Zambezi Elephant Fund is proud to support the following organisations, who all contribute to the active protection and preservation of the Zambezi Valley landscape through tireless hard work and dedication.
THE ZAMBEZI SOCIETY
The Zambezi Society (ZamSoc) has been protecting wildlife and wilderness in the Zambezi Valley since 1982, working closely with local and international organisations, government authorities and with local communities.
Its current focus is on delivering law enforcement support and infrastructure development within National Parks Estate in Mana Pools and Charara through the provision of anti-poaching logistical support, as well as management support for law enforcement in Charara Safari Area.
To date, ZEF has contributed a patrol boat and anti-poaching vehicles, ranger equipment and training for ZimParks logistical support, ranger rations and towards ZamSoc’s combating wildlife crime program.
FLYING FOR WILDLIFE
Flying for Wildlife (FFW) was established in 2015 to provide ZimParks and other conservation stakeholders throughout Zimbabwe with regular aerial surveillance and monitoring over wildlife areas.
Their flights, using cost-efficient ultra-light aircraft, enable stakeholders to quickly cover large tracts of wilderness, accomplishing in a two-hour flight what would take weeks, or be impossible to cover, on the ground by vehicle or on foot. Surveillance flights also provide time-critical conservation intelligence which promotes informed decision-making and increases the efficiency and effectiveness of their conservation partners’ work.
“The moral imperative on us to help conserve wildlife, in whatever way able, is immediate and without question.” – FFW Founder, Richard Tennant
To date, ZEF has contributed towards FFW’s running costs on an ongoing basis, the funding of FFW’s first aircraft, and co-funding of the second.
KARIBA ANIMAL WELFARE FUND TRUST (KAWFT)
KAWFT was formed in 2010 by three ordinary but extraordinarily passionate Kariba residents whose everyday lives were deeply affected by first-hand sightings of wildlife caught up in snares or human-generated litter.
Their mission is to ‘protect, care for and rehabilitate the wild animals that are affected by poaching as much as possible. KAWFT works alongside the authorities (ZimParks) doing the same.’ KAWFT focuses on sending out anti-snare patrols five times a week, with scouts covering hard kilometres on foot and removing snares set by poachers. They also work to rescue wildlife caught in snares, arranging hands-on help and veterinary interventions, when required.
“We have to believe in what is possible. That’s what keeps us going.” – KAWFT Founder, Debbie Ottman
To date, ZEF has contributed to scout salaries and uniforms, keeping snare patrols active around Kariba.
MY TREES TRUST
My Trees Trust was formed in 2019 to reduce the rate of natural woodland loss in Zimbabwe, in order to preserve biodiversity at scale within threatened landscapes through reforestation, preservation/stewardship and providing alternative fuel sources and livelihood opportunities.
To date, ZEF has contributed towards both seedling nurseries and community conservation, as well as sharing its HR capacity.
THE TASHINGA INITIATIVE
Founded in 2006, The Tashinga Initiative aims to restore biodiversity to the Mid-Lower Zambezi Valley through providing infrastructure, communications and training for rangers, as well as playing a key role in managing ranger welfare.
To date, ZEF has contributed to the construction of ZAVARU ranger base station, communications technology for the valley, and a water reticulation system, implemented by The Tashinga Initiative.
BUMI HILLS ANTI-POACHING UNIT (BHAPU)
The Bumi Hills Anti-Poaching Unit is at the frontline of protecting Zimbabwe’s threatened wildlife, on the shores of Lake Kariba & Bumi Hills where the illegal bush meat & ivory trades are rife. Their dedicated team has removed over 20,000 wire snares, investigated over 250 elephant carcasses, and rescued scores of animals in distress. ZEF helps BHAPU keep boots on the ground, vehicles on patrol & rescue teams standing by to protect our dwindling iconic & endangered species.
