Help Wide Horizons rise from the ashes

Dear Supporters,

Thank you for your generous contributions to our project "Help Wide Horizons Rise from the ashes" on GlobalGiving. In the wake of a devastating wildfire that swept through Wide Horizons, causing extensive damage to our landscape, Main Lodge and other infrastructure, your support has been invaluable. With your help, we are working to protect and sustain this unique habitat for future generations against the odds. Your contributions are empowering us to safeguard the natural environment, uplift our local community, and ensure lasting conservation efforts.

Achievements and Community Impact to Date
Your donations have allowed us to take significant steps toward safeguarding this precious habitat and supporting the local community that depends on it. Here’s what we’ve achieved together so far:
• Anti-Poaching and Conservation Efforts:
Our staff serve as stewards of the environment, with members actively contributing to anti-poaching efforts. Since the fire, we have faced a rise in reported poaching incidents, highlighting the increased vulnerability of the land and wildlife. In response, we have ramped up our staffing to ensure a stronger presence across the area. With the invaluable assistance of an outside company, we have brought in an additional two staff members who serve dual roles in veld management and security. This expanded team now operates on-site, helping to deter poachers and reinforcing our commitment to protecting these natural resources.
These efforts are critical for preserving the area’s unique biodiversity, which includes both animals and bird species as well as native plants. By maintaining a visible presence and actively safeguarding the landscape, our team plays a vital role in protecting the ecological balance that makes this region so special. Their work not only protects wildlife but also supports sustainable tourism, which in turn benefits the broader community and contributes to long-term environmental stewardship.
• Alien Vegetation Control:
With the funds raised, and by keeping our staff employed, we have also conducted essential alien vegetation control. Removing invasive species helps protect native flora, which in turn supports local wildlife and prevents the spread of plants that could harm the ecosystem. This effort contributes to a healthier, more resilient habitat, ensuring that native species—both plants and animals—can thrive without competition from non-native plants that deplete resources and alter soil conditions. Our staff regularly remove and manage these plants, creating space for grasslands to return and establishing a safer environment for endemic species to flourish.
• Employment and Community Support:
We are proud to report that, with your help, we have been able to keep 9 dedicated staff members employed, each of whom supports their families through this vital work. In our rural community, every job created or preserved has a ripple effect. These staff members play a crucial role not only in their households but also in supporting the resilience and well-being of our local community.

Challenges and Needs Moving Forward
While we have made great strides, we face ongoing challenges that underscore the need for continued support. Rising costs of essential supplies, unpredictable weather, and the need for additional resources are all factors that make our work more difficult. However, your contributions keep us moving forward, allowing us to adapt and strengthen our conservation and eco-tourism practices.

What’s Next: Upcoming Goals
In the coming months, our focus will be on:
• Enhancing Patrols and Anti-Poaching Efforts
We will continue with our patrols to safeguard the diverse wildlife and plants that inhabit our region. This includes maintaining a stronger, more visible presence at key boundary areas to deter potential threats and protect vulnerable species.
• Expanding Alien Vegetation Control
As part of our habitat restoration efforts, we will continue managing and removing invasive plant species. This practice is crucial for protecting native flora and preserving the delicate ecological balance, which in turn supports local wildlife and enhances the natural beauty of the area for visitors.

A Call for Continued Support
Every dollar makes a difference, and each donation level contributes uniquely to our mission. Your support enables us to carry on this vital work and brings us closer to our vision of a protected, thriving ecosystem.

In Closing
Thank you once again for joining us in this important journey. The wildfire’s impact was devastating, but with your support, we are rebuilding stronger, more resilient ecosystems and supporting a community that depends on these resources. Together, we are fostering a brighter, sustainable future for all who call this area home, turning tragedy into an opportunity for renewal and growth.

With gratitude,
The Wide Horizons Team

Links:

• http://www.widehorizonsretreat.com