How the COVID crisis is impacting Africa
The first time I went to Africa, almost 8 years ago, I thought I was going just for the animals. I was wrong. While yes, the animals are the main draw card - no where else will you find wildlife quite so magnificent and grand - a tourist in Africa is so much more than just a tourist.
Africa travelers change lives. By just be being there we help to deter poachers. Lodges, parks and reserves rely almost exclusively on the tourism industry to conserve wildlife, preserve wilderness, and protect eco-systems. Then there are the human benefits. We help to provide employment, education and healthcare to communities that otherwise might not have it. Our safari is their livelihood. In Africa, you become part of the land, part of the community, part of the soul.
COVID-19 has devastated the tourism industry, and it breaks my heart. Game reserves and national parks are fast running out of funding which keeps them operational, and safe. If they sink, the animals, the people, and we all sink too.
There are so many things you can do to help:
Support our projects. Our main one right now is our leopard project at Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa, which is running on limited funding. You can support by donating, purchasing something from our shop, or attending one of our fundraisers if you’re a Sydney local (we’re planning one for later in the year, COVID-willing!)
Raise money for or donate to reputable conservation, community or anti-poaching initiatives
Plan a trip to Africa for when borders are back open, or if you had a trip planned, postpone instead of cancel
Reach out to your favourite lodges, parks, guides, foundations etc based in Africa and ask what you can do to help
Raise awareness on social media
Purchase a limited edition print from Prints for Wildlife, a fundraising initiative founded by Marion Payr and Pie Aerts to raise money for African Parks (I purchased the beautiful print of the iconic Lady Liuwa, below)
Lady Liuwa by Will Burrard-Lucas, from Prints for Wildlife. Read her beautiful story here
I am forever changed because of Africa, and while I would love for this pandemic to be over for selfish reasons, such as me wanting to be able to go back ASAP, I would love for it to be over even more so for the survival and health of the tourism industry, and all that it benefits.