Connected Conservation Foundation registers in South Africa to expand impact
We are thrilled to announce the official registration and approval for our South African non-profit arm, an exciting step forward for the Connected Conservation Foundation.
This registration is designed to facilitate the active involvement of our Birdies for Rhinos partners and to secure new supporters and funding, ensuring our sustained commitment to addressing region-specific challenges. By doing so, we aim to bolster our charitable endeavours in wildlife conservation and community-driven initiatives within South Africa.
Scaling our charitable work
With increased resources, we can protect more wildlife and natural ecosystems: empowering rangers with the tools they need to safeguard endangered species and equipping protected areas with landscape-scale technology solutions to provide safe havens for vulnerable species.
Already, we are working with pioneering partners in South Africa including Sabi Sand Nature Reserve (SSNR) and Madikwe Game Reserve - both of which have been heavily targeted by persistent rhino poaching. We’ve helped field teams implement technological solutions, including connectivity and cameras, fence alarms, and vehicle and ranger LoRa-enabled sensors. These tools are working in tandem to detect and provide early warnings about the movement of people, offering proactive measures against potential poaching threats.
These technology interventions have successfully led to multiple interventions thwarting poaching incidents and resulting in arrests. And the Connected Conservation Foundation is keen to do more to help other protected areas and develop more community-led initiatives in the country.
“The approval from SARS is not just a financial endorsement; it's a testament to our commitment and will propel us further in our mission. With new essential funds, we look forward to expanding our support, protecting more wildlife and making a lasting impact on South Africa's rich biodiversity,” says Doc Watson, Chairman of Connected Conservation Foundation
Expanding local relationships
Looking ahead, we will be proactively sourcing new partners in the region to empower local South African conservation and community livelihood development.
By deepening our local roots and building relationships with key funders, partners and stakeholders, we can upscale positive and lasting change to benefit the region’s rich biodiversity and people.