Join Steppes Travel to discuss The Future of Conservation in Africa 

with Rian Labuschagne

from African Parks and Zakouma National Park, Chad

 The Royal Geographical Society, Monday 14th September 2015 at 7pm

Following the recent successful reintroduction of lion to Rwanda's Akagera National Park, African Parks' groundbreaking conservation initiatives are continuing into Chad.  With support from the Chadian President, Idriss Déby, African Parks intend to reintroduce black rhino to Zakouma National Park in 2016, making Zakouma the closest park to Europe with the Big Five.

Zakouma National Park is already a major conservation success story.  Severe poaching saw elephant numbers drop dramatically from over 4,000 in 2006 to 454 in 2011.  However, with the involvement of African Parks since 2010, and the introduction of new anti-poaching methods, improved security and fully committed community engagement, no elephant has been poached for two years.  As a direct result of local participation and the awareness of the value of the wildlife, the herd has been allowed to prosper unthreatened, and 40-50 calves have been born in the past 18 months.

In bleak contrast, Tanzania has lost two-thirds of its elephant population in just four years: from 109,000 in 1976 to 13,084 in 2013.  Even more worryingly, one year on, and the number had decreased a further 60% to 8,200 elephants.  With demand for ivory tusks on the increase, Tanzania's once healthy elephant population is suffering from severe and ruthless poaching. 

The role that African Parks plays is crucial in stopping the decimation of the elephant population, and Steppes Travel is delighted to be hosting an evening at The Royal Geographical Society on 14th September 2015 with African Parks Manager, Rian Labuschagne, who will be discussing the success story of elephant conservation in Zakouma National Park and the future of community endorsed conservation across Africa.  

Rian's story is one of great sadness and great joy; about the sacrifice, vision and hope of so many.  When Rian arrived with his wife in Zakouma 5 years ago, Chad was a country surrounded by conflict, and Zakouma a dangerous wilderness where rangers and elephants were targeted and killed.  But parallel to the violence and the great sadness they encountered, the last-standing Sudano-Sahelian ecosystem also revealed many pleasant surprises for them.  Namely, the beauty, the abundance of other species of wildlife and birds, and the generosity and bravery of the local communities, who regularly put themselves on the front line to protect their wilderness region.  A conservation project that they now whole heartedly believe in. 

A South African native, born and raised in Malawi, Rian has had many experiences advising and assisting on African conservation projects in various African countries.  After 10 years as section ranger in the Kruger and the Kalahari National Parks with National Parks in South Africa, Rian became a consultant for the SADC Programme for Rhino Conservation and a Project Development Officer in the Liwonde National Park (1990-1995) for the South Africa/Malawi Wildlife Project.  Rian has also served as Chief Technical Advisor for the Rhino Conservation Projects in the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park, on behalf of the Frankfurt Zoological Society.  Before joining African Parks he was Managing Director of Grumeti Reserves Ltd. in the Serengeti District of Tanzania.  

Justin Wateridge, Managing Director at Steppes Travel says, “Following the tight grip on poachers in Zakouma National Park, Chad now has a visionary future with impressive 400-strong herds of elephant.  This is mainly thanks to African Parks, and we hope that such a conservation model will encourage other countries and governments to act similarly.  There is no one more qualified to talk about this than Rian Labuschagne, whose passion for wildlife and conservation is all encompassing."

Do have a look at a fascinating synopsis of what Chad is all about, in particular Rian Labuschagne discussing the effects of poaching: http://www.steppestravel.co.uk/future-of-conservation-with-rian-labuschagne  

Tickets to Rian's talk on the Future of Conservation at The Royal Geographical Society on Monday 14th September 2015 7pm cost £15 (proceeds donated to African Parks) and can be bought here. 

 For further press information please contact: Cedar Tree Public Relations Ltd

Frangelica Flook frangelica.flook@cedartreepr.com

Henrietta Quicke henrietta.quicke@cedartreepr.com

T: +44 (0) 20 7978 4534 M: +44 (0) 7747 606 898 

Note to Editors:

Steppes Travel offers two group trips: 'Zakouma, Elephants & The Nomads of Chad' departing 31 January 2016 and 28 February 2016

11 days costs from £6,450 per person excluding flights

With the option of extending the trip to visit the Ennedi Desert, in North-East Chad.

About Steppes Travel:

Specialist tour operator Steppes Travel designs innovative tailor-made itineraries for 'off the beaten track' trips. With over two decades' experience in the industry, Steppes Travel fields a team of creative, knowledgeable and responsible experts committed to providing ethical, pioneering journeys all over the world.

Steppes offers exceptional wildlife holidays focusing on conservation with sustainable and responsible travel at the forefront of their mind. By joining forces with local research projects on an Indian tiger safari or whilst gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda, or supporting carefully chosen wildlife charities in the Galapagos Islands, Steppes is able to give privileged insight into the natural world while supporting conservation and local communities worldwide.

Also, recognised as one of the UK's leading specialists in cultural tours and historical and archaeological small group holidays, Steppes prides itself on offering a diverse range of small group tours led by renowned experts, and their pioneering reputation.