Female explorers fight for Africa’s ‘gentle giants’
The intrepid group of explorers is set to embark on a 10 000-kilometre journey across 10 African countries in aid of endangered elephants.
A GROUP of intrepid explorers is set to embark on a 10 000-kilometre journey across 10 African countries in aid of endangered elephants. Last week, local conservationist, Carla Geyser, who will be leading the pack, officially launched the first-ever all-female expedition.
The project, which was envisioned in February last year, aims to facilitate conservation by highlighting the unsung heroes as well as their efforts to the world.
“We are hoping to get to the bottom of these conservationists’ passion, which is why the project is called Elephant Ignite Expedition. It is not just about what they do, but why they do it. Our aim is to uncover the personal stories of the silent heroes operating behind the scenes,” said one of the expedition members, Yolande Kruger.
“There are many big organisations leading the conservation efforts, but there are also many little guys doing amazing work on the ground who don’t get recognition. By sharing their stories, we are hoping to facilitate fundraising so that they can continue with their work,” said Geyser.
What’s more, she said, the expedition would be ‘underpinned’ by youth education, community upliftment as well as public awareness regarding the dire plight of the African elephants.
With the illegal wildlife trade worth an estimated $19-billion per year, an average of one elephant is killed every 15 minutes, she said.
“The harsh reality is that there are only half a million elephants left in Africa. We have reached a tipping point where more elephants are being killed than are being born,” she said. “Africa’s elephants are in trouble. We cannot stand back and do nothing,” added Geyser.
Fittingly, the women will embark on their three-month journey to preserve Africa’s threatened ‘gentle giants’ on Woman’s Day, 9 August. Follow their journey via www.facebook.com/ElephantIgnite.
Each crew member has opted to pay for their own travels, which means all the donated or sponsored money will go towards the chosen conservation project or organisation.
