The EWT prides itself on instilling hope, and sharing a vision of what our future can be. We do not like to instil a sense of fear, loss or hopelessness when we talk about our natural world. Instead, we prefer to show, with evidence, the difference we can all make when we work together. You’ve seen firsthand how our work, and with your support, has turned South Africa into the only country in Africa with an increasing population of Cheetah. How Wild Dogs now flourish in Malawi and Mozambique where they had previously gone extinct. How lost species like the Amatola Toad and de Winton’s Golden Mole have been rediscovered and can now be protected. How rivers can flow when invasive plants are removed and how communities can use this water for their livelihoods, their crops and their general wellbeing.
The Endangered Wildlife Trust was well-represented at the inaugural Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba, themed: “Collective Action for Thriving Nature and People” in Gauteng from 25 to 27 March 2024. As the EWT’s CEO, I was invited to participate in a panel discussion under the theme of leveraging biodiversity-based features to scale inclusive ecotourism industry growth in seascapes and in sustainable conservation landuse.
With funding from Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium, International Crane Foundation/Endangered Wildlife Trust sourced and distributed 80 energy saving stoves for women from 40 households. Each household received two stoves.
In December 2023, I fetched an injured White-backed Vulture from Kimberley Veterinary Clinic. The bird was found somewhere in town and had a broken leg. The bird was in an excellent condition and was eating well. Its leg was pinned by Dr Burger. From the start this vulture was very feisty so we decided to call her “Kwaaitjie” (bad girl).
The EWT Vulture Safe Zone project objectives include reducing and ultimately eliminating the threats to vultures within project areas. Among many other dangers is lead poisoning; a serious threat to vulture populations and other species across the globe.
