ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) operates as a registered Non-profit, Non-governmental, and Public Benefit Organization. Since its inception in 1973, the EWT has emerged as a prominent, widely recognized, and trusted player in the field of conservation. The organization is firmly committed to the preservation of threatened species and ecosystems in southern Africa, with the ultimate aim of benefiting all stakeholders. To fulfill this mission, the EWT emphasizes three core strategic imperatives: Saving Species, Conserving Habitats, and Benefiting People.

The EWT's dedicated team is dispersed across southern and East Africa. They collaborate closely with businesses, communities, and government entities, establishing themselves as leaders in various aspects of conservation, including research, community-based conservation efforts, livelihood support initiatives, and comprehensive training programs. The organization is known for its innovative approach and expertise in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, monitoring endangered species, and safeguarding secure environments for both wildlife and local communities.

With the support of our clients through booking safaris with us, Conservation Safari Company has donated $1000.00 to EWT in support of their work, please read more below.

The EWT focuses on three core strategies; saving threatened species, protecting fragile habitats, and benefitting the people in and around these species and habitats.

Species Conservation: The EWT focuses on the conservation of specific endangered or threatened species, implementing strategies to protect and recover their populations. Key species are cranes, birds of prey, vultures, carnivores and amphibians. This may involve habitat restoration, breeding programs, and anti-poaching efforts.
Habitat Conservation: Protecting natural habitats is crucial for the survival of many species. The EWT works to secure and restore critical ecosystems, ensuring they remain intact for the benefit of wildlife.
Wildlife Trade: Illegal wildlife trade and unregulated legal trade are significant threats to wildlife locally and globally. Southern Africa is targeted for illegal wildlife trade because of its wide range of plants and animals.
Wildlife and Transport: Wildlife-vehicle collisions seriously impact wildlife populations and are dangerous to vehicle occupants. The Endangered Wildlife Trust is the only African organisation with a dedicated programme focused on transport and wildlife interactions. The programme works across South Africa and collaborates on projects with colleagues worldwide.
Habitat Conservation programs, focus on semi-desert Drylands; EWT is conserving the habitats of the Karoo by working with landowners to champion the conservation and improved management of this spectacular landscape and driving innovative research to better understand the unique species in the Karoo. The Soutpansberg Mountains in the Limpopo Province are South Africa’s most northern mountain range, full of mystery and magic, with thousands of species found nowhere else on Earth. However, the mountains currently receive little formal conservation support and are severely threatened by overexploitation of natural resources, invasive alien plant species, and habitat destruction through developments.
Biodiversity and Business;The National Biodiversity and Business Network (NBBN) recognises the importance of biodiversity to business and builds corporate capacity to mainstream biodiversity into business operations by measuring biodiversity footprint, proactively mitigating their impacts, and conserving South Africa’s natural resources.
People in Conservation: People need nature to survive – it provides important resources we depend on. We must live in harmony with nature to thrive in healthy ecosystems that will support us and future generations, our wildlife, and maintain our rich natural and cultural heritage. Our People in Conservation Unit is dedicated to achieving this vision

How They Go About Saving Wildlife and Habitats: The EWT employs a comprehensive approach to wildlife and habitat conservation:

IMPROVED KNOWLEDGE OF SPECIES AND HABITATS AND THE THREATS THEY FACT
Knowledge is key when designing effective projects, making constructive decisions, and formulating effective laws and policies.
TARGETED INTERVENTIONS REDUCE THE THREATS TO SPECIES AND HABITATS.
This goal covers their work toward reducing threats to species and habitats. It is measured through a direct reduction in a threat or the implementation of a conservation strategy known to reduce threats.
FORMAL PROTECTION OF PRIORITY HABITATS
Protecting and conserving natural places is critical for combating the effects of biodiversity loss and climate change. They contribute to national and global targets for protected area expansion and other effective area-based conservation measures.
CONSERVATION ACTIONS LEAD TO THRIVING SPECIES, RESILIENT HABITATS, AND IMPROVED HUMAN WELLBEING
This goal focuses on improving species’ conservation status and unlocking the benefits nature brings to people. This goal is measured through three indicators relating to the number of populations, habitats, or people who have benefitted from their actions.
INNOVATION THAT DRIVES MEANINGFUL CHANGE TO THE BENEFIT OF THE ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS, AND PEOPLE
The EWT achieves Goal 5 when it drives the application of new processes, products, and services that allow them and the people and institutions they work with to deliver greater conservation impact with available resources
THE EWT PROVIDES ITS STAFF WITH AN INCLUSIVE, NURTURING, AND STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT, UNDERPINNED BY EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE, AND FORWARD-THINKING POLICIES THAT REINFORCE ITS CONSERVATION LEADERSHIP.

The EWT's work has a significant impact on conservation at both national and global levels. Their achievements play a crucial role in various conservation-related frameworks. Arguably, the most important global impact of the EWT lies in its contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One of the central SDGs that aligns with much of the EWT's work is SDG 15, which focuses on "LIFE ON LAND" – the protection, restoration, and promotion of sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable forest management, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, and addressing biodiversity loss.

In addition to SDG 15, the EWT's efforts in promoting sustainable land management and supporting local communities also make substantial contributions to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Their educational and training programs further contribute to SDG 4 (Quality Education). By safeguarding Strategic Water Resource Areas and facilitating improved ecosystem management, the EWT contributes to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The organization also provides valuable guidance to minimize the environmental impact of renewable energy developments, which is relevant to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Several of the EWT's specific projects align with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). These projects include the Biodiversity Disclosure Project, Vulture Safe Zones, Livestock Guarding Dogs, and the Badger-Friendly Honey Initiative. Lastly, the EWT's initiatives address SDG 13 (Climate Action) in multiple ways, such as carbon trading, protected area expansion, catchment management, spring source protection, fodder production, renewable energy promotion, improved land management practices, enhanced ecosystem resilience, better livestock management, and the conservation of Strategic Water Source Areas.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit their official website at https://ewt.org.za/.