*A version of this article originally appeared in the August 2021 Bush Telegraph newsletter. You can read our recent newsletters and sign-up to receive these in your inbox on our Bush Telegraph newsletter page.
In a remarkable philanthropic gesture, the Wyss Foundation, founded by Swiss medical innovator and billionaire Hansjörg Wyss, has committed US$108 million to securing and expanding protected areas in Africa. Gifted to the NGO African Parks as part of the billion-dollar Wyss Campaign for Nature, this endowment is one of the largest ever single gifts to a conservation initiative in Africa. The Wyss Campaign for Nature is certainly big and bold: their initiative aims to conserve 30 per cent of the planet by 2030.
To put the scale of this donation in perspective, over the next five years the money will support up to half of the annual budgets of nine parks in Angola, Benin, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe, as well as subsidising the creation of five new parks, yet to be identified, and up to two-thirds of their budgets, estimated at US$1.5–US$4 million per year for each park. It is a phenomenal investment in the long-term sustainability of the continent’s indigenous communities and environment.
While donating a cool million or two may be out of the question for most of us – however much we love Africa and its wildlife – African Parks is currently running their annual Prints for Wildlife fundraiser, which is considerably more affordable. Until 11 August 2021, some of the world’s most respected and talented wildlife photographers have come together to sell limited edition wildlife prints for US$100 each in support of this excellent conservation NGO. With some beautiful work on sale and all the proceeds being donated to this cause, it’s well worth checking to see if your favourite animal is featured.
If you’ve been inspired and want to find out more, give us a call or enquire now to speak to an expert.
