Thanks to technology, we enjoyed a personal presentation by several individuals in southern Africa via Zoom. All were involved with an organization called “Natural Selections,” which promotes both conservation and tourism. It is their belief that the two must play a role together. Offering a range of safaris (from simple tents to elaborate lodges) they educate clients and encourage donations to help preserve wildlife, support conservation scientists, and also maintain the lodges. Last year they collected over a million dollars from international sources for their many projects.
Natural Selections supports other species-specific groups, such as those protecting giraffes, rhinos, desert lions, etc. There are many projects that help reduce conflicts with agriculture and livestock so that the wild animals can survive. Examples involved consolidating tribal farm fields, fencing, and harvesting grass and other food sources. The organization has also found itself involved with conservation education from preschool through adult levels. It has also worked with health clinics and sanitation projects.
One presenter was a fellow Rotarian from the Gabarone Rotary Club, among the largest in southern Africa, now celebrating their 50th anniversary. This club has partnered with Natural Selections on many projects, especially involving health and education. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic has decimated the tourism industry and many companies have not survived. Unemployment is high in Botswana and elsewhere, but they are making progress with vaccinations now.
Creative solutions have been needed when conflicts arose between wildlife and people. One problem was solved by supplying buses for school children when their path was also an “Elephant Highway” during migration. Better herding for domestic animals have reduced conflicts with lions. Natural Selections tries to support the most successful programs, and duplicate those. This fascinating presentation put our problems with wolf reintroduction into perspective