Matt Cowell Safaris is proud to support camps and lodges that have initiatives that help local communities. These camps and lodges employ staff from these communities providing jobs, as well as helping them through added education, skills development & building needed facilities.
DART Wildlife
Matt Cowell Safaris directly supports DART Wildlife: DART was formed in 1999 by Paul de Montille , a Professional Wildlife Guide, to alleviate the suffering of animals caught in wire snares set by poachers. DART is a registered Wildlife Trust based in Hwange National Park that not only darts (immobilizes) and treats snared and injured wildlife, but for many years has also conducted snare patrols to search for and remove these horrific devices from the bush before they can do any harm. Over time DART expanded its operations to provide assistance and valuable logistical support including vehicles, fuel and equipment to Researchers & National Park Rangers in the field. DART is only able to operate and carry out its work and rescues, thanks to donations from people who share our passion and dedication to Wildlife Conservation. More info at www.dartwildlife.org
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Supporting Local Communities
Investing into local communities: All the camps and operators we use are for the most part owner-run, and committed to social/community upliftment programs in their regions of operation. This commitment to local communities and investing back into local people, along with the high operational standards of the camps and operators, is very much part of our decision to support them on our safaris. Sustainability in Africa has been difficult to achieve, since the common belief/mindset is; that 'Africa is poor'. Africa is of the most wealthy continents on earth, given its natural resources in way of minerals, but also with its natural diversity. Climate in Africa is hard to beat, and with its often quality soils in many regions, agriculture is a real prospect in helping people to achieve prosperity in the places where they live rurally. We encourage and support this aspect of agricultural development, where it promotes family, through generation of wealth and where it has the serious potential to re-introduce community values back into their societies. This form of support allows communities to begin to believe, that they can on their own, achieve growth and wealth for themselves, without the assistance of AID. This form of support promotes the issue of self worth among communities - something often lacking in Africa today.
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