A2A Safaris - Sustainable Conservationhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservationenUsing Technology in the Fight Against Illegal Huntinghttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/using-technology-the-fight-against-illegal-hunting<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Maintaining the integrity of our reserves and the fragile ecosystems that exist within them is the primary concern for Singita’s conservation teams; a dedicated workforce tasked with preserving the vulnerable wildlife and natural habitats under our care. A critical part of their role is managing anti-poaching operations in an effort to stem the tide of...</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/anti-poaching" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Anti-Poaching</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Grumeti</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singitas-conservation-efforts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita's conservation efforts</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-tourism" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Tourism</a></div></div>Tue, 02 May 2017 07:35:04 +0000Anonymous2508 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/using-technology-the-fight-against-illegal-hunting#commentsThe Biological Benefits of Droughthttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-biological-benefits-drought<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>A severe lack of water can have a devastating effect on the ecosystem and agriculture of a region and cause great harm to the local economy. Drought is something that affects large parts of Africa on a regular (and increasing) basis, but Ian Mey, Field Guide at <a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-sabi-sand/" target="_blank">Singita Sabi Sand</a>, explains that this environmental phenomenon can have an upside:</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-15944 size-full" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_2.jpg" alt="The Biological Benefits of Drought" width="770" height="386" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_2.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_2-300x150.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_2-768x386.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>Drought is so often perceived as a negative thing, especially when in an environment like most of Africa where water is already such a scarce commodity. With the prevailing weather patterns pointing to the start of another dry spell for the area around Kruger National Park, it has opened up a fascinating topic of debate amongst many guests and staff members alike.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-15948 size-full" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_6.jpg" alt="The Biological Benefits of Drought" width="770" height="512" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_6.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_6-300x199.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_6-768x511.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_6-320x213.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>Whether you pay attention to the global warming issue and how our emissions worldwide might be contributing to drier, warmer conditions, or not, we can all agree that there will always be times of plenty and times of hardship. It’s nature’s way of giving and taking, providing spells of good rains and good growth to help animals of all varieties build up and strengthen their populations and then conversely times of drought where only the strongest of bloodlines are allowed to survive.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-15947 size-full" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_5.jpg" alt="The Biological Benefits of Drought" width="770" height="513" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_5.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_5-300x200.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_5-768x512.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_5-320x213.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>This period of hardship is particularly important for the environment as a time of “cleansing,” where the bush can help itself to get rid of weaker genes. Diminishing food sources, scarcity of water and proliferation of disease all take their toll on the biotic elements in the area. Some recent guests asked me: “Are stronger genes really that important?”. It’s a question to which I can unequivocally answer; “Yes!” Stronger genes mean healthier animals that are more resistant to drought and disease, animals that can give their offspring the greatest chance of survival not only from the elements but from predation as well. This thinning out of populations also helps the land to recover, by lessening the load on grazers and browsers.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-15946 size-full" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_4.jpg" alt="The Biological Benefits of Drought" width="770" height="432" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_4.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_4-300x168.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_4-768x431.jpg 768w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_4-548x308.jpg 548w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p>It is always important to remember that the struggles of life in the wild places of the earth are not always easy to watch but it is a system that has functioned for millions of years, more perfectly then anything man could come up with. Life will invariably find a way.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter wp-image-15945 size-full" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_3.jpg" alt="Singita Sabi Sand, South Africa" width="770" height="427" srcset="http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_3.jpg 770w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_3-300x166.jpg 300w, http://469uj5355hpj1cwksq2n1n1a.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/drought_3-768x426.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></p>
