A WORD FROM THE CEO

Yolan Friedmann, EWT CEO

yolanf@ewt.org.za There is not much more to say about 2020 that has not already been said. But if you are reading this then you, like us, have a lot to be grateful for despite the hardships of the year. The EWT staff and trustees have banded together in an unprecedented way to ensure that we forge ahead in a time of grave uncertainty and change and that above all else, conservation and wildlife do not suffer. The year forced us to reset our priorities and ensure that we keep our own heads above water whilst supporting the wellbeing of the communities we serve – human and wildlife – and safeguarding the most vulnerable. We have not been unaffected by the turbulence of the year, and yet we have continued to provide essential lifesaving services to thousands of people, and support the conservation of many wildlife species. The pages ahead detail just some of these triumphs and make for uplifting reading at a time when joy and gratitude are so important.

We could not have done this without the support of our followers and your help has helped to save lives. From my desk, I never take for granted how blessed I am to be part of team of people that puts each other, their work, their commitment to conservation and their desire to build a better world first. The sacrifices made by the EWT staff during this time, to keep us all moving forward together, have been extraordinary I am grateful to the EWT team that has become stronger and more united as a result. Protecting tomorrow together has never been more real or more relevant as it was this year, or as we step forward into another year of uncertainty. Thank you to the EWT staff, the Board of Trustees and to all our supporters who kept making conservation happen this year. The reset button on all of our lives has had some positive benefits and, at this time of global gratitude and joy, may these opportunities for change and to count our blessings prevail as we build this tomorrow, together.

Yolan Friedmann