Short description
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) aims at conserving threatened species and minimising threats to biodiversity in Africa by investing in research and protecting species and habitats
Need
Experts estimate that at least 34 000 plant and 5200 animal species face extinction today and this will increase dramatically if current trends continue. There are 299 mammal species in South Africa of which 14% are endangered and near threatened. Furthermore, many of our other species are endangered, including our national bird, the blue crane. The South African National Spatial Biodiversity Assessment found that 84% of our river ecosystems are endangered. In addition South Africa’s river ecosystems are under pressure due to activities such as mining, agriculture and urbanisation.
People are dependent on the life support systems provided by the natural environment and the increasing degradation of the environment is a cause for concern. South Africa’s biodiversity is amongst the most threatened in the world with many species threatened by human activities. Urgent action must be taken to protect our diverse wildlife and the environment.
Overview
Established in 1973, Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is a biodiversity conservation organisation which aims to protect and conserve threatened species and ecosystems in southern Africa. The organisation has 10 working groups to implement their programmes including Carnivore Conservation Programme, Source to Sea Programme and Law & Policy Programme. The working groups conduct scientific research on endangered species and ecosystems and identify human-induced threats in order to halt or reverse species’ decline.
The activities of the working groups include:
- Monitoring of species, their breeding patterns and habitat selection;
- Recovering and reintroducing animals;
- Translocation of populations too small or too threatened to sustain themselves into areas where they can re-establish a viable population;
- Drawing up effective law enforcement strategies for conservation and enforcement structures and government authorities;
- Running awareness programmes and providing training.
EWT works with industries to improve the management of negative environmental impact and through partnerships, the EWT is able to persuade them to employ best environment and conservation practice in their various industries.
To educate children about environmental issues and conservation, the EWT is involved with the WESSA Eco-school initiative. Through this initiative the organisation facilitates biodiversity related lessons at schools and has designed a conservation learning programme for distribution at schools. Educational workshops are hosted for teachers and through the Conservation Orientation Project the EWT conducts field trips with learners and teachers. EWT also supports tertiary students pursuing careers in the environment and conservation field in completing their in-service training.
The organisation also plays a leading role in ensuring implementation, compliance and enforcement of conservation legislation. EWT hosts training workshops on environmental law enforcement for officials in various government agencies and organisations at the forefront of addressing wildlife crime.
What we like about this organisation
- EWT has a hands-on approach to conservation with the deployment of field experts in the areas where they work. This allows them to be pro-active and flexible and to build trust among the communities residing in areas of high conservation value.
- Their strategy is multi-faceted and includes conducting and publishing scientific research, working with communities to raise awareness and raise environmental leaders, as well as working with mines and other high-environmental-impact companies to reduce and mitigate their harmful impact.
- EWT employs highly qualified and recognised specialists in the area of conservation and biodiversity.
What difference can your money make?
- R10 000 would buy support equipment such as wildlife tracking collars, remote sensing equipment, camera traps and spotting scopes for various projects. All this equipment would increase productivity
- R250 000 would allow EWT to initiate one of their planned legacy projects such as producing a review of the organisation’s work and achievements over the past 40 years of its existence. The review would also include the development and history of conservation in South Africa
- R750 000 would allow the organisation to purchase a building, invest into an endowment fund or even increase reserves
Volunteering opportunities
- Financial and legal experts
- Experts in investment and financial management as well as organisational sustainability