-
Our future
Lapalala’s sustainability commitment extends beyond environmental conservation.
The reserve’s biodiversity efforts centre on building awareness of the interdependence between mankind and nature to deliver lasting benefits for communities, the environment and the country as a whole. It’s a bold vision, and one that requires courage, commitment and no small amount of funding to achieve.
-
To give effect to this vision, Duncan Parker, son of Lapalala founder, Dale Parker, has teamed up with Gianni Ravazzotti, Lapalala neighbour and a highly respected South African business leader, and together as the operational establishment board with Mike Gregor and wildlife property specialist Peter Anderson an ambitious plan has been designed to safeguard the legacy and build the future of Lapalala Wilderness.
The plan comprises five main components, namely:
- A sustainable low volume, high value wildlife tourism model designed to create work opportunities, transfer of skills and the establishment of an inclusive wildlife economy in support of tourism business in the reserve.
- The establishment of a conservation endowment fund, managed by the Lapalala Wilderness Foundation NPC, which is a registered PBO, with a sustainability objective to cover all reserve operational costs and to assist with community projects.
- A special species breeding project where roan antelope, sable antelope and cape buffalo are bred for release into the Lapalala reserve open system from time to time. The diversity of species within Lapalala is a unique feature of the reserve.
- A legacy based Custodianship model open to individuals who share the conservation ideals of Lapalala, this is a unique opportunity to invest and participate in the future of the reserve.
- The development of a new Lapalala Wilderness School by the Mapula Trust to effectively double the size of the existing school and continue on the successful model as a leading youth environmental education facility.