<p><em><a href="http://singita.com/region/singita-sabi-sand/" target="_blank">Singita Sabi Sand</a> employs a dedicated team focused on protecting and conserving the bio-diversity of the incredible land under its care. The team is tasked with ensuring that the land, complete with its diverse flora and fauna, remains, as closely as possible, in the untouched state in which the Bailes family found it some 85 years ago. You can visit <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/singita-sabi-sands-environmental-management/" target="_blank">the Conservation section of our website</a> to learn more. </em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/environment/the-biological-benefits-of-drought/">The Biological Benefits of Drought</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/environment" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Environment</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sabi-sand" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sabi Sand</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</a></div></div>Tue, 10 May 2016 08:00:14 +0000Anonymous1956 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/the-biological-benefits-drought#commentsGet to Know Us: Singita Environmental Education Centrehttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/get-to-know-us-singita-environmental-education-centre<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Singita’s commitment to conservation, development and community outreach come together in perfect harmony in the establishment of the Environmental Educational Centre (EEC) in Tanzania. The Centre serves to engage and educate the community’s next generation of leaders on the importance of a balanced, sustainable ecosystem. The EEC conducts approximately 25 week-long courses per year which are attended by 300 youth from the 26 secondary schools in the districts which border <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">Singita Grumeti</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13736" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_6.jpg" alt="Singita Grumeti Environmental Education Centre, Tanzania" /></a></p>
<p>In order to ensure the long term sustainability of the ecosystem and the rich biodiversity within it, it is essential that the local communities be empowered, informed and engaged with conservation. Laurian Lamatus is the principal of the EEC and has been supervising the programme there since 2009. We asked him a few questions about his role, the work done by the Centre, and the importance of conservation in the region:</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13735" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_5.jpg" alt="Singita Grumeti Environmental Education Centre, Tanzania" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What does an average day at the EEC look like for you: </strong><br />
The first thing I do in the morning is inspect the kitchens to make sure that breakfast is ready for the learners. Classes then commence at 8.00am and run until 5.00pm, after which time we keep the kids active with outdoor play for a couple of hours. After a short break we meet for dinner, which is usually followed by a conservation film before bed time around 9pm. Each day I will also have a slot for doing managerial work for the centre.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13731" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_1.jpg" alt="Singita Grumeti Environmental Education Centre, Tanzania" /></a></p>
<p><strong>How did you become aware of the importance of environmental awareness?</strong><br />
I was a shepherd as a young boy, taking care of our goats and sheep, and had a great passion for birds and insects. I frequently stayed with my Grandma during my youth and she taught me about various herbal plants; a set of knowledge that I am proud to use to this day. In primary school I joined <a href="https://www.rootsandshoots.org/" target="_blank">Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots environmental club</a> where I became a leader and this sparked a greater interest in environmental conservation.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_7.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13737" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_7.jpg" alt="Singita Grumeti Environmental Education Centre, Tanzania" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What’s your favourite thing about engaging kids with nature? </strong><br />
I love to see how my students react to what they hear and see while out on game drive or exploring nature. I also enjoy the community visits where we teach local youths about what environmentally conscious hospitality means for them and their families, and the important link between tourism, conservation and community prosperity.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13732" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_2.jpg" alt="Singita Grumeti Environmental Education Centre, Tanzania" /></a></p>
<p><strong>What does the environmental education course entail?</strong><br />
The goal for this course is to impart both theoretical and practical skills amongst youths in secondary schools and their teachers on the sustainable use of natural resources. The centre does this by encouraging a passion for the environment and creating an understanding of the ecosystem and our role in it. Knowledge shared includes soil and vegetation usage and management; water conservation; as well as the protection of local wildlife including birds, animals and insects. Leadership skills are also taught as part of a broader strategy to influence the mindset of the youths through KAP; knowledge, attitude and practice.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_8.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13738" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_8.jpg" alt="Singita Grumeti Environmental Education Centre, Tanzania" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Based on the skills and knowledge they’re gaining, what <em>real</em> impact do you think your students are having in their communities? </strong><br />
First of all the programme is creating future leaders with the experience and ability to correctly manage the use of natural resources. Secondly, the students’ families benefit from the ripple effect of their knowledge through activities like the planting of trees and vegetable gardens in nearby villages. Finally, and as a result of this ripple effect, the local community becomes more aware of the importance of conservation, ensuring that the message is spread far and wide.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13733" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_3.jpg" alt="Singita Grumeti Environmental Education Centre, Tanzania" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Which of the projects that you have undertaken with the students do you think have been most successful?</strong><br />
Apart from the “green programmes” (like the tree planting mentioned above), we’ve also had wonderful success with building awareness through an art competition. Students were encouraged to design something for use in a calendar which was then printed and used to create awareness for other youths and their communities. The annual ‘Malihai’ (youth conservation clubs) conference which commemorates <a href="http://www.unep.org/wed/" target="_blank">World Environment Day</a> brings young people together to learn from one another and from our speakers, who are environmental experts and professionals. They benefit greatly from these presentations as it helps to keep them up to date with global projects and movements affecting conservation and tourism.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13734" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/eec_4.jpg" alt="Singita Grumeti Environmental Education Centre, Tanzania" /></a></p>
