darian Hall & Fortunate M. Phaka

We had the honour of being hosted by Limpopo-Lipadi nature reserve at their research house for 6 nights during July 2016. The main purpose of our visit was to join the reserve’s conservation education program as educators to 5 learners that were also afforded the privilege of spending 6 nights at the reserve. This opportunity also helped us to obtain video footage that we could use to raise conservation awareness. The lessons prepared by our team went better than expected. The ratio of learners to educators allowed for a more hands-on learning experience. This also helped to form better relationships with learners thus allowing better participation.Continue reading “Botswana’s Future Conservation Heroes”

Recounting My Time Helping as a Community Educator in Botswana

Recounting My Time Helping as a Community Educator in Botswana

Much of the work that goes into conservation awareness has to do with educating the youth of tomorrow.  Doing so allows for those future conservation heroes that we are very much in need of to have a proper base to stand on for their future endeavors.  In the few weeks spent working with Youth 4 African Wildlife (Y4AW) I have taken note of how much emphasis they place on just that.  The education provided is that of much quality and applicability when it comes to the type of lessons being given.Continue reading “Recounting My Time Helping as a Community Educator in Botswana”

A Photographic Look Back at Our 2015 Internship

A Photographic Look Back at Our 2015 Internship

As we prepare to welcome a new batch of interns we take a look at a few of the many highlights of our July 2015 internship.Continue reading “A Photographic Look Back at Our 2015 Internship”

What the world thinks I do. What family thinks I do. What I really do; I’m a conservationist.

What the world thinks I do. What family thinks I do. What I really do; I’m a conservationist.

Written by: Fortunate M. Phaka

What the world thinks I do.
Continue reading “What the world thinks I do. What family thinks I do. What I really do; I’m a conservationist.”

South African Celebrities Join The Fight Against Rhino Poaching

South African Celebrities Join The Fight Against Rhino Poaching

Wild Aid continue their outstanding demand reduction work. This time they team up with a dynamic group of South African celebrities to drive home an important message; “Poaching Steals From Us All”

Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/Ek6Xq-C1JO8Continue reading “South African Celebrities Join The Fight Against Rhino Poaching”