As COVID-19 halts the tourism industry, there are growing fears of a dramatic rise in elephant poaching. With tourism being one of the most important industries for the continent, the topic needs to be addressed now more than ever.
With the collapse of eco-tourism, there is no money left for managing Africa’s parks, nor for conservation work and most importantly, for neighbouring rural communities. When they lose their jobs and incomes, they are forced to turn to the wildlife for bushmeat. As we grapple with the impact of the virus and the uncertainty of life as we know it, it’s imperative we act now to build a more sustainable future. Now could be a watershed moment for wildlife conservation.
We’ve gathered prominent minds in conservation and travel to share their work and insights from the front line of conservation in Africa.
When: June 11th, 2020, 2.30pm – 3.30pm BST
Where: https://www.howmanyelephants.co/elephant-in-the-room-talk1/
Ticket cost/donation: £10.00
All proceeds will go to How Many Elephants to support their direct action anti-poaching initiatives, including The Black Mambas in South Africa, Akashinga, National Park Rescue and Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust in Zimbabwe.
Headline Speakers
Holly Budge, Founder of How Many Elephants, will share stories from the summit of Everest to immersing herself with the Black Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching team in South Africa and more recently, Akashinga Rangers in Zimbabwe. Described as “one of the UK’s most accomplished female adventurers”, Holly has fundraised > £300K.
Niall McCann, Founder of National Park Rescue will share the work they are doing in Chizarira National Park in Zimbabwe. They’ve transformed a poacher’s paradise into a thriving park, with well trained and motivated rangers. During lockdown, the rangers are unable to go home so have stayed in the park and remain vigilant.
Beks Ndlovu, Professional Guide and Founder of African Bush Camps, became not only a tour operator but a social entrepreneur. He is one of the most enterprising and inspiring players in the African tourism industry. Beks will report on how he is keeping his staff motivated during lockdown and protecting the wildlife roaming their properties.
Moderator
Howard Salinger, Managing Director of Travel Connection Group (TCG), a consultancy offering PR advice and event support to travel companies or to companies wishing to work with travel brands. He has developed a series of online events called ‘Social with Media’ since the UK went into lockdown and has experience of moderating online events for several travel brands.
This talk will give you an opportunity to learn more about the How Many Elephants Campaign and will give you plenty of ideas to write about. All proceeds will go to How Many Elephants to support direct action anti-poaching initiatives.