Wilderness Foundation Africa

Wilderness Foundation Africa works across Species, Spaces and People to enable thriving natural ecosystems and wilderness areas, while striving to uplift the lives of disadvantaged youth in South Africa. Established in 1972 by Dr Ian Player and Magqubu Ntombela, WFA is a project-based non-profit and public benefit conservation and leadership organisation. The Conservation Programme focuses on the protection of iconic endangered species, and on establishing, developing and managing conservation areas, with an emphasis on ecological corridors which link protected areas. To date, we have added more than 1 million hectares to the formal conservation landscape in South Africa. The Youth Development Programme uses the healing power of nature to empower disadvantaged youth with skills training, personal development and environmental education. To date, more than 500 youth have received accredited vocational training and have been placed onto future pathways to sustainable livelihoods. Moreover, using advocacy to influence key environmental and conservation decisions and policy has been central to WFA's work. WFA played a leading role in the creation of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (now Isimangaliso); Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve; and the Okavango Delta.