About Endangered wildlife trust
Endangered Wildlife Trust: Saving Species, Conserving Habitats, and Benefitting People
Founded in 1973, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is one of South Africa’s most reputable conservation NGOs. The EWT is driven by a team of passionate and dedicated conservationists working through 13 specialised programmes across southern and East Africa, each falling under one of our three key strategic pillars: Saving species, conserving habitats, and benefitting people.
Saving Species
The EWT’s first strategic pillar is saving species. We believe that every species has a right to exist in its natural habitat without fear of extinction. Our team works tirelessly to protect endangered wildlife from poaching, habitat loss, disease outbreaks and other threats. We have successfully reintroduced several endangered species back into their natural habitats including the riverine rabbit and the blue swallow.
Conserving Habitats
The second strategic pillar of the EWT is conserving habitats. We recognise that healthy ecosystems are essential for biodiversity conservation. Our team works with local communities to promote sustainable land use practices that conserve critical ecosystems such as wetlands, grasslands and forests.
Benefitting People
The third strategic pillar of the EWT is benefitting people. We believe that conservation efforts must also benefit local communities who live alongside wildlife habitats. Our team works with communities to develop sustainable livelihoods such as eco-tourism ventures or beekeeping projects which provide alternative sources of income while promoting biodiversity conservation.
Our Programmes
The Endangered Wildlife Trust runs 13 specialised programmes across southern and East Africa which fall under our three key strategic pillars:
1) African Crane Conservation Programme - focuses on protecting cranes from habitat loss.
2) Carnivore Conservation Programme - aims at reducing human-wildlife conflict.
3) Drylands Conservation Programme - focuses on conserving arid ecosystems.
4) Freshwater Research Centre - conducts research on freshwater ecosystems.
5) Grassland Programme - focuses on conserving grassland ecosystems.
6) Habitats Programme - works to conserve critical habitats such as wetlands and forests.
7) Marine and Coastal Conservation Programme - focuses on marine conservation efforts.
8) Rhino Conservation Programme - aims at protecting rhinos from poaching.
9) Soutpansberg Protected Area Programme - works to protect the Soutpansberg mountain range in South Africa.
10) Threatened Amphibian Programme - focuses on conserving threatened amphibians in southern Africa.
11) Wildlife in Trade Programme - aims at reducing illegal wildlife trade in southern Africa.
12) Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Programme - works to reduce human-wildlife conflict across southern Africa
13) Wildlife and Energy Programme – promotes sustainable energy development that minimizes impacts on wildlife.
Our Impact
The Endangered Wildlife Trust has made significant strides towards biodiversity conservation since its inception. We have reintroduced several endangered species back into their natural habitats, protected critical ecosystems from habitat loss, reduced human-wildlife conflict, and promoted sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Our work has been recognised globally with several awards including the prestigious Whitley Award.
Conclusion
The Endangered Wildlife Trust is a leading conservation NGO that is committed to saving species, conserving habitats, and benefitting people. Our team of passionate conservationists work tirelessly across 13 specialised programmes to promote biodiversity conservation across southern and East Africa. Join us today in our mission to protect endangered wildlife for future generations!