An initiative of Amakhala Game Reserve

The Amakhala Conservation Centre has grown and developed since 2003 and is funded through donations, and in a long-term manner by a bed levy from the commercial lodges of Amakhala Game Reserve.

The ACC has 3 main objectives:

Research and Monitoring

To assist in the development of a sustainable environment on Amakhala Game Reserve by understanding the relationships between the vegetation, herbivores and carnivores within the ecosystem. This includes monitoring the effects of the animals on the plants as well as observing the behaviour, diet and spatial utilisation of the animals. Some of this work is done in collaboration with various organisations, including Rhodes University and Working on Fire.

Environmental Education

To develop an understanding and love of nature in the hearts of children who visit the centre, thus increasing awareness and concern so future generations can enjoy our natural habitats. Local school children attend education days at the ACC, notably during National Water Week (in March), World Environment Day (6 June) and during Arbor Week (in September). The ACC also runs African Ecology Expeditions for International Schools.

Conservation

To promote various projects which contribute to the greater “world” of conservation including:

• The 3C project by removing CARBON, involving COMMUNITIES and increasing CONSERVATION efforts in the Eastern Cape through a tree planting programme. Rural schools and the Isipho HIV/AIDS Project for small children benefit educationally by learning about trees and financially from the funds generated by this programme.
• The Going Green Project highlights the effects of global warming and what each of us individually can do to reduce, reuse and recycle things. This project is also aimed at the commercial lodges on Amakhala Game Reserve, as well as local communities.
• Harold Trollope Museum is housed by the ACC and tells the story of conservation in South Africa over the past 80 years. Harold Trollope was an early ranger in the Kruger National Park and the first Warden of the renowned Addo Elephant National Park.

New Projects

• Expansion of the environmental education projects to include Environmental Warrior Clubs in the local schools.
• Development of endangered species breeding programmes, initially aimed at the Flightless Addo Dung Beetle.
• Creating a sustainable energy environment at the ACC as an example to others; by growing our own vegetables, using solar energy to heat water and possibly wind energy to run the office equipment. The ACC already runs its vehicles on bio-diesel manufactured from recycled cooking oil.

Awards

Amakhala Conservation Centre is delighted to announce that on Thursday 26 June 2008 at the Kudu Award Ceremony; an annual SANParks event in Pretoria, the ACC was presented with: "Environmental Education/Capacity Building Merit Award”. For its commitment to conservation, through educational programmes which are aimed at imparting knowledge and skills to enhance the understanding of the environment.

Staff

Dr Jennifer Gush –Director
Mr Shahid Razzaq –Senior Researcher
Dr Nathalie Razzaq -Senior Researcher
Bex Outram – Volunteer
Ntisekelelo Mathole –General Assistant

To make a donation; volunteer to help us or subscribe to our newsletter please contact conservation@amakhala.co.za