The WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust) works at the interface of conservation and human development. Originally established in 1989 as the Natal Conservation Trust, it amalgamated with the Wildlands Trust (founded 1990) in 2004. From humble roots in the KwaZulu-Natal Province, the TRUST has expanded its footprint across southern and East Africa, with projects as far afield as the Comoros.

Navigating an uncertain and ever-changing environment shapes an organisation that is adaptable, creative, and constantly innovative. Positively responding to international and local events that influence our donor and operating environment is a foundational asset of the WILDTRUST that continues to guide our journey as an organisation. Rather than fighting against various headwinds, our teams developed new and innovative ways of riding out the storm thus playing a leadership role in conservation and social development in southern Africa. Our specific focus remained on the challenges posed by the interconnected threats of biodiversity loss and climate change. In addressing these the Trust is spearheading various Nature-based Solutions to foster Ecosystem-based Adaptation thus strengthening the resilience of the natural areas and communities where we operate.

 

In addition to implementing practical projects to achieve our vision, the WILDTRUST has also played a leading role in advocating for policy change. This is becoming ever more important as the damaging effects of the Sixth Mass Extinction becomes more visible. This planetary scale loss of biodiversity is reducing the resilience of our ecosystems, exposing our vulnerability to climate change. It is felt globally through rising temperatures, raging wildfires and unprecedented floods and droughts, worsened by the loss of natural safety nets. To address these issues needs global action is required, and the Trust specifically lobbied for our government’s adoption of the global 30x30 target, the aim of which is to safeguard 30% of our planet’s lands and oceans by 2030. To achieve this, we have partnered with various leading southern African and international NGOs, making our collective voices heard. This is done against a complex historical background where access and ownership of land is a critical theme. Rather than seeing the achievement of a 30x30 goal as an instrument that will divorce people from their land, we advocate for a pathway that will drive human development through improved conservation. This is a foundation aspect of our flagship conservation programmes, including Somkhanda and Bhekula-Tshanini community conservation areas and our groundbreaking work with coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on access to marine resources.

 

Building on this, the cornerstone of the WILDTRUST implementation model remains a focus on the communities that depend on the ecosystems we conserve and restore. Our community work is conducted from a network of community resource centres/ community hubs where we provide training, work experience and a suite of additional services, including access to the information technology and business training. Understanding the severe economic and social impacts of youth unemployment, we focus strongly on youth development and have a dedicated Youth Employment Services (YES) Programme supported by our corporate donor partners. Our youth programme is integrated across our terrestrial and marine conservation work, enabling youth participation, and building awareness of critical conservation and development concepts across our communities. 

 

Creating awareness of the importance of our natural ecosystems is also a key underlying motivation for the various outdoor sporting events the WILDTRUST organises and are involved with. Through our events participants get an opportunity to experience wild places to re-connect with natural world and thus re-kindle an understanding of the importance of conserving our natural heritage. The events also raise funds directly for these areas, enabling the work of our conservation partners.

 

The work of the WILDTRUST is dependent on the continued support of our international and local donors and partners. We are extremely grateful for the continued support and commitment of key decision makers who believe in our vision and enable our teams to thrive.