<p><em><strong>WANT TO HELP?</strong><br />
You can become a valued funding partner of the Singita Grumeti Environmental Education Centre by sponsoring a five-day course, attended by 12 learners and two teachers. Funds received enable the Centre to implement an increasing number of courses and so maximise the impact of the programme on the preservation of the reserves and of the community lands.</em></p>
<p><em>If you are interested in making a contribution to this or any of the other programmes listed <a href="http://singita.com/community/" target="_blank">here</a> please contact Pam Richardson, Singita’s Group HR and Community Development Manager at <a href="mailto:pam.r@singita.com" target="_blank">pam.r@singita.com</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/15150-2/">Get to Know Us: Singita Environmental Education Centre</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/environment" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Environment</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/people-singita" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">People of Singita</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Grumeti</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</a></div></div>Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:58:39 +0000Anonymous1643 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/get-to-know-us-singita-environmental-education-centre#commentsConservation Highlights: Singita’s Purpose in Actionhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/conservation-highlights-singita%E2%80%99s-purpose-action<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>Caring for hundreds of thousands of acres of vast wilderness is Singita’s core vision; a commitment to preserve and protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations. The 12 lodges and camps in South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe support this vision by funding ongoing conservation projects and community development initiatives, and are a stunning example of sustainable tourism in action.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cons_highlights_3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13750" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cons_highlights_3.jpg" alt="Singita Lebombo Lodge, South Africa" /></a></p>
<p>Singita’s <a title="Conservation at our Core" href="http://singita.com/blog/conservation-at-our-core/" target="_blank">Conservation Committee</a> convenes regularly in order to share best practice between properties, as well as knowledge and experience between members. The committee’s annual conservation report highlights the work of the hands-on conservation teams at each property, who put Singita’s principles into practice. Here is a summary:</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/option_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13786" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/option_1.jpg" alt="option_1" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Conserving biological assets</strong><br />
The levies paid to the Sabi Sand Wildtuin and Kruger National Park for Singita’s concessions in those regions help to fund their important conservation efforts, such as game censuses, fence maintenance, anti-poaching and snare patrols. The same is true in Tanzania, where <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">Singita Grumeti</a> pays concessions fees and works alongside government authorities to implement wildlife management policies and practices. Singita also manages <a href="http://singita.com/pamushana-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a> on behalf of the non-profit Malilangwe Trust, with all proceeds from the lodge benefitting numerous conservation and community outreach and development programmes. Each property employs an environmental team to, amongst other projects, maintain the road network, combat erosion, remove alien vegetation and perform controlled burns.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cons_highlights_4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13751" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cons_highlights_4.jpg" alt="Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Tanzania" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Anti-poaching and security</strong><br />
The alarming increase in rhino poaching throughout Southern Africa is of critical concern to the conservation teams who work with dedicated units at each property, including <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/singita-sabi-sands-environmental-management/" target="_blank">highly trained tracker dogs</a> who perform an invaluable function apprehending and deterring poachers. The anti-poaching team at <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Singita Kruger National Park</a> is further assisted by South African National Parks, South African National Defence Force and the South African Police Service; a co-ordinated effort that aims to secure the safety and preservation of the species in the reserve.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/option_7.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13792" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/option_7.jpg" alt="option_7" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Wildlife monitoring and research</strong><br />
Restoring and conserving the biodiversity of each reserve through wildlife management is one of Singita’s most important roles as custodian of these wilderness areas. Ongoing scientific research helps to determine how each ecosystem works and results in activities that ensure natural functioning of the key ecological processes. This is achieved by recording daily wildlife sightings, especially of key species, like leopards at <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-sabi-sand/" target="_blank">Singita Sabi Sand</a>. In fact, the daily sightings data and records have been kept since the inception of <a href="http://singita.com/ebony-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Ebony Lodge</a> more than 20 years ago, making it one of the most comprehensive continual studies on wildlife to date.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cons_highlights_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13749" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cons_highlights_2.jpg" alt="cons_highlights_2" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Reintroduction and restocking of locally extinct or vulnerable fauna</strong><br />
Helping to increase numbers of dwindling wildlife is another important function of Singita’s conservation teams. At Singita Serengeti (Tanzania) and Singita Pamushana (Zimbabwe), the focus is on rhinos, and a 15-year-old project in the latter region has achieved substantial increases in population numbers of both black and white rhino, to the extent rhino are being relocated to restock other conservation areas. At Singita Serengeti, a reintroduction project is underway for the East African sub-species of black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli).</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cons_highlights_7.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13754" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cons_highlights_7.jpg" alt="Singita Malilangwe, Zimbabwe" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Caring for the land</strong><br />
