Time to rewrite Earth’s story says Endangered Wildlife Trust
“We recognise the importance of this sector to the upliftment of rural communities and to the continued conservation of our most threatened species.”
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) believes the current coronavirus pandemic should be an opportunity to re-write Earth’s story.
In a statement released over the weekend the organisation, formerly based in Modderfontein, said this time should be used to redefine what it means to live in harmony with each other and sustainably with nature going forward.
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The EWT also said it was in full support of the measures taken to curb the rapid spread of Covid-19 by South Africa’s national leadership, despite the significant socio-economic impact of the lockdown on all South Africans.
The organisation has also been affected by the pandemic and the economic crisis that has taken hold and threatens to grow in the coming months.
“We are also determined to be part of developing solutions and to play a big role in rebuilding our economy and reshaping our society,” said Yolan Friedmann, CEO for the EWT.
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Conservation and wildlife protection are deemed essential services under the current lockdown regulations.
“This has allowed the EWT to continue undertaking critical conservation work in the interests of saving some of our most threatened species,” Friedmann said.
Under stringent social distancing and hygienic practices, the EWT have used essential work permits to conduct essential rescue operations.
This included the relocation of an entire pack of 10 wild dogs from the Waterberg area to a new home in the Lapalala Wilderness and the rescue of an injured juvenile black sparrowhawk.
EWT teams also screened cargo at South Africa’s airports for wildlife contraband.
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“The EWT’s continued fight to save our wildlife does not just benefit those species.
“We are working tirelessly to support our rural communities.
“Many of our staff members are contributing, in their personal capacities, to food provision for the most vulnerable, and the spirit of Ubuntu runs deep in our culture,” said Friedmann.
“Africa with her extraordinary wildlife diversity, vast wilderness, open landscapes, spirit of adventure and unique cultural heritage can present endless opportunities for the emergence of a thriving low touch tourism economy.
“Wildlife and ecotourism lends itself better than any other form of tourism to low density, social distancing oriented activities and high value experiences, which are rewarding to both the tourist and the communities and conservation areas they support,” she said.
Friedmann believes that the South African tourism industry could absorb the most unskilled people in South Africa, a large number of entrepreneurs, a high percentage of women and those of a lower mean age, than many other sectors.
“We recognise the importance of this sector to the upliftment of rural communities and to the continued conservation of our most threatened species.
“We know that tourism brings much-needed funding to maintain the integrity of our protected area network and above all, we recognise the simple truth that tourists largely come to Africa to see and experience wildlife,” Friedmann said.
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