SaveNature.Org

California , USA

Identifying, preserving, protecting and managing areas rich in biological diversity is a staggering challenge which is too immense for one institution or one segment of society to meet alone. SaveNature.Org, in 1988, developed a model in-situ conservation program founded to unite keepers, zoos, aquariums, natural history museums, botanical gardens and science centers in a concerted conservation alliance to preserve threatened and endangered ecosystems in-situ world wide.

The deserts of the Kunene represent one of the last true wildernesses remaining in southern Africa . This very distinctive and floristically rich desert ecoregion is home to the famed desert elephants, as well as, a full complement of large carnivores (desert lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena) and healthy populations of ungulates (mountain zebra, giraffe, springbok, oryx and kudu). The Kunene is, also, the last remaining stronghold of the black rhino. Between the Skeleton Coast and Etosha parks, the Kunene ’s rocky desert, arid grasslands and dry riverbeds provide a sparsely populated corridor for iconic wildlife; the desert-dwelling black rhinoceros finds its last free-ranging stronghold in the Kunene .

SaveNature.Org has developed a new Adopt An Acre ® program in Namibia and is inviting keepers and keeper Chapters in the United States and around the world to partner together in an effort to support a new national park linking Skeleton Coast National Park and Etosha. Funds would help local communities establish sustainable economic opportunities from ecotourism. Additionally, a Land Acquisition Fund would be used for future habitat purchase. Conserving wildlife and generating income for local people—it’s a model the Kunene partnership hopes the ICZ will see value in participating.

Presently there are 145 zoos, aquaria, keeper chapters and like-minded institutions and businesses that are consortium participants in SaveNature.Org’s in-situ conservation programs. These institutions along with their dedicated staff have taken a leadership role in encouraging their members and visiting public to make a direct contribution to saving wildlife in nature.

Creating a national park for people and wildlife

Kunene conservation region, Namibia