The process of environmental care is incredibly complex and includes maintaining the integrity of the reserve’s plant-life and wildlife, fire management, the prevention of erosion, water management, the building of roads, and ensuring minimal impact caused by the presence of the lodges. Alien plants are eradicated, infected flora is controlled and roads are realigned to reduce impact and avoid effects such as erosion.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/option_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13787" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/option_2.jpg" alt="option_2" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Environmentally conscious hospitality</strong><br />
All Singita properties support low-impact ecotourism with a policy of having ‘fewer beds in larger areas,’ and <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/singita-kruger-ntl-park-partnership-with-knp/" target="_blank">‘touching the earth lightly’</a>; a concept that plays a major role in the way our lodges operate. <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">Singita Grumeti</a> partners with Bioregional, an award-winning social enterprise which champions a better, more sustainable way to live with the <a title="Conservation at our Core" href="http://singita.com/blog/conservation-at-our-core/" target="_blank">One Planet Living programme</a>. The installation of a <a title="Shining a Light on Solar Power" href="http://singita.com/blog/shining-a-light-on-solar-power/" target="_blank">new solar power plant</a> at <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Singita Kruger National Park</a> has been a major milestone in Singita’s sustainability journey, as well as the excellent progress being made to reduce the volume of single-use plastic bottled water.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cons_highlights_8.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13755" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cons_highlights_8.jpg" alt="cons_highlights_8" /></a></p>
<p><em>Conservation lives hand-in-hand with ecotourism and community development at Singita. We believe it’s the responsible way to maintain and extend the sustainability of our wildlife reserves. You can find out more about Singita’s vision <a href="http://singita.com/about/" target="_blank">on our website</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com/conservation-highlights-singitas-purpose-in-action/">Conservation Highlights: Singita’s Purpose in Action</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife Conservation</a></div></div>Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:35:32 +0000Anonymous1615 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/conservation-highlights-singita%E2%80%99s-purpose-action#commentsGrassland Giantshttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/grassland-giants<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p><em><a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">Singita Grumeti</a>, situated adjacent to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, is an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. Singita manages the concession on behalf of the non-profit Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund, and is responsible for the long-term sustainability of the reserve. Elephants, the gentle giants of the grasslands, form an essential part of this ecosystem. Here field guide Ross Couper tells us more:</em></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13581" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_4.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Topographically, the Grumeti region comprises flat undulating grassy plains interrupted by scattered rocky areas, known as <em>kopjies</em>. Apart from the millions of blue wildebeest and several thousand zebra that move across the Serengeti grasslands every year, there are also several species that do not migrate.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13579" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_2.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Elephants dwarf the other species in the region and, given the rich biodiversity in the Grumeti area, do not compete for food with the grazing herds. These lumbering giants are often described as highly emotional and demonstrate a significant level of intelligence. One such example is the way in which they have been known to treat elephant carcasses, showing an interest in retrieving the tusks and bones. This behaviour has been noted as a way of grieving a companion when they have passed on. This emotional connection is also apparent in the way in which elephants show concern for their family members, in particular the young calves within the herds.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13578" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13580" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_3.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>As a keystone species in the Serengeti – animals whose behaviour allows for other species to thrive and contributes to the biodiversity of an area – elephants help to naturally conserve their own habitat. They stop the progression of grassland into forest or woodland, thereby providing plenty of feed for the migrating mammals. By uprooting woody plants that spout among the grasses (which form the beginnings of a forest), elephants help to manage the life-giving plains, including the throngs of antelope, wildebeest and zebra, and the predators who feed on them. Without the work of these animals, the habitat would change or disappear, completely disrupting the migration and the ecosystem at large. It’s just one of the reasons why looking after Singita Grumeti’s elephant population, and those of all the other species that live there, is a critical part of the conservation process.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13582" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_5.jpg" /></a></p>
<div id="attachment_13583" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_6.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-13583" alt="Elephants in the Serengeti - Singita Grumeti" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/elephants_6.jpg" width="630" height="420" /></a><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">A close-up look at elephant hide</p>
</div>
