Over and above the research, habitat management and other conservation work which takes place at
CC Africa lodges, the company supports broader conservation initiatives in its various countries of operation. In this way, we collaborate with reputable conservation NGOs whose work is focused in vulnerable habitats.
WWF-South Africa is an arm of the world's largest and oldest independent conservation organisation with a global network in 96 countries. In South Africa, WWF is particularly active in the acquisition of land to create or expand protected areas. CC Africa's Ngala operation is set on land bequeathed to the SANParks Trust by the late Hans Hoheisen and administered by WWF-SA. Annual lease fees paid by CC Africa have been used to expand the Karoo, West Coast and other national parks in recent years. WWF-SA also founded the Southern African Wildlife College which is a major capacity-building initiative that attracts students from across the continent. Over the past ten years, CC Africa has contributed over US$3 million to WWF through its lease fees at Ngala.
Since its founding over fifteen years ago WCST has been involved in a wide array of conservation activities at local and national levels. These include environmental education and forest conservation in the biologically unique Eastern Arc and coastal forests. WCST is the designated national partner of BirdLife International and works closely with that organisation and other international and local collaborators to conserve areas of critical importance for the nation's biodiversity including the Uluguru and Usambara Mountains. CC Africa is currently funding a WCST monitoring project of two globally threatened bird species in the East Usambara mountains.
With over 8000 members in 40 regional branches, BirdLife South Africa is an influential body which promotes the enjoyment, conservation, understanding and study of wild birds and their habitat. In addition to species monitoring and site protection at 101 Important Bird Areas (IBAs), BirdLife South Africa has made a major contribution towards avitourism, including the training and promotion of accredited local guides who have completed courses at the organisation's Wakkerstroom centre. CC Africa is a corporate supporter of BirdLife South Africa and has contributed funds and equipment towards the monitoring and conservation of the endangered Blue Swallow.
The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is a non-governmental, non-profit, conservation organisation, founded in 1973 operating throughout southern Africa. The EWT conserves threatened species and ecosystems in southern Africa by implementing projects which mitigate threats facing species diversity, initiating research and conservation action programmes and supporting sustainable natural resource management. The EWT communicates the principles of sustainable living through awareness programmes to the broadest possible constituency for the benefit of the region. Furthermore the EWT takes a strong leadership and advocacy role in promoting environmental and social justice.
Formerly known as the Botswana Bird Club, this organisation has a holistic view of bird conservation issues and the importance of birds as environmental indicators. Under the auspices of BirdLife International, a network of 12 Important Bird Areas have been identified in the country, and important research has been conducted on threatened species such as the Wattled Crane and Kori Bustard. Work is currently underway on a bird identification guide in the local Setswana language. CC Africa has contributed to the Wattled Crane monitoring project in the Okavango Delta, and provided data on Slaty Egret and other species.
The East African Wildlife Society (EAWLS) has been at the forefront of efforts to protect the region's habitats and endangered species for the past forty years. Working closely with national park and wildlife authorities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda EAWLS has provided support in numerous ways to field rangers and park infrastructures. The Society influences policy reforms at government level, and is active in numerous education and research programmes. In recent years, EAWLS has devoted considerable effort and resources to raising public awareness of Kenya's highland and coastal forests. The society's periodical - Swara - is highly regarded as one of the most authoritative voices on environmental issues in Africa.
Kakamega is a mid altitude tropical rainforest of approximately 10 000 hectares, situated in western Kenya to the north-east of Kisumu. It is the only true tropical rainforest in Kenya and has been designated as a site of international significance for conservation. The forest provides a refuge for 194 bird species, 17 of which are threatened in the East African region, nearly 30 species of snake, and over 350 varieties of butterfly. Among the mammals are the Potto and Giant Otter Shrew which are otherwise confined to the Congo Basin. The Kakamega Environmental Education Programme works closely with the local community to provide environmental education and promote sustainable use of forest resources. In addition to its immense biological diversity, the Kakamega forest provides vital ecological services by safeguarding the water catchment for two rivers, soil protection and climate moderation.
The Namib Desert Environmental Education Trust (NADEET) is a non-profit trust which focuses on raising environmental awareness among young Namibians. The learning programmes overlap with the official school curriculum so teachers and pupils benefit enormously from a visit to the NaDEET centre in the Namib Desert. Issues such as the importance of recycling and water conservation are combined with ecological studies of unique desert-adapted wildlife. 'The Golden Mole' is the organisation's regular newsletter, named after one of the Namib's most unusual mammals.
In common with other BirdLife partners in Africa and around the world, BirdLife Zimbabwe is focused on bird conservation but its work benefits biodiversity as a whole because birds are excellent and easily monitored indicators of ecosystem health. Current programmes include education and awareness in schools, site protection and research within Important Bird Areas (IBAs), and liaison with government agencies. CC Africa has provided funds for the creation of a local language bird identification guide in the Victoria Falls region.
Based in Nairobi, Nature Kenya is a 'grass roots' organisation comprised of several 'site support groups' in parts of the country where biodiversity is threatened. Community leaders, teachers and students make up the groups which raise awareness among schoolchildren, farmers and others. Other activities include habitat restoration, monitoring of threatened species and lobbying government and local authorities. Nature Kenya works closely with the Tropical Biology Association to train young field biologists. As part of the BirdLife International global partnership, Nature Kenya is responsible for the national Important Bird Areas (IBA) programme which focuses conservation efforts in key areas.
International Ecotourism Society (TIES) is a network for ecotourism practitioners around the world. The Washington-based organisation offers support in terms of educational workshops and courses, publishes and distributes materials, and actively participates in international conferences and forums. Membership of the Society is open to responsible safari, tour and lodge operators which meet set criteria. CC Africa supports proper accreditation of ecotourism operators around the world in order that travellers and agents can make informed decisions.
By choosing one of CC Africa's 40 lodges in 16 different locations throughout Africa 's wilderness highspots, you can make a small but meaningful difference. Embark on a CC Africa tailormade safari and help Africa, its environment, people and wildlife.
