Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
Care for Wild Sanctuary bridges conservation and community
In the heart of South Africa’s bushveld, Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between wildlife conservation and community development.
Founded in 2011 by Petronel Nieuwoudt, the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary has evolved into the world’s largest orphaned rhino sanctuary, dedicated to saving not only rhinos but also the surrounding biodiversity and the people who depend on it.
Petronel’s vision extends beyond the preservation of rhinos, emphasising the intricate connection between rhinos and people. Nestled near the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, a Unesco World Heritage Site, the sanctuary has witnessed extraordinary growth, rescuing more than 100 rhinos in the past decade, setting a gold standard in rhino conservation.
At the forefront of Care for Wild Rhino’s commitment to community development is the Lomshiyo Community Farm, a collaborative effort with the Lomshiyo Community Trust. Spanning 100ha, the farm serves as a catalyst for nurturing futures and fostering self-reliance within the community. Petronel emphasises: “Our work at Lomshiyo is a testament to our belief in sustainable livelihoods.
“We’re not just growing crops; we’re cultivating hope.”
IT STANDS AS A BEACON OF HOPE FOR CONSERVATION AS WELL AS THE COMMUNITY
The Lomshiyo Community Farm encompasses vegetable and macadamia nut farming, providing employment and skill development for the local community. This aligns seamlessly with the sanctuary’s overarching ethos of conservation through community upliftment. The initiative not only sustains the community economically but also instils a sense of pride and responsibility for the surrounding environment In response to the COVID-19 challenges, Care for Wild demonstrated its commitment to sustainable agriculture and community support by distributing vegetable parcels to more than 4000 people in need, supporting 40 households within the community.
Looking ahead, the Lomshiyo Farming Project envisions expanding into a 500ha cropproducing farm, introducing citrus and avocado to meet local market demands. As the project grows, it holds the potential to train and employ additional community members, contributing to the permanent socio-economic development of the region.
Sustainability is the heartbeat of Care for Wild’s operations. From solar-powered facilities to responsible water management, the sanctuary exemplifies environmental stewardship. Beyond conservation efforts, the sanctuary engages the community through education programmes, sport initiatives, and support for the vulnerable, embodying a holistic approach to conservation.
Through their Rhino School of Conservation, Care for Wild runs various community projects, including the junior ranger programme, netball and soccer teams, after-school and school holiday clubs, additional tutoring, as well as offering skills development, training, and employment opportunities.
Care for Wild stands as a beacon, not only for rhino conservation but also for the transformative power of community-driven initiatives.
By intertwining conservation efforts with community development, the organisation is creating a model that safeguards endangered species and cultivates resilient, empowered communities for a sustainable future.