This is a rather broad topic with a variety of different opinions, it’s a topic that is debated by many all over the world.
From my point of view, unless you have been out in the field, and actively seen what is going on, understanding the operations that are under way and the daily tasks that these conservation teams are facing them you don’t really have room to talk. I mean that in the kindest way possible.
We, as humans are constantly learning and constantly growing in our every day lives. Conservation operates in the same way. It is constantly evolving and changing. Having been in the industry for pretty much my entire life and yet I am still learning.
With each conservation project I have taken part in, it has been incredibly eye opening. Yes, I understand conservation, but like said earlier, it is only when you are on the ground listening to the conservation team, working hands on with the animals do you truly recognize how bad the future for all of our endangered species across the world looks.
There is no time to sit back and see if our efforts are working, in my mind, there are so many different conservation efforts going on at the same time, which makes populations and communication extremely difficult.
The truth of the matter is, like most things, it isn’t always as it seems. This is me being brutally honest. Many of the stats and numbers that are released to the public are not entirely true.
As I mentioned before this is my opinion and this is what I have gathered from my experience of the past number of years.
To put it into reality… NOW, now is the time for us to join forces, to unite and to make sure that we not only preserve these endangered species but these pristine reserves as well.
Think of the safaris we all go on now, I think we can all agree that they are absolutely amazing and that there is just something about being out in nature that gives us a sense of peace and for myself definitely a sense of being.
During the Pandemic, it has opened my eyes to the small things, it has made me think in depth about myself and the changes I can make so that future generations can see the wilderness the same way I do. Brutally honest, it’s a massive task we have ahead of ourselves.
I encourage you all to get in touch with operators, conservation projects, do your research and get stuck in. I you thought getting a rush from seeing a leopard walk past the car gave you a rush, imagine being HANDS ON with a rhino, giving back, helping the process and know that what you are doing is making a difference. It may be a small difference, but right now, we all need to make the effort, we need to give back. Think of the safaris you have been on, they have been incredible, let’s keep that vision of safari going and lets change the world in our conservation efforts.
“How do we change the world? One random act of kindness at a time.”
— Morgan Freeman
LETS DO THIS!
Until next time,
Trevor
