What is conservation?

Earths’ natural resources include air, minerals, plants, soil, water, and wildlife. Conservation is the care and protection of these resources so that they can continue for future generations. Conservation focuses on protecting species from extinction, maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystems, and protecting biological diversity. Conservation and preservation are similar as both relate to the protection of nature. Conservation seeks the proper use of nature, while preservation seeks protection of nature from use. 

Why is conservation important?

1.) To Protect wildlife

The evident reason for conservation is to protect wildlife and to encourage biodiversity. Protecting our wildlife and preserving it for future generations also means that the animals we love do not become distant memories and that we can maintain a healthy and functional ecosystem. Some species cannot survive outside of their natural habitat. Without human intervention, such as zoos and Private Game Reserves like Kapama, their survival is a threat. The destruction of their natural habitats poses a real threat to their survival. Additionally, species that migrate and inhabit more than one natural habitat are also vulnerable. Therefore, the preservation of these habitats helps to prevent the entire ecosystem from being harmed.

4.) To promote tourism
Visiting South Africa, tourists get to experience its unique flora and fauna. It includes natural habitats like mountains, hiking trails, private reserves, as well as the big five and so much more. Kapama Private Game Reserve makes significant contributions to both the local community and the environment. Tourists from around the world visit our Reserve to experience the beauty and culture of our country. This gives us a platform to educate tourists on the importance of preserving and conserving the resources of our planet, protecting endangered species, as well as how our initiatives support local communities.

If everyone decides to do their part, we can make great strides in conserving our planet and its scarce resources.

Besides our sustainability efforts in place at each lodge, our water recycling plant on the Reserve and our anti-poaching unit that focuses on protecting the endangered species residing on Kapama, we support other worthwhile causes that help raise awareness for the important points mentioned above. One such fun and sportive initiative we joined was the #BurpeesForConservation

To preserve African wilderness areas and their wildlife, Tshembo Africa Foundation and Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation launched the #BurpeesForConservation challenge. This fundraiser aims to raise 1 million Rand towards conservation through burpees. For each burpee completed, R1 goes towards conservation.

Our staff from all departments and lodges took up the challenge and completed a total of 2 390 burpees. Here are our team’s efforts. For more information on this exciting initiative, visit their website here!

Story by: Southern Camp Ranger Lindi Taljaard & video by: Buffalo Camp Ranger Rassie Jacobs