16 Nov 2017

Safari companies and conservation organisations are committed to protecting wildlife in Botswana.

Safari Embassy Travel is such a company that is leading a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of conserving and protecting endangered species in the communities living within areas where there are animals such as rhinos.

Recently, Safari Embassy and other companies embarked on a 19-day walk for rhinos campaign, which will cover the areas from Shakawe to Gudigwa, from Gudigwa to Khwai and end in Maun on November 24.

Speaking at the official launch of the walk for rhinos, Safari Embassy manager, Mr Kane Motswana said the main objective of the campaign was to involve the community in conservation matters by means of sensitising them about the importance of conserving wildlife, with greater emphasis on rhinos.

He also said with the campaign, they wanted to protect rhinos in Botswana by educating communities about the immense value of rhinos and wildlife in general.

“The campaign also seeks to empower the community to act against poaching and other intrusive actions that may bring rhinos to extinction,” he said.

Mr Motswana also said with the walk for rhinos campaign, they were driving towards accomplishing NDP 10 and 11 objectives of conservation and protection of wildlife through public education.

Meanwhile, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) regional coordinator, Mr Timothy Blackbeard emphasised the  importance of educating children at an early age about the importance of conservation and protection of wildlife.

He said it was not easy to stop elderly people who lived with and poached wild animals for many years, hence encouraged conservation organisations and community trusts to go to schools and sensitise children on the topic.

Nonetheless, during the 470-km walk, Safari Embassy as the administering company will be providing accommodation, meals and other services such as emergency air rescue for participants.

The campaign has gained massive support from local safari companies, conservation organisations and community trusts, and these among others are Wilderness Safaris, DWNP, Rhino Conservation Botswana, Helicopter Horizons, Nature Guide Training Botswana, Okavango community trust, Mababe community trust, Sanctuary Retreats, Sankoyo Community Trust and Saguni Lodge. BOPA