SANParks.org Forums

MAZDA TUNES IN TO HELP COUNTER POACHING

The Mazda Wildlife Fund has once again come out in support of important conservation issues. The annual Sunset Serenade, which took place at Letaba Camp in the Kruger National Park from 16 – 20 September 2009, was aimed at raising awareness of the important tireless work of the Honorary Rangers of the Counter Poaching and Ranger Support Services Unit of South African National Parks.

Mazda Wildlife Fund, in conjunction with Mazda Motor Corporation donated a cheque to the value of R100 000 to the Honorary Rangers at this year’s Sunset Serenade, taking the Mazda Wildlife Fund’s contributions to this cause, to a quarter of a million Rand over the past three years.

Jacques Brent, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa, presented the R100 000 cheque to John Turner, Chairman of the Honorary Rangers Counter Poaching and Ranger Support Services Unit.

The Honorary Rangers Organisation is a volunteer programme that aims to combat poaching in Southern Africa. “The Mazda Wildlife Fund, like the Honorary Rangers, is committed to supporting the conservation of South African wildlife,” commented Brent.

Poaching is an ever-increasing problem in South Africa. Syndicates involved in poaching tend to be extremely well armed, highly skilled and adept in the bush environment. For this reason rangers need to possess not only greater skills, but also high-quality equipment in order to match the onslaught. “We hope that our donation will help the Honorary Rangers and further their quest to counter poaching and conserve many endangered species,” added Brent.

The Sunset Serenade is now a regular event on Mazda’s calendar, and it aims to raise awareness of a number of projects supported by the Mazda Wildlife Fund. It gives attendees the opportunity to experience the beauty of South Africa’s environmental heritage. Guests were treated to the equal beauty of the music of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) and were able to take in the full wildlife experience of the Kruger National Park over the course of the weekend and experience for themselves the importance of South Africa’s wildlife.

The Mazda Wildlife Fund was formed in April 1990 and is committed to providing R1.5 million per annum for investment in the conservation of biodiversity for the benefit of all South Africans. Over the past 19 years it has invested over R24.5 million. In addition to the Honorary Game Rangers, the Mazda Wildlife Fund supports 30 non-government/non-profit organizations with 31 vehicles, which covers every aspect of conservation and environmental education. To date over 150 projects have received support from the Fund.

For further information on the Mazda Wildlife Fund, please visit http://www.mazdawildlife.co.za" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;