Better World

While the link between COVID-19 and conservation may not be immediately obvious to many, the knock-on effects of the pandemic on Africa’s wild places and the communities that surround them is estimated to be immense. With Africa’s game reserves empty of tourists, where is the funding for their upkeep to come from? Our panel of experts brings their insights, learning and experiences to the table to highlight the economics of conservation and to discuss how best to care for the continent’s biodiversity while balancing the urgent needs of its rural populations. Links: Watch a video of the Live Event here; check for &Beyond’s next live event on a topic relating to sustainability and conservation here; book a virtual discussion on marine conservation and Hope Spots with panel member Tessa Hempson here.

It takes a village to save a rhino and what can’t be achieved by a single organisation becomes possible when working together. This engaging panel discussion happened on World Rhino Day 2020. The future of rhino brought together a seasoned group of conservationists, each of who applied their insight, learnings and scientific approach to the complex issue of the poaching of this iconic species. There is no single strategy to solve the complexities of the long-standing poaching threat, however, when one combines the expertise and passion of a seasoned group of rhino conservationists, a ground shift comes ever closer. Hosted by Andrew Parker with Lee-Anne Yammin, Dr Jacques Flamand, Simon Naylor, Dr Dave Cooper, Dereck & Beverly Joubert, Isaac Tembe, and Elise Serfontein.

Formerly the Programme Manager for the Community Leaders Education Fund run by Wild Impact (previously Africa Foundation), Nonhlanhla is not only responsible for selecting the recipients of these tertiary education bursaries but often becomes a second mother to them. Having fulfilled a vital support role for many young people from rural Africa who are trying to build a brighter future, she shares her inspirational story of triumph over adversity.   

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve Manager Simon Naylor talks about wildlife management techniques and what it means to be responsible for the day to day running of a private game reserve in Africa. Find out why game reserves need to be managed in the modern world and join us for a behind-the-scenes look into the challenges and successes experienced while running a world-class Big Five game reserve.

Links:
Simon is the Reserve Manager at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Watch videos about &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Find out how you can visit and get involved in the conservation work at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve on the Phinda Impact Journey. Read about the conservation team at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and their work in &Beyond’s online Bateleur Magazine. Book a virtual chat with Simon to find out more about rhino conservation at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Charli de Vos speaks about her role an ecological monitor at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, from responsibilities such as compiling cheetah ID kits to the joys of witnessing unexpected species interactions. Find out what it takes to work in conservation and hear how these vital researchers help make a difference to wildlife throughout Africa.

Links:
Charli is an ecological monitor at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Watch videos about &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Find out how you can visit and get involved in the conservation work at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve on the Phinda Impact Journey. Read about the conservation team at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and their work in &Beyond’s online Bateleur Magazine. Book a virtual chat with Charli to find out more about the pangolin conservation project at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Bheki Ntuli, Regional Manager: Maputaland for Wild Impact (previously known as Africa Foundation), speaks about the changes he has seen in the rural communities in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province over the past 15 years. Listen as he recounts how he came to work near &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and how he has helped grow a relationship between the reserve and its neighbours, including a change in attitudes towards conservation. Find out why it is vital for local people to see the benefits that flow from private game reserves and how &Beyond and Wild Impact work within this model.

Links:
For more about Wild Impact. The communities mentioned in the podcast are situated near &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Creating lodges and travel experiences that are as warm, distinctive and unforgettable as they are themselves, the dynamic duo behind Fox Browne Creative share some of the experiences that have shaped their journey in the design word. Find out how their experiences have shaped their outlook and provided inspiration for their award-winning hospitality design around the globe.

Follow Chris and Debra’s journey with &Beyond:

&Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve where Chris and Debra met and started working with &Beyond. They opened &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Debra was in charge of running &Beyond’s Tanzania operation. They worked on &Beyond’s Botswana circuit. Were involved in the design of &Beyond’s India lodges. Visited South America in 2008 on a scouting mission when &Beyond wanted to expand there initially. &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is Chris and Debra’s latest project with &Beyond.

Listen to Simon Saitoti reflect on his rural Maasai childhood and how he persevered to become Masai Mara Project Officer for Wild Impact (then Africa Foundation) in Kenya. He describes how he combines his traditional Maasai life with a modern education and how he remains fully committed to improving the lives of his peers.

Links:

For more about Wild Impact.

The village in this episode is situated close to &Beyond Bateleur Camp and &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp.

Follow in the footsteps of Toby Sinclair’s journey from England to India exploring some of the world’s least accessible destinations. 

Mark Wheeler, &Beyond Regional M.D for Asia, South America & Business Development, shares insider tips about visiting the Galapagos Islands. The islands are truly different from any other place on earth in terms of geography, geology, biological diversity, endemic species, and scientific history. Mark explains how guests could follow in Darwin’s footsteps; whether to take a cruise or stay in a land camp; where to enjoy activities like snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and hiking; the best time of year to visit; and the exceptional wildlife protection offered by the Galapagos National Park.