08 Sep 2019

Mountaineer, Simmon Phuthego plans to raise global awareness about Botswana’s elephant conservation legacy by undertaking his third expedition of climbing Aconcagua located in Argentina. 

Aconcagua is one of the seven summits in the world and the second most prominent mountain in the world. 

It is also the second highest summit after Mount Everest, with a summit elevation of 6 960.8 metres.

The expedition is scheduled to commence on January 29 to February 17, 2020. 

Phuthego, 42, has already summited Mount Kilimanjaro in 2014 and Elbrus in Russia in 2018. His aim is to ultimately climb Mount Everest.

Following the recent furor relating to Botswana’s decision to reintroduce regulated trophy hunting for elephants, Phuthego has decided to raise awareness and seeks financial assistance to undertake the trip and preach that Botswana still loved her elephants, and has robust conservation policies for the protection of the iconic animals. 

He explained that he hoped to draw the attention of the global community that ethical and controlled hunting was only a management tool government was using to prevent deadly contacts between elephants and resident communities. 

Phuthego’s proposal to sponsors reads: “As a mountaineer and sports individual concerned with nature, elephants and human well-being in Botswana, I am aware that the issue has in the recent past become an issue of concern. I am interested in the conservation of elephants and human well-being. 

I promote the co-existence of humans and elephants. As such, my goal in this proposed mountain expedition includes my desire to promote conservation and the co-existence of humans and wildlife. I will also use funds provided to raise awareness in communities and travelling in schools in my district to sensitise school children and community members on the need for co-existence between humans and wildlife.”

He said in the event some funds raised from the proposal were not used in the expedition, he would use them to raise awareness in communities and schools in Ngamiland region to sensitise school children and community members on the need for co-existence between humans and wildlife.

“As a patriotic citizen, this is a way of marketing Botswana in other countries,” he said, adding that his story could inspire any Motswana to also do the same. 

Phuthego said the adventure was not for the faint-hearted as it required someone to be physically and mentally fit. 

 

He said as part of his preparations, he was training, running and doing various excursions that challenged physically and mentally.Phuthego has also taken part in different marathons in Zimbabwe and Swakopmund in Namibia. ENDS