Stewardship of Natural Resources and the Environment operates as one of our core pillars and is deeply connected to the principles of Inner-Development/Inner-Leadership and Self-Knowledge, and Animal Anti-Cruelty, Welfare and Wellbeing. We acknowledge the sacredness of nature and affirm the vital importance of preserving, rehabilitating and revering our indigenous fauna and flora while promoting awareness of their value.

 

“We need to recognise the intrinsic rights of nature and animals so that human beings can coexist harmoniously within nature and not see nature as a commodity to be exploited.”
– The Sophia Philanthropic Foundation Ethos

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Guiding Principles

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• We support organisations that reflect our values and make ethical decisions in the best interests of animals and ecosystems.
   

• We exclude any programme involving any form of animal cruelty, hunting or trophy hunting.
   

• We will not support organisations, people and governments that wish to exploit/own/use the wilderness and its creatures for profit in the name of sustainable use.
   

• We prefer Conservation PBOs/NGOs over state-led programmes unless exceptional alignment with our vision is demonstrated.
   

• As we believe Inner-development is essential, we encourage projects that include a component of personal growth, self-reflection and conscious leadership, ensuring deeper and more sustainable outcomes.
   

Conservation must be grounded in respect, kinship, and mutual belonging, acknowledging the delicate web of life in which we are all entangled.
 

 

Priority Focus Areas
 

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation.
   

• Biodiversity protection, addressing threats such as habitat loss, invasive species, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
   

• Corridor creation in conservation, to allow for safe wildlife movement and the flourishing of indigenous species – especially in the Cape Floristic Region, a World Heritage Site.
   

• Programmes in the regional area of the Sabi Sand – where the Founder’s great appreciation, love and concern for wildlife evolved - to ensure a positive future for the wilderness, wildlife and communities through a holistic approach to conservation and sustainable tourism.

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We support the creation of corridors where indigenous wildlife can move safely and freely without persecution and where our vulnerable and threatened flora is protected and can thrive.

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