SUSTAINABILITY
THE LONG RUN
We have signed The LONG RUN charter, a declaration of intent and commitment to promoting more sustainable lifestyle choices and building a more sustainable future. We are truly honoured to have been accepted as an affiliate member. One of our aims as an affiliate is to connect you, our guests, to Global Ecosphere Retreats® and other tourism businesses that meet The LONG RUN gold standard of excellence in sustainability – positively impacting the conservation of wildlife and improving the well-being of local communities through the 4Cs (conservation, community, culture and commerce).
Oncafari Jaguar Project
There are of course a number of fantastic non-profit organizations that we support however we have chosen the Oncafari Jaguar Project as our main priority. Bellingham Safaris involvement with the Oncafari Jaguar project represents our core principles of RESPECT, GUIDE, PROTECT. The Oncafari Jaguar project is an independent non-profit organization, please click this link for further information on our involvement – it deserves its own page.
Total amount donated from our guests to Oncafari Project: $30 500
Rhinos without Borders
Currently all tours that we run and that make use of andBeyond properties include a donation from Bellingham Safaris to Rhinos without Borders. This does not impact on the cost of your tour.
Rhinos Without Borders is a project aimed at moving 100 rhinos from the highest poaching zones in South Africa, to the lowest poaching zones in the whole of Africa, Botswana – to save them from the poaching crisis. It is a modern day Noah’s ark for rhino genes and we hope that this seed population will increase in size and have a positive impact on the rhino population, which is currently in deficit with more rhinos dying than are being born. Once the rhinos reach Botswana they are protected by anti-poaching teams, who also protect other species in the process.
Total amount donated from our guests to Rhinos without Borders: $50 000
Africa Foundation
Together with eco-tourism operators and in consultation with the communities themselves, Africa Foundation facilitates socio-economic development of rural communities, predominantly those living in or adjacent to conservation areas, which assists in the protection of Africa’s heritage. Africa Foundation makes a measurable difference in the communities into which they are invited into and support. The projects they facilitate are based on two simple principles – community participation and local leadership.
Total amount donated from our guests to Africa Foundation: $14 500
Children in the Wilderness
Bellingham Safaris is partnering with Children in the Wilderness to host 24 kids for 3 nights on safari in Zimbabwe (at Wilderness Safaris Davison’s Camp in Hwange National Park).
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WILDLIFE ACT
Wildlife ACT Fund is a non-profit trust on a mission to save our planets’ endangered wildlife and wild places from extinction. Passionate, experienced, on-the ground conservationists doing critical work where it’s needed most. Delivering time and expertise, implementing anti-poaching measures, finding and funding equipment, and educating local communities.
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLIERS
Our choice of properties is based not only on guest experience and quality of service but also on a demonstration of commitment to conservation, green operations and tangible benefits to the local communities.
GREEN OFFICE OPERATIONS
Printing is done on Triple Green paper. Triple Green paper is made primarily from sugar cane fiber, using a bleaching process that is elemental chlorine-free. All wood fibre used in production is sourced from sustainable and internationally certified sources.
We do not print a traditional brochure and we have a digital itinerary and app – we would rather save trees.
We recycle all paper, plastic and glass used in the office. Food waste is composted. Plastic use is minimal and where possible certified plastic neutral.
Locally sourced consumables are used wherever possible – this includes our BELLINGHAM SAFARIS clothing and accessories range which is “proudly South African”.
All new appliances are “energy saving” including light bulbs.
We have moved to laptops that use significantly less energy than desktops.
We have a solar pholtovoltaic (PV) system for our electrical needs.
Rainwater is harvested.
WILDLIFE VIEWING CODE OF CONDUCT
In order to minimize any negative impacts our guides have been trained in a strict code of conduct whilst viewing wildlife. The rules are a condition of employment by Bellingham Safaris and are designed to reduce the impact of human presence on the natural environment. This is available to you on request.