Peace Parks Foundation works in partnership with governments in the southern African region to create networks of ecologically functional and economically sustainable transfrontier conservation areas that will ensure the preservation of southern Africa’s biodiversity; improve human well-being of vulnerable communities; and promote regional peace and stability.

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The Sophia Foundation’s first partnership with Peace Parks goes back to 2013 – refer PAST PARTNERSHIPS.  We have recently entered another partnership agreement with them, THE SOPHIA FOUNDATION RANGERS SUPPORT PROGRAMME, this time to supplement the Awards and Incentive Programme for field rangers in eight of their protected areas.

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The United Nations estimates the value of the illegal Wildlife Trade globally to be between $7 billion and $ 23 billion.  Field rangers are on the frontline of the battle to fight increasingly organised and well-equipped criminal syndicates.  Their salaries fall under the mandate of National Government and unfortunately do not reflect the associated risks involved. 

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In line with the vision and values of The Sophia Foundation, a condition of the partnership is that incentives and awards be given for anti-poaching successes as well as qualities of character.  Incentives will be paid to field rangers based on successes in recovering contraband and illegal wildlife products, and apprehending poachers with additional cash award for the best performing rangers in each area.  The training of rangers will include an aspect of personal growth and a ranger from each reserve will be selected to attend an Inner Leadership Course at the South African Wildlife College (SAWC) with the intention to:

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• further support the building of resilience in field rangers to be better able to meet the myriad of challenges and temptations they face in their work
   

• enable the development of life skills that will serve the rangers and their communities throughout their lives
   

• have a positive impact on the overall aim to conserve and protect wildlife.
   

A pilot Inner Leadership training was offered by SAWC in 2022.  As SAWC and Peace Parks are unfamiliar with the approach and methodology of Inner Leadership as prescribed by The Sophia Foundation, a vision and planning workshop was presented by The Sophia Foundation at the SAWC in 2023 on the topic of Inner Leadership and Development as a Core Competency in Conservation.  In response to a request, further offerings have been proposed by The Sophia Foundation for consideration by Peace Parks and the SAWC

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Contact: Brad Poole