:: THE WILDERNESS FOUNDATION

The Wilderness Foundation (WF) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 1972 by Dr Ian Player and the late Magqubu Ntombela. The WF is part of an international network of similar organizations. In South Africa it has been a pioneer in using nature as a positive force for social change by bringing disadvantaged youth, as well as political and community leaders on trail to experience wildlands and wildlife, rediscover cultural identity, and build self-esteem and leadership skills.

Over the past decade the WF has developed a number of programs and initiatives that help align the conservation sector to the SA Government’s goals of sustainable development. i.e. Environmental Education and Social Programs – (Imbewu & Pride), Advocacy - (Opinion Leader Trail Programme (OLT) & Indalo) and Protected Area and Wildland Support Services (Baviaanskloof & Wild Coast).

The Tony and Lisette Lewis Foundation support various environmental education projects of the Wilderness Foundation i.e. Imbewu and Pride of Table Mountain.

“Mother Nature how wonderful you are - you gave birth to all the things around us - You carry both animals and plants including mountains, rivers seas and oceans. You gave us time to understand and learn more about you.”

“I now know how animals live, feed and reproduce. I will make sure that I come here one day with my own children to give them what I have been given.” Noluvuyo Fulani

“It is very quiet, you get to think and meditate in a different way in a surrounding that is very rich and harmonious. The camp was wonderful and it was very much an education experience.” Yonela Siguba

“My experience in the wilderness was very interesting and taught me a lot of things of which at first I did not think were important such as water conservation. This experience has also imposed a sense of care about everything that surrounds me and that it is here for a very valuable reason. I’m glad I came.” Booi Vuyokozi

“What I have experienced here is how to protect and respect the environment and its habitat. Animals and plants are part of our lives and now I have knowledge about social ecology.” Mzondeleli Ndingane

The Wilderness Foundation website: www.wildernessfoundation.org.za

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