Involvement with the Makuleke community a case study on reducing poverty through conservation of biodiversity

Pafuri Camp in the Kruger National Park, which is a partnership between Safari Adventure Company and the Makuleke community, has been named one of 25 winners of the Equator Prize 2010 in recognition of its poverty reduction initiatives. Winners are chosen by the Equator Initiative’s Technical Advisory Committee for their outstanding community efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation of biodiversity.

The Equator Prize was started in 2002 and has commended the work of 103 communities in equatorial countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. Winners are selected on the principal criteria of impact, partnerships, sustainability, innovation, transferability, leadership and community empowerment, as well as gender equality and social inclusion.

Pafuri Camp has demonstrated its local and indigenous best practice in biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction. The property presented a strong case study for community-based work currently being undertaken in Africa.

The camp consists of 20 tents, all en-suite under thatch with indoor and outdoor showers. The public area has large decks, open-sided lounge and dining areas, and swimming pool. A signature feature is the camp and its walkways are raised off the ground, to allow wildlife to roam undisturbed below.

Safari Adventure Company is proud that its initiative and all the hard work the Makuleke Community and Pafuri Camp have put in since 2005 has been recognised and commended in such a prestigious manner.

The Makuleke Community and Pafuri Camp look forward to working and connecting with other Equator Prize winners as well as taking part in the Community Summit, a community “dialogue space” that facilitates peer-to-peer learning, community presentations, and special events and training related to biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction. The Summit takes place in September 2010 in New York.

According to the judges, the level of competition for the prize was extremely high and the depth of nominations received impressive.

The Equator Initiative is a partnership that brings together the United Nations, governments, civil society, businesses, and grassroots organisations to build the capacity and raise the profile of local efforts to reduce poverty through the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

As sustainable community initiatives take root throughout the tropics, they are laying the foundation for a global movement of local successes that are collectively making a significant contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

The Equator Initiative is dedicated to: celebrating successful local initiatives; creating opportunities for sharing community experiences and good practice; informing policy and fostering an enabling environment for local action; and building the capacity of grassroots organisations to deliver results and scale-up impact.

Safari Adventure Company is an independent division operating within the Wilderness Safaris Group. It offers an authentic, adventurous safari experience that is aimed at nature enthusiasts and travellers of all ages, including families.