Green Safaris Conservation Foundation
Green Safaris | August 30, 2019
As those in tourism already know, one of the corner stones of tourism is Conservation. With this in mind, Green Safaris’ philosophy has been to develop lodges particularly in areas that really need tourism to assist in their preservation as well as developing and operating our lodges in the most sustainable way.
For that purpose, we have setup the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation, which is dedicated entirely to supporting conservation projects and community development in the areas where we’re active. See our website here
The Ila Community Farm
Green Safaris have set up a community farm that produces a wide variety of vegetables for Ila and the surrounding lodges. Many of the ingredients on your plate are fresh from this project!
The Farm is located at the entrance to the park and the foundation provides the funding, training and management support to a group of 10 ladies that will eventually become self-sustaining.
The Katundu Workshop at Likoma
Most guests at Kaya Mawa have enjoyed a visit to the Katundu workshop, which has provided a sustainable income for the local community, producing stunning art craft from recycled materials only. The chandeliers, made out of recycled wine-bottles from the lodge, are to be found in many hotels and the homes of our guests around the world.
The Likoma Reforestation Project
On Likoma Island in Lake Malawi, the foundation has just started a large-scale reforestation project. With the growing population on the island, in constant need for firewood, Green Safaris has set up a plantation, starting with > 2000 seeds to make a start, combined with a Youth Engagement Program, to improve the awareness of the importance of conservation.
Panthera Zambia
Panthera is devoted exclusively to the conservation of the world’s wild cats. In the Kafue, their team of locally based biologists and law enforcement experts develop innovative strategies to address the dire threats facing cheetah, leopard and lion by working closely with DNPW and local communities and other stakeholders in the park. The foundation is proud to provide both financial and logistical support to the team based up-river from Ila Safari Lodge and have sponsored the deployment of a new radio network in the park to improve communications required for more effective anti-poaching.
Zambian Carnivore Project
ZCP is a Zambian registered non-profit organization dedicated to conserving large carnivores and the ecosystems they reside in through a combination of conservation science, conservation actions and a comprehensive education and capacity building effort. The foundation recently collaborated with ZCP and are funding the construction of their Head Quarters in the Kafue that will be accommodated within the Ila property.
The above are just a few of the examples of the foundation’s conservation and community development related projects currently supported. Next to these, the foundation supports a variety of health and education related initiatives at Likoma Island, Fire-management in Kafue National Park and many other initiatives.
Green Safaris has noticed more and more that guests are keen to actively contribute in or participate in these kinds of projects. Be assured that when you visit a Green Safaris property, we certainly encourage this form of travelling with a purpose and offer a variety of activities to involve you.