<p><em>Spanning over 350,000 acres of untouched wilderness, Singita Grumeti is home to <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">five of Singita’s 12 lodges and camps</a>, including <a href="http://singita.com/explore-mobile-tented-camp/" target="_blank">Singita Explore</a>, a private-use mobile camp that offers guest an intimate and authentic connection with the landscape and its wildlife.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/grassland-giants/">Grassland Giants</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lodges-and-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lodges and Camps</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Grumeti</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/elephants" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">elephants</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/ross-couper" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Ross Couper</a></div></div>Fri, 20 Nov 2015 13:52:34 +0000Anonymous1577 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/grassland-giants#commentsSustainability is Thriving at Singita Grumetihttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/sustainability-thriving-singita-grumeti<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>One of the most successful ongoing community development projects at <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">Singita Grumeti</a> is the Grumeti Horticultural and Marketing Co-op Society (GHOMACOS), supplying the lodge kitchens with a constant flow of high-quality, freshly harvested, locally grown vegetables, herbs and fruits. Lodge guests are often surprised at the freshness and diversity of the juices, salads, vegetables, desserts and sorbets on the menus at Singita Grumeti, given the remote location of <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">the five lodges and camps</a>. Many guests are also appreciative of the fact that the food they’re enjoying is locally grown, benefits small-scale producers, and hasn’t clocked up unnecessary transport miles.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHOMACOS_14.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13502" alt="Grumeti Horticultural and Marketing Co-op Society" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHOMACOS_14.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13480" alt="Grumeti Horticultural and Marketing Co-op Society" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHOMACOS_6.jpg" /></p>
<p>Launched in January 2010 with a handful of vegetable farmers and an annual turnover of around $74,000, GHOMACOS’s membership has grown to 53 small agricultural businesses active in eight local villages in the local communities. Business has grown dramatically since then, with last year’s turnover totalling more than a quarter of a million dollars; income that flows directly into local households.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHOMACOS_9.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13501" alt="Grumeti Horticultural and Marketing Co-op Society" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHOMACOS_9.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>GHOMACOS’s members are predominantly fruit and vegetable farmers, but also include pig, cattle and poultry farmers, egg producers, and bee-keepers. There is a dedicated GHOMACOS market place in the village closest to <a href="http://singita.com/sasakwa-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Sasakwa Lodge</a>, where members can display and sell their wares during the week. Here, drivers from each kitchen arrive to collect orders, and often the chefs themselves pay a visit to peruse the produce, checking quality and offering constructive feedback to the farmers.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13479" alt="Grumeti Horticultural and Marketing Co-op Society" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHOMACOS_5.jpg" /></p>
<p>Not only does this type of successful small-scale farming keep the lodge kitchens amply supplied, it has stimulated the local economy, provided self-sustaining jobs and, from a conservation perspective, reduced the community’s reliance on bush meat and illegal hunting by providing alternative sources of food for families. For many of these rural communities, the gradual shift from subsistence farming to practising farming as a business has been life changing.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13494" alt="Grumeti Horticultural and Marketing Co-op Society" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHOMACOS_7.jpg" /></p>
<p>Singita Grumeti provides support and training to all members in areas such as farming techniques, sourcing the best seeds and understanding the importance of quality, packaging, and timely deliveries. Training extends to administrative, financial and marketing skills, and Singita Grumeti also funds an annual financial audit.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHOMACOS_51.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13503" alt="Grumeti Horticultural and Marketing Co-op Society" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHOMACOS_51.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Singita’s vision has always been to protect and preserve conservation areas in iconic wildlife destinations through the interrelation of ecotourism, community development and conservation. GHOMACOS is a great example of a sustainably run project in partnership with a local community. Members of GHOMACOS are experiencing tangible benefits from living in close proximity to the reserve, as Singita Grumeti pays premium prices for their goods. In turn, this encourages the local community to support the protection of wildlife, habitat and natural resources in one of Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHOMACOS_4.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13478" alt="Grumeti Horticultural and Marketing Co-op Society" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/GHOMACOS_4.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><em>Singita Grumeti’s other community development projects in the region include the <a href="http://singita.com/blog/environmental-education-at-singita-grumeti/" target="_blank">Environmental Education Centre;</a> a scholarship fund for local schoolchildren; and improved access to fresh water. You can read all about these projects <a href="http://singita.com/community/singita-grumet/" target="_blank">here</a>.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/sustainability-is-thriving-at-singita-grumeti/">Sustainability is Thriving at Singita Grumeti</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/cuisine" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Cuisine</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Grumeti</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/grumeti" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Grumeti</a></div></div>Thu, 12 Nov 2015 12:56:28 +0000Anonymous1570 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/sustainability-thriving-singita-grumeti#commentsConservation for Kids: Education Through Explorationhttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/conservation-kids-education-through-exploration<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>As part of its ongoing commitment to the surrounding communities, <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-malilangwe/">Singita Pamushana</a> (Zimbabwe) partners with the Malilangwe Trust which runs regular courses in conservation education for pupils at local schools. The four-day courses are held at nearby Hakamela Camp for students in Grade 6 and 7 who come from eleven local schools.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cons_edu_9.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13110" alt="Conservation education at Singita Pamushana" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cons_edu_9.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The courses are designed to teach students the value of conserving the environment and the wildlife for both their own future and that of their communities. The courses consist of classroom lessons at Hakamela, game drives in the reserve, and visits to the Malilangwe Dam to learn about aquatic conservation.</p>
