African Conservation Trust Interview

#585 Great.com Talks With... African Conservation Trust

The African Conservation Trust (ACT) has been a pillar of environmental and socio-economic progress in southern Africa since 2000. Their vision is simple yet profound: "A Living World – People on a Profitable Planet." ACT envisions a world where nature thrives, supporting human life and prosperity through sustainable investment in natural resources. In this article, we talk with François du Toit, the CEO of the African Conservation Trust, about the incredible work done by African Conservation Trust and its impact on endangered species.

Empowering Communities and Conserving Nature

ACT’s work spans multiple crucial areas, focusing on environmental conservation and uplifting vulnerable communities. Their projects emphasize food security, ecological agriculture, conserving threatened species, protecting natural resources, heritage conservation, and fostering a conservation economy. Community engagement, education, and the inclusion of women and youth are fundamental to all their initiatives.

Over the years, ACT has managed large-scale projects funded by local and international partners. Their team of experts, including ecologists, agriculture specialists, and community development practitioners, drives these efforts. The ACT Applied Ecology Unit (AEU) addresses complex ecological issues through evidence-based interventions, aiming to manage, expand, and connect protected areas while integrating environmental, social, and economic factors.

In the realm of food security, ACT has trained and mentored over 2,000 homestead and small-scale farmers, predominantly women. They have implemented food gardens in 83 schools and 34 Early Childhood Development Centres, benefiting more than 35,000 children. Additionally, ACT has facilitated the development of over 10,000 homestead gardens in water-scarce communities, indirectly supporting around 70,000 people. They have also assisted over 100 small-scale farmers with infrastructure like rainwater harvesting systems and market access.

In biodiversity conservation, ACT established community-run butterfly houses and educational centres to protect indigenous butterflies. Their Applied Ecology Unit collaborates with communities to expand elephant and rhino habitats through strategic land-use planning. As a co-founder of Project Rhino, ACT has played a crucial role in protecting one of the largest rhino populations, coordinating efforts among 37 conservation NGOs and anti-poaching specialists.

Heritage conservation is another cornerstone of ACT’s mission. They pioneered the use of laser scanning technology to create precise 3D models of historic buildings and San rock art sites. ACT has also documented key battlefield sites in KwaZulu-Natal and explored undocumented sites in the Kruger National Park.

ACT's holistic approach ensures a sustainable and prosperous future, aligning environmental conservation with socio-economic development. Learn more about their impactful work and how you can support their mission by tuning in to the full podcast episode.

If you wish to contribute to African Conservation Trust's efforts to conserve Africa's wildlife, you can donate to their organization's website. Additionally, you can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to keep updated on their latest projects and learn more about the wild animals currently experiencing conservation stress.