Hall of Fame Series: Inductee Derek Joubert
Great Plains Foundation: Conservation Meets Luxury Safari Experiences
Introducing Derek Joubert from the Great Plains Foundation as one of our Hall of Fame inductees! While famous for his work at National Geographic one of his greatest achievement is the work on his foundation.
The Great Plains Foundation's goal is its commitment to conservation and community empowerment in Kenya, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. The commercial backbone of the organisation is its world-class safari offerings. The organisation combines hands-on wildlife protection with sustainable luxury tourism, creating a holistic approach to preserving Africa's most iconic landscapes.
Conservation Achievements in 2024
Biodiversity Monitoring: Teams in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya expanded AI-driven wildlife monitoring, including aerial surveys capturing detailed data on species like vultures, elephants, and lions. These efforts improve ecosystem analysis and conservation planning.
Project Rewild: The 2022 translocation of 101 elephants into Zimbabwe’s Sapi Reserve continues to thrive. Monitoring reveals promising behavioral adaptations among herds, emphasizing the importance of long-term observation.
Sapi Reserve Initiatives: Conservation technologies, such as Earth Ranger, facilitate real-time wildlife tracking. Collaborative efforts in ichthyology and DNA sampling enrich understanding of aquatic ecosystems along the Zambezi River.
Big Cats Initiative: Grantees supported jaguar rescue efforts in Brazil, lion coexistence programs in Kenya and Tanzania, and anti-poaching patrols across Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Community Empowerment in 2024
Female Rangers: Women wildlife rangers engaged in leadership training and community conservation education while excelling in fitness programs like the Wildlife Ranger Challenge.
Youth Engagement: Conservation education camps reached over 200 children across Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, teaching ecological awareness and sustainable practices.
Solar Mamas: Over 200 solar systems were installed in Botswana, empowering women to generate income, build homes, and fund education through renewable energy.
Conservation Goals: A sports-for-conservation tournament in Botswana drew 1,000 attendees, fostering awareness among youth through sports and dialogue.
Educational Support in 2024
School Food Program: Over 630,000 meals were distributed in Kenyan schools this quarter, improving attendance, performance, and opportunities for 54 schools.
Sponsored Teachers: Support for 37 teachers in Kenya ensured enhanced education for nearly 2,500 students.
Scholarships: Six Kenyan students in conservation leadership programs gained hands-on experience in environmental and wildlife management, fostering the next generation of conservation leaders.
Sustainability and Restoration in 2024
Conservation Roots: Planting 790 indigenous trees across multiple regions mitigates soil erosion and enhances climate resilience. Partnerships with local communities amplify this impact.
Community-Led Projects: The Naboisho Women’s Group in Kenya expanded their crafts business with new leatherworking skills and a visitor center to increase market reach.
The Great Plains Foundation’s integrated approach to conservation and community development underscores their commitment to building healthy ecosystems and empowered communities. These programs rely on the continued support of donors and partners to thrive, ensuring a sustainable future for people and wildlife alike.
Learn more or contribute to their efforts at GreatPlainsFoundation.com.
Luxury Safari: Connecting Guests to Nature
The safari experiences offered by Great Plains Conservation blend adventure, conservation, and luxury. Their camps, like the Mara Plains in Kenya and Duba Plains in Botswana, are designed for exclusivity and intimacy. Here’s what sets them apart:
Personalized Adventures: Guests enjoy tailored activities like guided bush walks, game drives, and river safaris. Whether it's the vibrant wildlife of the Maasai Mara or the serene floodplains of the Okavango Delta, each camp provides unique encounters with Africa’s iconic animals.
Sustainable Design: Camps like the Selinda and Zarafa in Botswana are built with recycled materials, showcasing eco-friendly luxury. With minimal ecological footprints, they preserve the environment while offering guests comfort.
Exclusive Wildlife Experiences: Camps such as Mara Nyika allow private access to conservancies with low vehicle densities, ensuring tranquil game viewing. Guests can witness the Great Migration, track predators like lions, or explore under the starry African sky
Camps Supporting Conservation
Every safari stay directly supports Great Plains Foundation's initiatives. For example:
Botswana’s Duba Concession offers canoe safaris amidst palm-dotted islands, while funds help protect species like leopards and elephants.
Zimbabwe’s Tembo Plains Camp merges luxury with impactful contributions to preserving the Zambezi River’s biodiversity