A lifetime award

On March 9th, 2023, our Chairman, Adrian Gardiner, was awarded the prestigious Global Humanitarian Award by Global Humane. As the Community Conservation Fund – Africa NPC, we are incredibly proud of Adrian and his contributions to the conservation industry and the communities in which we operate. The award was presented to Adrian by American Humane President and CEO, Dr Robin Ganzert who spoke in recognition of all that Adrian has achieved for animals, people and conservation. American Humane has been committed to helping ensure the safety, welfare and well-being of animals all over the world since its inception in 1877. 

Adrian Gardiner has been a leading figure in conservation and sustainable tourism in Africa for over three decades. He founded the Mantis Collection, a group of luxury hotels and eco-lodges that prioritize sustainable tourism practices and have a positive impact on the local communities and wildlife. Adrian’s vision for sustainable tourism is one that values the environment and the people who call it home, and his work has inspired countless others in the industry to follow in his footsteps.

In addition to his work with the Mantis Collection, Adrian is the Chairman of the Community Conservation Fund – Africa NPC, an organization that works to conserve wildlife and support rural communities in southern Africa. The CCFA has a holistic approach to conservation, recognizing that the health and well-being of communities and ecosystems are interconnected. Through partnerships with local communities and conservation organizations, the CCFA has successfully implemented programs that benefit both people and wildlife.

One such program is Greening the Community, an initiative focused on long-term empowerment and environmental sustainability for the local community of Kwa Nobuhle in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape. Its primary objective is to promote environmental awareness practices at the grassroots level, with a particular emphasis on inspiring change and motivating young people to take an active role in creating a prosperous future for all. The CCFA youth development initiative, Greening Young Futures, was born out of the Greening the Community project.

Another program that the CCFA has implemented is the Cheetah Rewilding Project at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve, the home of our CCFA Legacy Project. The project is an ambitious undertaking aimed at reintroducing captive cheetahs into the wild while simultaneously empowering community members. By doing so, the project aims to establish a direct, mutually beneficial connection between endangered wildlife and the local community.

Adrian’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in the success of the CCFA and its programs. His commitment to sustainable tourism and community-benefit conservation has not only benefited southern Africa but has also set an example for the global tourism industry. The Global Humanitarian Award is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions, and we are honoured to have him as our Chairman.

As the CCFA, we recognize that conservation is not a one-person job. It takes a collective effort from individuals, organizations, and communities to make a lasting impact. However, having a leader like Adrian Gardiner at the helm inspires us to continue working towards our vision of a world where people and wildlife thrive together.

We hope that Adrian’s recognition by Global Humane will inspire others to take action towards conservation and sustainable tourism. As a conservation organization, we believe that everyone has a role to play in protecting our natural resources and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. By working together, we can make a difference and create a world where people and wildlife can coexist in harmony.

Additional information:

• Our Legacy Conservation Project at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve
• Our official ecotourism partner, Mantis

How to support the CCFA

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