<p>“Young people are the future,” says Tendai Nhunzwi, Director of Malilangwe’s Neighbour Outreach Program. “If we involve them in conservation at a tender age, it will help make wildlife and the environment sustainable. When they have been on these courses, the children become ambassadors to the local communities and we have seen some very positive results.”</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cons_edu_5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13100" alt="Conservation education at Singita Pamushana" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cons_edu_5.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>“Parents tell us that the children chide them when they are doing things wrong, whether it’s causing erosion through over-ploughing or cutting down trees. Poaching has also been reduced and the local communities have begun to report suspected poachers. The plays that the children create and then act out at the end of the course often show the dangers of poaching and why it so destructive.”</p>
<p>Shepherd Mawire, Projects Co-ordinator for the Malilangwe Trust and the man who designs and runs the Conservation Education programme, agrees. “The results are very positive,” say Shepherd. “When they come on the course, many of the children have never even used cutlery before so they have to learn quickly.”</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cons_edu_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13097" alt="Conservation education at Singita Pamushana" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cons_edu_2.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>“We teach them about all aspects of the environment from explaining how wildlife is identified and categorised, the diets of the animals, to how all the creatures in the ecosystem depend on one another and what happens if the cycle of nature is disturbed.”</p>
<p>“The children understand how looking after the wildlife and the environment can benefit them in the long-term,” concludes Shepherd. “Singita Pamushana is a source of jobs for them and their families and the benefits are long-term. Even telling the children that they will not be able to go on the course if they have a bad attendance record has improved the present registers at the schools.”</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cons_edu_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-13096" alt="Conservation education at Singita Pamushana" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/cons_edu_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>“And when we ask them at the end of each course what they would like to do when they grow up, it’s amazing to see how much their horizons have expanded from just a few days before. At the beginning most want to be teachers, nurses or to join the police which are the jobs they see around them every day. But by the end of the course, they realise that there are other options open to them and they want to be guides, game scouts or part of the research team. Their mind-set has already changed and they want to be part of a good thing that’s happening.”</p>
<p><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/141042461" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" title="Conservation Education at Singita Pamushana" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p><em>Richard and Sarah Madden are freelance travel writers and filmmakers who were based in the <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-malilangwe/" target="_blank">Malilangwe Reserve</a> at Singita Pamushana Lodge in Zimbabwe. Their series of short films from the region is entitled “<a href="http://singita.com/blog/tag/bush-tales/" target="_blank">Bush Tales</a>” and explores Singita’s community development, ecotourism and conservation work in Southern Africa. </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/kids-exploring-nature/">Conservation for Kids: Education Through Exploration</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/did-you-know" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Did You Know?</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/malilangwe-wildlife-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-pamushana-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div></div>Mon, 05 Oct 2015 14:34:30 +0000Anonymous1519 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/conservation-kids-education-through-exploration#commentsConservation at our Corehttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/conservation-our-core<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>For most safari travellers, the first image that’ll spring to mind when they think of Singita is a luxury lodge parachuted effortlessly into the wilderness. It could also be the smiling face of the guide that took them deep into the bushveld, and returned them safely home that night. Perhaps it’s the crackling fire and star-spangled sky during a memorable boma dinner.</p>
<div id="attachment_12839" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/cons_comm_3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-12839" alt="Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Tanzania" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/cons_comm_3.jpg" width="630" height="420" /></a><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Tanzania</p>
</div>
<p>For Dave Wright, it’s more likely to be the image of water running freely across the cracked red earth as long-dry streams burst back to life, or elephants trundling through bushveld where wire fences once penned them in. “For many years the perception has been that we are a hospitality company,” says Wright, Environmental Manager at <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-sabi-sand/" target="_blank">Singita Sabi Sand</a>. “In fact we’re all about conservation.”</p>
