Words: Tammy Lambson
Without wilderness there is no rhino, but what is wilderness without the rhino? The two are inextricably linked…
In tribute to Dr Ian Player, 7 brave women are embarking on a 5-day Wilderness Trail in iMfolozi Game Reserve from the 7th – 11th March 2015. The Wilderness Trail provides an opportunity to:
- Raise funds for for Save Our iMfolozi Wilderness!
- Reward three young ladies, delegates from the 2014 World Youth Rhino Summit, for their commitment to being Ambassadors for Wildlife & Conservation
- Share personal stories and video messages from the Walk to inspire others
The Save Our iMfolozi Wilderness (SOiW”) campaign was launched on 1 May 2014. It is a project of the Global Environmental Trust (GET) opposed to Ibutho Coal’s application for an open cast mine that threatens the world famous iMfolozi wilderness area, a sanctuary for the greatest concentration of rhino in the world. The mine also threatens the health of neighbouring rural communities.
The World Youth Rhino Summit 2014
In September last year, 140 youths from around the world gathered to launch the first-ever Youth Movement against Rhino Poaching and Wildlife Crime. The mission was to engage and create youth conservation leaders through education in wildlife conservation and protection strategies. We aimed to empower our delegates to become local, national and international Ambassadors for Wildlife Conservation and influence policy at local, state, national and international levels.
#LetOurVoicesBeHeard
Maintaining the interest of the youth is a priority in 2015! Delegates from the 2014 Summit that show their commitment and passion for rhinos and conservation will be offered once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. This Wilderness Trail is a reward for three young ladies' Post-Summit efforts and a chance for them to spend time in the bush and gain a deeper connection to the wilderness, something we believe is of utmost importance in inspiring the youth to become Ambassadors for the cause.
Project Rhino KZN's 2015 work with the youth has begun, under the banner of #LetOurVoicesBeHeard the aim is to garner messages and encourage action to create and build a Youth Movement against Rhino Poaching and Wildlife Crime. These wonderful women want to inspire a rabid passion for wildlife and conservation in the youth by sharing their personal stories and video messages from the Wilderness Trail.
Gwendolyn Isaacs: Ashton College, Ballito
Jacomé Pretorius: Glenwood House, George
Kelly Dramos: American International School of Mozambique, Maputo
Sheelagh Antrobus: Project Rhino KZN Co-Ordinator
Bronwyn Laing: Rhino Art Co-Ordinator and World Youth Rhino Summit Team
Micah van Schalkwyk: Project Rhino KZN, Rhino Art and World Youth Rhino Summit Team
Penny Parker: Works in the Cape Union Mart Marketing Dept. but is a conservationist at heart and is always willing to assist. Penny is joining the group to assist with photos, videos and writing our story to inspire others
Dr Player made mention during his World Rhino Day speech at the Summit that he's glad things have changed and that women are more involved in conservation. We agree: this is for you 'Madolo'.
More information
For more information, visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/women-in-the-wilderness/x/9136529
