It is at times like this we see the vital role that sustainable tourism plays in supporting local communities. As international travel grinds to a halt almost overnight so does crucial funding to African communities, wildlife, and wildlands.

Cottars is an inspiring safari outfit with sustainability and conservation at its heart, so the world wide travel restrictions are set to have a devastating impact on the Olderkesi Conservancy, which is supported by Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust and the African Wildlife Foundation. Please read the following message from Calvin Cottar.

An appeal from Calvin Cottar, Chairman of CWCT

In the last few weeks, the world has changed. COVID-19 has reached nearly every area of the globe and is responsible for staggering damage within families, communities, cities and nations across the world.

Of paramount importance is the health and well-being of you and your loved ones. It is my sincerest hope that as you face this crisis, you and your family are well and able to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

These are extraordinary, challenging times. As people quarantine to cut off the spread of the coronavirus, tourism and related industries are plummeting. The hit on African communities, wildlife, and wildlands is devastating.

If you care about wildlife, conservation and local communities, please be aware that we have been deeply affected across the Olderkesi Community Conservancy in the Masai Mara, Kenya. On average, 62% of our trusts budget is supported by conservation fees from visitors to our properties and through safari operators. But these have dried up. This drastic reduction in tourism revenue is now jeopardizing the wellbeing of 6,000 Maasai families, endangered wildlife and the 7,000 acres of wild lands that Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust (CWCT) and African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) support. The situation is dire.

To ensure the continuation of this important work, the Trust has instituted a lean budget and will implement only the most vital activities — and senior leadership is taking a pay cut to ensure funds are allocated to our programs. We need to raise $200,000 to sustain the livelihoods of critical staff such as rangers and teachers, conserve wildlife and manage wild lands over the next 9 months.

The Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust is asking for your consideration of a gift to support CWCT’s important conservation and development work.
– Your gift of $5,000 could provide salaries and meals to 29 rangers for just under 6 months
– Your gift of $1,000 could provide nearly 4 weeks of critical community outreach regarding COVID-19 to vulnerable Maasai families in their native language of Maa
– Your gift of $500 could protect important habitat in the Olderkesi Conservancy
– Your gift of $100 could counter the Illegal Wildlife Trade in the Masai Mara

You can donate now via this link: www.awf.org/cottars

While the situation is desperate, we are hopeful. We are grateful that we have compassionate, generous friends like you, who can see us through this particularly challenging time. Thank you for your interest in wildlife and in the Maasai community, critical partners in our conservation work.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like more information.

Wishing you and your loved ones health and safety,
Calvin Cottar
calvin@cottarsafaris.com