Selling game meat to promote sustainability
THE Covid-19 global pandemic has had a massive impact on international Safari tourism, and the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve has not been spared.
Fortunately, the reserve does not depend solely on Safari tourism, but has also developed its game ranching to generate income through the sale of game meat.
To date, this has been done locally to support the communities surrounding Somkhanda, addressing the food security and malnutrition issues of more than 200 families since the national lockdown was declared.
Linked to this, Wildlands (a programme of the Wildtrust) has recently partnered with Bosveld Game Meat and KZN Game Meat to drive a sustainable Wildlife Economy model through the sale of protein-rich game meat from the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve to a wider market.
The income generated will support sustainable conservation and community development, as the reserve provides protection for critically endangered wildlife and creates jobs for local people, employed both at the reserve and the neighbouring game ranch where the meat is processed.
“Off-takes for game meat sales are scientifically determined as part of our ecological management plan, aimed at conserving the habitat and health of our game on the reserve. Especially with winter coming, it is important that we decrease game numbers to prevent starvation from drought,” said Somkhanda Reserve manager Meiring Prinsloo.
“Based on the ecological management recommendations of the reserve, this opportunity was recognised as one of the most sustainable finance-generating strategies, to assist the reserve in earning the much-needed funds to drive operations and fill the gaps,” Prinsloo added.
For more information, visit: KZN Game Meat on Facebook or email: info@kzngamebreeders.co.za
To place orders, contact Janinedp@ wildtrust.co.za or call 082 326 2000 or Brian Pain of KZN Game Meat at 082 956 2288.