12 GIRAFFES DONATED TO MAKHASA CCA THROUGH iSIMANGALISO GEF-7 PROJECT

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, working together with its conservation partner Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, has donated 12 Giraffes to Makhasa Community Conservation Area (CCA), also known as Makhasa Private Game Lodge. Makhasa CCA located in Hluhluwe, is a 2867ha community owned conservation area adjacent to iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The Makhasa game lodge is owned and operated by the Makhasa community trust, that owns the nature reserve, and a vast portion of the land within the Munywana Conservancy.

iSimangaliso, in collaboration with the GEF-7, has been in discussions with Makhasa concerning the developments and initiatives for which they seek assistance, from iSimangaliso. One of the primary objectives of GEF-7, is to enhance and expand the benefits for local communities across the three biodiversity economic sectors (wildlife, bio-trade/bioprospecting, and ecotourism). This is to be achieved by mobilizing financial resources and enhancing the capacity to implement the Biodiversity Economy

Commenting about the donation, the Director of Makhasa CCA Mr. Thokozani Mlambo said he is happy with the ongoing relationship that Makhasa has with iSimangaliso. “A few years ago, we requested for game animals from iSimangaliso and infrastructure development as we also have a lodge. Recently, iSimangaliso delivered 12 giraffes, and we hope more animals will be donated soon, and delivered together with other requests that we submitted to iSimangaliso and the GEF-7”, said Mr. Mlambo. Makhasa has requested for iSimangaliso's support in the construction of a spa, gym, conference hall, donation of game and registration for stewardship