Namibia - Supported since 2012
Ultimate Safaris is one of Namibia's premier safari operators with more than 25 years of experience in the safari industry. Operating in some of the most pristine and delicate wilderness areas on earth, they are dedicated to protection and conservation of these areas and to the improvement of the quality of life of the communities there. The future of these unique environments lies in the hands of these communities, making them pivotal in the custodianship of these wonderful assets. With this in mind, Tou Trust was launched in 2006 in support of such ideals. The mission of Tou Trust is to identify and support community-based development projects and conservation initiatives that sustain ecological integrity, protect biodiversity, support cultural heritage, and contribute to the social and economic well-being of the local people, the custodians of the rich natural heritage.
Conflict between cattle herders and lions has intensified, needing urgent intervention. By tracking lions and creating employment opportunities for lion guardians within local communities, the Tou Trust has created sustainable income from ‘living with lions’ for the Torra Conservancy in the Kunene region of Namibia and also contributing to lion conservation. These lion guardians monitor lion movements and forewarn villages, settlements and herders of lion whereabouts in order for cattle owners to take appropriate precautionary action. Using GPS collars, local farm and livestock workers are able to track lions in and near the Conservancy, and receive direct financial benefit from the conservation opportunity, increasing the opportunity for tourists to see lions in the area and alerting farmers and herders of potential lion/cattle conflicts. Each herder chosen to be a lion tracker is given the opportunity to join a lion eco-safari from one of the nearby Wilderness Safaris camps providing perspective of lions and understanding of their value for tourism. The herders are thoroughly trained on tracking, lion behavior and safe ways of approaching lions. Trackers are paid per lion sighting. Thus, the presence of the lions in the valley presents an opportunity for the lion tracker/guardian to earn extra income. Additionally, tour operators that regularly use Torra Conservancy as part of their safaris pay a monthly fee to the Conservancy for the use of their area; the funds are then used by the Conservancy to support farmers experiencing human-predator conflict.
The early results demonstrate how local level models of conservation and community development supported by ecotourism do change lives while protecting natural and cultural heritage. Projects not only help local communities but increase goodwill between hosts and guests and stimulate authentic cross-cultural interaction. By educating guests to be more sensitive and conscientious, Tou Trust provides an alternative to exploitative and destructive elements of conventional tourism.
Photos courtesty of Dr. Flip Stander