WildLandscapes is thrilled to announce the election of two new members to its Board of Directors: William Ambrose and Krista Mitchell Cornell. These distinguished individuals bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and fresh perspectives to our board. Their induction marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for WildLandscapes, heralding a period of enhanced clarity and focus in our mission. Their collective understanding across different sectors promises to propel WildLandscapes into a phase of timely growth and development.
As we embrace this exciting stage, we reaffirm our dedication to our core values and to the vision that has always guided us, now amplified by the strengths of our new board members.
Kenya's remarkable success in conserving critically endangered black rhinos has led to a population increase from 240 in 1984 to 966 today, making Kenya the third-largest rhino population in Africa. To protect these rhinos from multiple threats, including poaching and habitat loss, a stable population of 2,000 is essential. To accommodate this growth, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is conducting a major rhino relocation, moving 21 black rhinos to Loisaba Conservancy, marking their return after a 50-year absence due to poaching.
As 2023 draws to a close, we are thrilled to highlight a year of substantial growth and achievements in our ongoing mission to conserve vital ecosystems. Collaboration has been the defining theme, underlining our belief that progress is rooted in partnerships. Our diverse network of partners, including individuals, non-profit organizations, government agencies, donors, and Tribal communities, has been instrumental in advancing our mission. Their wide-reaching influence and our strategic partnerships have amplified our impact.
In collaboration with our valued partner, Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust, we have successfully protected the rare Renosterveld by acquiring the 'Plaatjieskraal' farm. Spanning 1,425 acres, this expansion doubles the size of the existing Haarwegskloof Reserve. Placing the farm into conservation safeguards the largest remaining area of one of the world’s most critically endangered and biodiverse ecosystems. Since Renosterveld is deemed "100% irreplaceable," this farm acquisition is a triumph for conservation.
For conservationists and preservationists, the slight, implicit difference between “conservation” and “preservation” in connotation is significant because, in practice, it indicates a difference in how to carry out protection. WildLandscapes focuses on adaptive landscape conservation that protects land for wildlife and people while allowing for uses like, for example, sustainable ranching on landscapes in Florida.
WildLandscapes International is assisting the ORCT with securing 1,825 acres of Critically Endangered Renosterveld, one of the most endangered vegetation types on the planet. This vital habitat will adjoin and extend the Nature Preservation, ensuring that it is protected going forward.
These are only two properties with this amount of renosterveld remaining and the only way of securing them is through purchase. Donors have raised half the funds needed for purchase, but without the remaining funds the conservation areas will remain unsecured.
