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About Mokolodi Nature Reserve |
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The Mokolodi Wildlife Foundation was formed in 1991 with the aim of
promoting wildlife conservation and environmental education for the
children of Botswana. The first project of the Foundation was the
creation of the Mokolodi Nature Reserve in 1994 on 30 square km of
donated land outside Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. In addition to
naturally-occurring animal species such as warthogs, steenbok, kudu and
a variety of snakes, several species have been re-introduced e.g. zebra,
giraffe, eland, ostrich, hippos and rhinos.
In a short time the Reserve, with the financial and moral
support of the local and international business community, has built
itself up to be a nationally recognised educational, conservation and
tourist facility. The Reserve is now not only home to a diversity of
flora and fauna, but also houses one of two wild animal orphanages in
Botswana. Mokolodi, through its White Rhino relocation programme, led
the re-introduction of White Rhino in the Okavango area (northern part
of Botswana). Following this, more white rhino have since been relocated
in that area.
It has the country's only Wild Cheetah Transit Station for
the relocation of "problem" cheetahs brought in by ranchers, and four
young, orphaned African elephants who are being raised as a joint
venture with the Serendib Elephant Orphanage.
These and other wildlife and nature conservation projects on
the Reserve are utilised in formulating a comprehensive environmental
education programme for thousands of school children, from various
educational levels, who pass through the Education Centre each year.The
Education Centre is equipped with sleeping accommodation and facilities
for up to 80 children at a time. Well qualified staff use the "outdoor
classroom" to instill a love of nature, and a sense of ownership of
Botswana's national treasures in local children. The Grey Water
Recycling project, the Permaculture Garden, and the Wild Animal
Sanctuary form a part of this programme.
The philosophy behind Mokolodi Nature Reserve is that income
from tourism and the sustainable use of wildlife and natural resources
is used to subsidise the conservation projects and the environmental
education programme. After an initial struggle, this is being achieved,
and Mokolodi now covers its recurrent costs, employing over 70 people
whereas previously, as a cattle ranch, the land employed only 9 people.
The majority of the employees are residents of the neighbouring Mokolodi
village. As a result of this intimate relationship with the village, the
local community has a strong sense of ownership over the Reserve. The
Reserve is actively involved in developing community facilities, while
improving the standard of living for all the residents of Mokolodi. The
Ditshwene Traditional Dance Troupe, made up of family members of
Mokolodi employees, is a self-formed group of youngsters who perform at
specific Reserve activities. They are paid for their performances and
the money they make is collected and directed towards furthering their
education. Mokolodi Nature Reserve is therefore a most interesting
project, involving education, conservation, tourism and rural community
interaction all in one.
The abundance of wildlife and the peace and tranquility of
Mokolodi makes the park an ideal holiday destination for those who want
a vacation with a difference. Four chalets located close to a water hole
provide a perfect holiday haven.
Source: official web of
Mokolodi Nature
Reserve (2010)
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