Namibia Ranger Outfitting Project
Donation protected
We've always believed travel can be a force for good, so with international travel put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic, the impact on local communities and conservation efforts dependent on tourism has been devastating.
Until international travel can resume in earnest, we've put our heads together and come up with a way to tackle an urgent need in the Namibian conservation community – sponsoring the equipment and outfitting of the Rhino and Lion Rangers.
Rangers dedicate their working lives to the protection of Namibia’s threatened iconic species, spending an incredible amount of time in the field exposed to the harsh elements of a desert environment for data collection and anti-poaching efforts. As such, Rangers need to be equipped with field uniforms and gear, much of which must be replaced on an annual basis given the demands of the environment and the frequency of use. This gear includes boots, socks, trousers, shirts, hats, backpacks, headlamps, water bottles, jackets, bedrolls, tents, binoculars, and GPS devices.
June through September typically sees the most tourists in Namibia, however, COVID–19 has abruptly cut off this critical means of support. While we are happy to report that ranger salaries have been secured for another year, they will unfortunately not have funding for gear renewal until late 2021 at the earliest, which means some rangers will be wearing the same boots for two full years, covering 25 km a day in them.
Wilderness Travel and our partners on the ground are organizing emergency financial relief to the amazing team of Namibian Rhino and Lion Rangers, some of whom you met on your trip with us. We are hoping you will consider assisting us in making sure these rangers have the gear they need to continue their critical work. Our goal is to raise $5,500 USD in support of a team of about 70 people.
WT is not an NGO, nor do we have a non-profit arm, so these donations will not be tax-deductible.
Until international travel can resume in earnest, we've put our heads together and come up with a way to tackle an urgent need in the Namibian conservation community – sponsoring the equipment and outfitting of the Rhino and Lion Rangers.
Rangers dedicate their working lives to the protection of Namibia’s threatened iconic species, spending an incredible amount of time in the field exposed to the harsh elements of a desert environment for data collection and anti-poaching efforts. As such, Rangers need to be equipped with field uniforms and gear, much of which must be replaced on an annual basis given the demands of the environment and the frequency of use. This gear includes boots, socks, trousers, shirts, hats, backpacks, headlamps, water bottles, jackets, bedrolls, tents, binoculars, and GPS devices.
June through September typically sees the most tourists in Namibia, however, COVID–19 has abruptly cut off this critical means of support. While we are happy to report that ranger salaries have been secured for another year, they will unfortunately not have funding for gear renewal until late 2021 at the earliest, which means some rangers will be wearing the same boots for two full years, covering 25 km a day in them.
Wilderness Travel and our partners on the ground are organizing emergency financial relief to the amazing team of Namibian Rhino and Lion Rangers, some of whom you met on your trip with us. We are hoping you will consider assisting us in making sure these rangers have the gear they need to continue their critical work. Our goal is to raise $5,500 USD in support of a team of about 70 people.
WT is not an NGO, nor do we have a non-profit arm, so these donations will not be tax-deductible.
Organizer
Wilderness Travel
Organizer
Berkeley, CA
