Anti-poaching fundraiser date set
The Victoria Falls Anti-poaching Unit (VFAPU) will host its annual fundraising golf day on September 27 at the prestigious Borrowdale Brooke Golf Course in Harare.
This year’s event coincides with World Tourism Day, making it a significant occasion for conservation and tourism alike.
The golf day will see 128 players competing in support of VFAPU’S ongoing efforts to combat poaching and preserve wildlife in the Victoria Falls region.
This year’s event holds particular importance as it comes just a few months before Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the flagship property of hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) and a founding partner of VFAPU, celebrates its 30th anniversary on December 14.
Additionally, 2024 marks a key milestone for VFAPU, as it will be 25 years since the unit was formed in 1999 by the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and local conservationist Charles Brightman.
Over the past quarter-century, VFAPU has played a critical role in the protection of wildlife in and around the prime resort of Victoria Falls, making this golf day a crucial fundraiser for the unit’s continued operations.
Since its inception, VFAPU scouts have arrested over 1 030 hardened poachers, removed over 39 000 wire snares and rescued and treated over 600 mammals injured in snares.
VFAPU works closely with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks), the police and Victoria Falls City Council.
The unit has 15 scouts patrolling daily. It relies solely on donations to fund its operations.
AAT director Ross Kennedy emphasised the importance of this event, saying, “This fundraising golf day not only highlights the ongoing battle against poaching, but also showcases the synergy between tourism and conservation.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, it’s important to remember that our commitment to protecting our wildlife remains stronger than ever. The support we receive through initiatives like this allows VFAPU to continue its essential work on the ground.”
Kennedy is also a board member of Wildlife Conservation Coalition (WCC), a non-profit organisation which was formed following the merger of VFAPU and The Bhejane Trust in 2023 to take over the joint management of the two trusts to enhance their conservation footprint.
The Bhejane Trust is a Zimbabwe registered non-profit trust, established in 2010, with the objective of monitoring of the remaining black rhino population in the Sinamatella area of Hwange National Park, in conjunction with Zimparks and the Save the African Rhino Foundation of Australia.
“Bhejane” is the local Ndebele name for black rhino.
In a press statement, WCC general manager Nathan Webb said the “VFAPU has made significant strides in protecting our wildlife, but the fight is far from over”.
“Events like this golf day are crucial for raising the funds needed to sustain our efforts and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of the Victoria Falls region,” Webb said.
The fundraising golf day, which offers golf enthusiasts the opportunity to help conserve Zimbabwe’s wildlife through their participation, sponsorship and donations, promises to be a memorable event, with participants not only enjoying a day of golf, but also contributing to a cause that is vital to the preservation of Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.
The event will include lunch, drinks and evening snacks as well as a host of incredible prizes. All proceeds from the fundraiser go directly to VFAPU, with AAT bearing all the administrative costs of the day.
For more information on how to participate in this fundraising golf day or contribute to the VFAPU, contact Judy on golf@ africaalbida.co.zw or call +263 242 885200. — Staff Writer.