<p>Unlike most safari operators, Singita is unique in taking full responsibility for the conservation of the land it operates on, ensuring eco-tourism and eco-systems work hand-in-hand. “Many companies contribute financially to conservation through lease and concession fees, but they don’t actively conserve the land,” explains Singita’s Chief Operating Officer Mark Witney. “Except for the <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-kruger-national-park/" target="_blank">Singita Kruger National Park</a> concession, we do all the conservation work ourselves. Particularly in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, where specialists within the committee are responsible for the conservation of those areas.”</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Zim_Pamushana-Elephant-88.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12978" alt="Zim_Pamushana - Elephant (88)" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Zim_Pamushana-Elephant-88.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Underpinning and guiding the group’s work is the unique Conservation Committee, what Witney calls “Singita’s conservation brains trust”. The highly trained Environmental Managers – three of whom hold PhD qualifications in ecology – from each of Singita’s properties form the backbone of the group, bringing decades of scientific and conservation experience to the table. Witney and an outside ecologist provide further input and expertise and the Committee meets regularly through the year, travelling to <a href="http://singita.com/lodges/" target="_blank">one of the Singita properties</a> to share research and conservation lessons.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-malilangwe/" target="_blank">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</a> in south-eastern Zimbabwe, home to <a href="http://singita.com/pamushana-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a>, is a perfect example. This 50 000-hectare wilderness, previously an old cattle ranch, has been rehabilitated and transformed into “a successful conservation project that has been given back to wildlife,” says Witney. Before the establishment of the Reserve only a handful of common antelope were found on the land. Today, game is abundant across the property with healthy populations of endangered rhinoceros, as well as the rare sable which were successfully reintroduced to the region.</p>
<p>Likewise in Tanzania, the 150 000 hectares of land under Singita’s custodianship were once poorly managed and over-utilised hunting concessions.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SKNP-26.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12980" alt="SKNP-26" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SKNP-26.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Another significant success story is the dropping of fences between the privately-owned Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and the state-owned Kruger National Park in the mid-1990s. Within days the reserve changed from a fenced-off island of bushveld, to part of a wider ecosystem. “For the elephants it was like opening the gates of an ice-cream factory,” chuckles Wright. “Previously bush encroachment was a big issue and we had to introduce elephant. When the fence came down that changed completely, particularly in the winter when elephants follow the conduits of green vegetation along the Sand River. Now we have well over 1000 elephant on the property.”</p>
<p>While managing and restoring the land is key, ensuring the lodges touch the earth lightly is equally important. At each property the Environmental Manager ensures that the footprint of the lodge is kept to a minimum, with everything from waste disposal to power generation constantly assessed for ways to reduce any adverse impact on the environment. “Here at <a href="http://singita.com/boulders-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Boulders Lodge</a> we’ve moved all of our electrical power lines underground, and we’ve also improved the sourcing of water by tapping into underground aquifers adjacent to the river, so there’s a reliable water supply,” explains Wright.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cons_collage_4_new.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12959" alt="Conservation at Singita" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/cons_collage_4_new.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>While guests may leave with a lifetime of wilderness memories, the luxury lodges and superlative game viewing is really just the tip of Singita’s conservation iceberg. And if you find yourself at Singita Boulders Lodge in the Sabi Sand; don’t forget to ask Dave about that fence…</p>
<p><em>You can find out more about Singita’s ongoing nature and wildlife conservation projects <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/" target="_blank">on our website</a>. These include a <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/singita-pamushana-biodiversity-protection-development/" target="_blank">rhino reintroduction programme</a> in Zimbabwe, <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/singita-kruger-ntl-park-partnership-with-knp/" target="_blank">support for wildlife research</a> in the Kruger National Park and a successful <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/singita-grumeti-anti-poaching-team/" target="_blank">anti-poaching unit</a> in the Serengeti. </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/conservation-at-our-core/">Conservation at our Core</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/environment" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Environment</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singitas-conservation-efforts" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita's conservation efforts</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife Conservation</a></div></div>Thu, 17 Sep 2015 14:18:56 +0000Anonymous1499 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/conservation-our-core#commentsA Wildlife Showcasehttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-wildlife-showcase<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>There was a time when the earth was lush with unspoilt wilderness teeming with game; today, places like this are the exception rather than the rule. As trusted guardian of over half a million acres of untouched African bush, Singita is proud to play a role in the conservation, preservation and protection of such vulnerable land. </p>
<p><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/127724225" width="630" height="354" frameborder="0" title="A wildlife showcase" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p>
