Major Collaboration Set to Create a New Conservation Landmark in Mpumalanga

South Africa is on the verge of a historic development in conservation and ecotourism with Mpumalanga poised to become home to one of the nation's largest Big Five game reserves. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) stands at the forefront of this transformation through a strategic collaboration with The Aspinall Foundation and its South African arm, WeWild Africa. This synergy is set to ignite an era of unprecedented environmental stewardship and economic development for the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve and surrounding areas.

Situated in the heart of Mpumalanga, less than a three-hour-drive from major metropolitans like Pretoria and Johannesburg, the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve currently spans some 23,500 hectares. Its expansion to potentially 100,000 hectares through collaborative efforts with local communities and private landowners is underway.

The partnership shines as a premier example of how public and private sectors can align to promote conservation priorities. Over the next quarter of a century, these allies will embark on rejuvenating reserve infrastructure, bolstering conservation programs, and creating sustainable economic ventures for community members.

Iconic species, including lions, cheetahs, black rhinos, and elephants, are set to roam the reserve once more, enhancing biodiversity and enriching visitor experiences. With the introduction of unique ecotourism offerings, the reserve is not only anticipated to become a top wildlife destination but also a catalyst for job creation and skills development.

This collaborative project intends to infuse a minimum of R120 million into the reserve and its environs, injecting much-needed capital for environmental and community upliftment initiatives. The influence of The Aspinall Foundation and WeWild Africa in this joint effort marks a pioneering moment in South African conservation approaches, as it leverages the strengths of international NGOs.

Hekzin Vilikazi, the CEO of MTPA, lauds the partnership's potential to induce positive change for the people and wildlife of Mpumalanga. Damian Aspinall, the chairman of The Aspinall Foundation and WeWild Africa, envisions this project as a beacon for similar conservation collaborations across the country. The project underscores the value of alliances to sustainably manage and preserve natural assets for future generations while championing economic progress.

The Mpumalanga game reserve initiative stands as a testament to the shared vision of MTPA, The Aspinall Foundation, and WeWild Africa. Their dedication to environmental preservation and community empowerment through sustainable tourism practices promises to not only fortify Mpumalanga's position on the global conservation map but also to inspire a nationwide movement towards greater ecological and economic harmonization.