Community Conservation Partnership (15-minute Video)

Conservation has been a key objective of the SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association since its inception in 1949.

The Association has evolved into a locally and internationally respected organization that supports an integrated and rational approach to conservation.

It is recognized within the wildlife sector for its thought leadership in responsible wildlife management and the scientific community for contributing to applied research, innovation and knowledge transfer.

It is critical to acknowledge human dependency on functioning ecosystems and its role as a cornerstone for sustainable economic growth and rural development.

The key focus is securing wildlife habitats and associated biodiversity and promoting responsible wildlife utilization based on economic efficiency, social responsibility, and ecological sustainability principles.

Wildlife as a land use must be able to compete economically with other forms of land use, or it will disappear.

Hunting is an essential contributor to this and helps fund private conservation initiatives.

However, its future depends on demonstrating how it contributes to conservation, food security, human well-being and socio-economic development.

Growing the wildlife economy is a centerpiece of SA Hunters' conservation strategy, and the organization is involved in various projects across the country.

SA Hunters member Nico Harris from the Umfolozi branch is a partner in Vriendskap farming enterprises in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Several years ago, Nico and the regional farmers' association initiated a land reform project involving the local communities.