Working with conservation and communities
We passionately believe that our greatest achievements will be seen in our collective ability to safeguard African wildlife and crucial wilderness areas in the face of ever increasing populations, poverty and the ultimate pressure on the land to sustain these heaving numbers. At Under African Skies we are committed to doing our best and then doing even better. Our love for Botswana reflects not just in our lodges, but in the community and conservation initiatives that we actively support. We believe in conservation, sustainability and in uplifting and empowering the warm-hearted communities around us.
CONSERVATION IMPACT
Boreholes Save Thousands of Lives
Until the recent floods in April 2020, years of drought in Angola had a devastating impact on water levels in the Okavango. Distressed by the numbers of animals perishing from thirst the Bestelink’s immediately sprang into action and with the support of generous donors, were able to sink more than 20 boreholes in 2019 which saved hundreds, if not thousands, of animals.
Anti-Poaching Units – Giving Wildlife a Fighting Chance
Included in the nightly rates at the lodges is a small fee that goes directly towards anti-poaching units in Botswana. Globally wildlife is under immense pressure. Sadly many people believe that wildlife is more valuable dead than it is alive. Until we can bring about a drastic change in global mindsets, we need to ruthlessly safeguard our most precious treasures from criminal syndicates. Guests choosing to stay with us, travel with purpose, knowing that their stay contributes directly to conservation.
Taking African Wildlife to the World
Brad Bestelink’s core motivation behind creating his now renown and award-winning wildlife documentary film brand, was always to share his love of Botswana’s wildlife with the world and in doing so, build the same passion in other hearts too. “If we don’t build love and admiration for the natural world that is so far removed from so many people’s lives, we have no chance of ever protecting and preserving it,” says Bestelink. Brad’s documentaries have been viewed by over 100 million people globally. Although these are impressive statistics, without visionaries like Brad creating reasons to believe in Africa, people would consider avoiding Africa entirely due to the negativity often painted in the media.
Revolutionizing Crocodile Research
Brad and his wife, Andrea, pioneered a new research technique for collecting vital information on crocodiles. The old research technique involved capturing crocodiles and pulling them onboard a research boat which was traumatic and dangerous for both crocodiles and the researchers. Brad and Andy bravely discovered that when crocodiles were approached under water as they were resting in their caves and on the river beds, the crocodiles barely noticed them at all. Blood and scale samples could be taken and the crocs would barely flinch. Through this new approach, vital information on the crocodiles of the Okavango have been recorded and much has been learnt about these giant reptiles.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Private Education for Staff’s Kids
Nelson Mandela believed education was the most powerful weapon that could be used to change the world. PJ Bestelink wholeheartedly agrees. Since 2004 PJ has been helping to fund the private education of some of his staff’s most aspiring kids in the hope that it would elevate their families lives and create leaders in communities who would champion the fight for wildlife and tourism. Each individual story is so heartwarming and includes children who have gone on to become doctors and activists.
Wildlife Film Screenings in Local Communities
Since 2018 Brad and his dedicated team have screened their wildlife documentaries, translated into Setswana, in the local communities in order to grow environmental awareness and education. For many locals, these screenings were the first time they ever experienced wildlife. With their feet in the sand, and a vast expanse of stars overhead, whole communities sat wide eyed, gaping but filled with awe at the fascinating creatures on the screens. Brad’s team are currently working towards translating 15 of their films into Setswana, Kalanga and Hambukushu in order to maintain the momentum of screenings and to expand its reach.
Employment Creation and Training
If local people do not benefit from tourism and business enterprise, it will not be a sustainable model. Under African Skies insists on only employing local people at our lodges and we spend countless hours on training. Many of our staff have been with us forever and are now an extension of our family. Through employment, they are able to uplift their families and elevate the quality of their lives. We have many future plans in the pipeline to engage communities further by empowering them with entrepreneurial skills to launch businesses and encourage independence. Watch this space!