Reflecting on WILDTRUST’s Conservation Impact

At WILDTRUST, our work spans many facets of conservation. Our work explores innovative conservation and development pathways that underline the interconnectedness between people and planet.

The WILDLANDS programme of the WILDTRUST, led a number of impactful initiatives throughout 2026, from community clean-ups during Plastic Free July, raising awareness about responsible water use during World Water Week, to encouraging support for rhino conservation through our Adopt-A-Rhino programme. Each initiative demonstrates the power of collective action and what can be achieved when communities, partners and individuals come together with a shared purpose.

Creating Cleaner Communities Through Plastic Free July

The 2026 Plastic Free July clean-ups across Mbazwana, KwaJobe and the Tembe Hubs were about more than simply collecting litter. They were a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together to care for the environments they call home.

Every piece of plastic removed, every area restored and every individual who chose to take action contributed towards creating cleaner, healthier spaces for both people and nature.

Our WILDTRUST teams, together with our dedicated Youth Employment Services (YES) employees, worked tirelessly throughout the campaign, demonstrating that meaningful environmental change can begin with small, collective actions.

Plastic Free July 2026 was a tremendous success, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed their time, energy and passion to making the campaign possible.

While Plastic Free July may have come to an end, the responsibility to protect our environment continues. The campaign serves as a reminder that lasting change is built through everyday choices: reducing waste, keeping our communities clean, protecting natural spaces and encouraging others to take action.

Together, we can continue building resilient communities and a healthier planet, one small action at a time.

Water for People and Progress

From 23 to 27 August 2026, communities around the world observed World Water Week under the theme “Water for People and Progress.” The theme highlighted the importance of working towards a more just, equitable and water-secure future for people and the planet, particularly in the context of climate change.

The Mabasa community marked the occasion with an impactful day focused on water conservation, environmental education and responsible water use.

Organised by the Mabasa WILDTRUST team, the event brought together the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), Nedbank YES employees, learners from Inkosi Justice Nxumalo High School and members of the local community.

Through engaging presentations, participants explored the importance of protecting our water resources and the role that individuals and communities can play in safeguarding them.

One of the highlights of the day was a powerful drama performance by the YES team, which brought important messages around water conservation and responsible water use to life in a creative and engaging way.

The learning continued at the Bheki River, where 76 participants took part in a practical session focused on understanding water systems and environmental monitoring. The experience provided an opportunity to connect environmental knowledge with the importance of protecting local water resources.

The day concluded with a shared lunch and a renewed commitment to sustainable practices, environmental education and the protection of our water resources.

The message was clear, water security is a shared responsibility, and every drop counts.

Standing Together for Rhino Conservation

Our commitment to conservation also extends to protecting some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. World Rhino Day, celebrated annually on 22 September, provided an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the challenges facing rhino populations and the role that collective action can play in supporting their protection.

Rhinos have roamed Africa’s landscapes for millions of years, but today they continue to face significant threats, including poaching, habitat loss and, for some species, small and isolated populations that can make reproduction more challenging.

Across the five remaining rhino species, approximately 27,000 individuals remain globally.

Protecting these incredible animals requires more than conservation efforts on the ground. It requires people, communities, organisations and businesses to come together and support the work needed to safeguard rhino populations and the ecosystems they form part of.

Through the WILDTRUST Adopt-A-Rhino Programme, individuals, schools and businesses can contribute directly to rhino conservation. Funds raised through the programme support critical conservation initiatives, including interventions designed to reduce poaching risks and protect these threatened animals. One such intervention is dehorning, which can form part of a broader rhino protection strategy. In some private reserves, dehorning has been reported to be approximately 96% effective as a poaching deterrent, although it is not a standalone solution and must be undertaken alongside other conservation and security measures.

Every contribution towards rhino conservation helps strengthen the broader effort to protect South Africa's biodiversity and ensure that future generations can continue to experience these remarkable animals in the wild.

Adopt a rhino. Support conservation. Protect our wildlife.

Building a Future Where People and Nature Thrive

From removing plastic from community spaces and educating young people about water conservation, to supporting efforts to protect rhino populations, these initiatives represent different parts of the same bigger picture.

At WILDTRUST, we believe conservation is not separate from communities. People and nature are deeply connected, and protecting one means creating opportunities for the other to thrive.

Our work throughout 2026 has once again shown the power of collaboration. When communities, young people, conservation organisations, partners and individuals come together around a shared purpose, meaningful change becomes possible.

The journey does not end when a campaign concludes or when a commemorative day passes. It continues through the everyday actions we take to protect our environment, educate others, support conservation and build stronger communities.

Because when communities thrive, nature has a better chance to prosper too. And when we protect nature today, we help create a flourishing future for generations to come.