“Rewilding is a very positive story of hope and restoration, that realisation that when you give nature an opportunity to be safe and to thrive it does so much quicker than one could ever imagine,” says Werner Myburgh, CEO of Peace Parks Foundation. “And that’s the story and the theme for Peace Parks – partnering with governments and with other organisations.”
This week, Peace Parks Foundation is celebrating rewilding, and meeting the passionate teams behind Peace Parks’ massive successes as they share their experiences and bare their emotions. Each person plays a key role in the revival of species, ecosystems and vast transboundary landscapes; they are committed to a future flourishing with life in the protected areas where Peace Parks and partners work.
From mighty predators to mega-herbivores, no operation is too big to take on, with pride and professionalism. Since the activation of ambitious rewilding projects in 2010, Peace Parks has relocated 18,106 animals to protected areas across southern Africa that are either devoid of or have non-viable populations of species, threatened by extinction. But the teams involved are not simply working for a wildlife cause. Translocations are part of a wider approach to transboundary landscape restoration, carefully rebuilding ecosystems and accelerating the speed of recovery. This is a key approach to tackling climate change and the global biodiversity crisis; when it comes to job satisfaction, the pay-off from rewilding impact achieved, at scale, is huge!
Mozambique’s four national parks where Peace Parks works in partnership with Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) have received a remarkable 12,710 animals. A total of 2,540 animals have been rewilded to Zinave to date, of which 37 white and black rhino were reintroduced to the park from 2022 to 2023. A series of landmark cross-border translocations from South Africa’s Manketti Game Reserve were made possible through a powerful partnership between ANAC, Peace Parks and @Exxaro Resources. Behind the scenes were numerous teams, bringing their expertise to the operation. Experiences along the way, and the rhino’s final arrival, have left a huge impression on them.
“The better part of my life I’m dedicating to nature conservation at this point in time,” enthuses Lilian Spijkerman, Peace Parks’ Chief Development Officer. “And this today for me is a highlight in my life. I think my passion for nature really has guided me throughout my career; that’s why I’m here today.”
Not only does reintroducing wildlife build flourishing, resilient ecosystems but the benefits to people are a vital motivation. Communities are better supported by richer and more plentiful natural resources, and are empowered to participate in rewilding initiatives. They share in the economic returns of nature-based tourism, fostering equitable and sustainable conservation.
Zambia’s Simalaha Community Conservancy is a shining example of local livelihood opportunities activated – by rewilding a veritable ark of 2,145 animals to date, including 400 eland in 2022 alone.
“The community attaches great value to the initiative through preservation and protection of wildlife and other natural resources,” says Luwodzya Mwale, Project Manager for the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area. “Hence they participate in this venture with an eye on the future, whilst continuing with enhanced income-generating ventures such as conservation agriculture and growing tourism, which will increase their commitment to conservation.”
Thanks to these rewilding efforts, populations are growing naturally, and impressively. This immense impact, and the hope it brings to protected areas, would not be possible without the bravery and determination of every person, partner, funder and donor involved. It reminds us that rewilding is about much more than numbers. It’s a personal, as well as a biodiversity, transformation – both for those working behind the scenes and the communities empowered as they experience the benefits of hope in action.
“It’s an absolute privilege to be part of an operation like this,” says Les Carlisle, Conservation Manager at Conservation Solutions. “It’s rewilding these areas that used to be pristine wildlife destinations in Africa, and now we’re busy climbing them back up that ladder of the most remarkable destinations in the world. Considering the biodiversity mandate that is carried by Peace Parks, that box is being ticked properly as we speak.”
Join us in celebrating the power of rewilding and the hope it brings to both nature and people, and stay tuned to Peace Parks TV for more remarkable rewilding stories of restoration, renewal and community empowerment! 🌿🦏