<p>Our concessions, reserves, and properties represent some of the most pristine wilderness areas on the continent and we are dedicated to maintaining these incredible pieces of earth for future generations. In this short film, we celebrate Africa’s abundance and diversity of wildlife, and the fragile ecosystems of which they are a part.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/wildlife_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12640" alt="Singita" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/wildlife_2.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><em>Read more about <a href="http://singita.com/about/history/" target="_blank">Singita’s rich history</a>, as well as <a href="http://singita.com/about/history/" target="_blank">what the future holds</a> for this devoted pioneer of ecotourism. You can also follow the <a href="http://singita.com/blog/category/conservation/" target="_blank">Conservation category</a> on our blog for the latest news from our hands-on <a href="http://singita.com/conservation/" target="_blank">environmental sustainability teams</a>. </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/a-wildlife-showcase/">A Wildlife Showcase</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/wildlife" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Wildlife</a></div></div>Fri, 24 Jul 2015 14:57:44 +0000Anonymous1449 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/a-wildlife-showcase#commentsRhino Relocation at Singita Pamushanahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/rhino-relocation-singita-pamushana<div class="body text-field" property="content:encoded"><p>In an age where the destruction of pristine wilderness continues to accelerate, Singita is making a profound difference in many parts of Africa. Orchestrating an interdependent relationship between communities, wildlife and tourism that ensures true sustainability, Singita is blazing a trail which is seldom achieved on this scale anywhere else on the continent.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rhino_relo_3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12378" alt="Black rhino - Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rhino_relo_3.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>One recent example of this ongoing effort took place last week, when eight, critically endangered black rhinos were safely relocated by the Malilangwe Trust, Singita’s conservation partner in Zimbabwe. The black rhinos were sent from the <a href="http://singita.com/regions/singita-malilangwe/" target="_blank">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</a> to the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana to help rebuild the local population and battle the devastating effects of poaching.</p>
<div id="attachment_12379" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rhino_relo_4.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-12379" alt="Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rhino_relo_4.jpg" width="630" height="420" /></a><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</p>
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<p>The rhinos were bred from a group that was released onto the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve as part of a range expansion programme in 1998. After originally being relocated from South Africa, their numbers had grown rapidly in the Reserve, which is also the home of <a href="http://singita.com/pamushana-lodge/" target="_blank">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a>. A decision was made to relocate a small group of animals in order to reduce competition for space and food, while helping to establish a new population north of the border.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rhino_relo_2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12377" alt="Black rhino - Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rhino_relo_2.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>Following a call from the Zimbabwean government to donate 10 black rhinos to Moremi in late 2014, ecologists determined that the habitat in Botswana was both suitable and adequately protected. So on June 14 this year, the rhinos were successfully moved to their new home with the assistance of the Botswana Defense Force.</p>
<div id="attachment_12380" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 640px"><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rhino_relo_5.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-12380" alt="Singita Pamushana Lodge, Zimbabwe" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rhino_relo_5.jpg" width="630" height="420" /></a><br /><p class="wp-caption-text">Singita Pamushana Lodge, Zimbabwe</p>
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<p>Singita’s 100-year purpose – to protect and preserve large tracts of wilderness for future generations – is supported by the Trust, whose central aim is to promote the conservation of rare species, including black rhino, and to add value to its neighbouring communities. The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, home to an unrivaled gathering of birds with more than 400 species, including many raptors, remains virtually untouched by humankind. Through eco-tourism, Singita Pamushana Lodge helps in fostering the sustainability of the wildlife and broader ecology, while enabling guests to share the magic of the lodge and the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve.</p>
<p><a href="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rhino_relo_1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-12376" alt="Black rhino - Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve" src="http://singita.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/rhino_relo_1.jpg" /></a></p>
<p><em>Focused on eco-conscious hospitality, sustainable conservation and evolving local communities, Singita’s vision is to share a unique part of the world while respecting the natural environment and challenging today’s notion of luxury. Find out more about this commitment to responsible tourism on <a href="http://singita.com/about/" target="_blank">our website</a> or visit the <a href="http://singita.com/blog/category/conservation/" target="_blank">Conservation category on our blog</a>. </em></p>
<p>The post <a href="http://singita.com/blog/rhino-relocation-at-singita-pamushana/">Rhino Relocation at Singita Pamushana</a> appeared first on <a href="http://singita.com">Singita</a>.</p>
</div><div class="field-tags field-items"><div class="field-label">Tags: </div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/lodges-and-camps" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Lodges and Camps</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/malilangwe-wildlife-reserve" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/singita-pamushana-lodge" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Singita Pamushana Lodge</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/sustainable-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Sustainable Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/black-rhino" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">black rhino</a></div><div class="field-item even " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Conservation</a></div><div class="field-item odd " rel="dc:subject"><a href="/africa/blog/tags/zimbabwe-wildlife-conservation" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Zimbabwe wildlife conservation</a></div></div>Fri, 03 Jul 2015 07:00:17 +0000Anonymous1423 at https://www.a2asafaris.com/africahttps://www.a2asafaris.com/africa/blog/rhino-relocation-singita-pamushana#comments