“The Wilderness Foundation concept began in 1972. It has a basic belief-that wilderness is the foundation upon which our society exists. Cultural heritage is inextricably linked to biodiversity of our country" explains Andrew Muir of the Wilderness Foundation.
The foundation's purpose is to create models for the preservation of biodiversity and wilderness. They focus on working with government, civil society and the private sector and aim to influence people’s perception of wilderness and maximize the benefits all communities and wildlife gain from its preservation.
The Wilderness Foundation has been in partnership with SANParks on the Imbewu Project since it was founded in 1996. They have raised R8 million for the running of the Imbewu Trails in Kruger, Tsitsikamma, Namaqua and Addo National Parks. Imbewu was designed by the Wilderness Foundation and enthusiastically adopted by SANParks in recognition of the need to allow all South Africans and especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds access the park in a manner that recognizes the value of their culture. 6000 youth have experienced a 3 night wilderness camp.
Imbewu contributes to a learner’s individual growth and self esteem, as well as building a schools relationship with the park. The concept is being adopted or replicated in other African Countries in recognition of it’s worth.
• Respect for equality of all life forms with none having domination over the other
• Respect for all cultures, honoring all as being equal and using the richness of elements from many
• Adoption of better practices towards sustainable living
• Recognizing that education needs to take place both in a head and heart mode to facilitate actions
• Recognizing that we need to look at the story that unconsciously guides our lives and take guidance from first people.
• To drop the Eurocentric and affirm the Afrocentric wherever relevant
• Co-ordinate a youth empowerment program of regional and national scope tp restore self-identity, self-esteem and natural heritage links
• To kindle a consciousness to nature and culture at individual and community level
• Root conservation in an African context
• Influence the formal education sector towards constructivist learning methods
• To create local initiatives led by youth that impact in community and increase capacity for self-sustaining
“I would like them to carry the importance of nature in their hearts like I do. I would like them to be leaders tomorrow. I would like them to carry this seed to fruition”, says Simeone Mpangane, founder Imbewu Elder
