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NEED IDENTIFIED:
The communities surrounding the greater Magaliesberg area rely heavily on eco-tourism for their livelihoods. Tourists are drawn to the region's rich biodiversity and the opportunity to experience its unique and abundant wildlife. However, this way of life-and the wildlife that supports it-is under threat.
A small minority of residents engage in illegal poaching, most commonly through the use of wire snares, which are indiscriminate and cruel. These snares not only kill targeted animals but also severely injure or kill non-target species, threatening the ecosystem and the future of tourism in the region.
HOW THIS PROJECT WILL MEET THIS NEED:
This project will address poaching through a two-pronged approach:
Awareness & Education: Five local community leaders will be trained to deliver education and outreach programs in schools, eco-lodges, and community groups. These sessions will emphasize the long-term environmental and economic impact of poaching, especially snaring.
Action on the Ground: The same trained leaders will form snare removal teams that will patrol wildlife areas to locate, log, and remove snares. A system will also be established for continuous, sustainable re-surveying of the area to ensure it remains snare-free over time.
TIMELINE FOR THIS PROJECT:
This is a two-year project, scheduled to begin in the 2025-2026 Rotary year, with key milestones in both education and snare-removal efforts tracked quarterly.
WHAT THE PROJECT FUNDS WILL BE USED FOR:
Funds will be used to:
Train and compensate local leaders for their outreach and education efforts.
Provide wages for ongoing fieldwork in identifying and removing snares.
Support materials for presentations and public education campaigns.
CLUB AND PARTNER INVOLVEMENT:
The host Rotary club will manage local project implementation and oversee reporting. Rotary will partner with WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa), a well-established nonprofit organization founded in 1926 with a strong legacy in conservation education and environmental protection. WESSA will provide curriculum, training, and subject matter expertise.
John Wesson, the project's primary contact and a member of the host club, brings extensive experience in conservation management. He has deep relationships with local landowners, conservancy operators, and tour guides-all of whom are key stakeholders in this project. His prior community needs assessments are documented on the Global Grant website and serve as a foundation for this initiative.
WHY ROTARY CLUBS SHOULD SUPPORT THIS PROJECT:
Environmental Impact: Help protect a globally significant wildlife ecosystem.
Economic Sustainability: Preserve eco-tourism, a primary source of income for local communities.
Community Empowerment: Support local leaders in becoming stewards of conservation and education.
Rotary Values in Action: This project aligns with Rotary's areas of focus, particularly Supporting the Environment and Community Economic Development.
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