#WATER4WILDLIFE - Supporting Bhejane Trust in the Face of an Impending Drought

Addressing the Water Crisis in North-West Zimbabwe

The upcoming drought in North-West Zimbabwe is expected to have devastating effects on wildlife populations. As water sources dwindle, animals will face severe dehydration and increased competition for limited resources. This scarcity not only threatens the survival of individual species, particularly the already vulnerable populations of elephants and rhinos, but also disrupts the entire ecosystem. Additionally, the lack of water exacerbates human-wildlife conflict as animals encroach on human settlements in search of water, further endangering both wildlife and local communities.

Currently, Bhejane Trust operates 52 water pumps across the North-West of Zimbabwe’s conservation areas, delivering an invaluable 1,500,000 liters of water per day. This water provides vital support for around 16,000 elephants and countless other species daily. Our goal is to increase this capacity to 2,000,000 liters before October. To achieve this, we need to drill more boreholes in strategic areas, add battery backup systems, and ensure constant monitoring of all pumps across the region. It is crucial that no pumps in this network fail this year, as each is vital to the survival of the wildlife during this drought period.

How You Can Help and Why Your Support Matters

As a pro-bono advisor for the Bhejane Trust, I am reaching out to share an urgent appeal for your support. With the impending drought across Southern Africa and its severe impacts looming, we at Bhejane Trust are ramping up our efforts across the region to provide water for wildlife. We urgently need your help to raise $100,000 through cash or in-kind contributions to prevent a potential crisis that threatens both the wildlife and the local communities that depend on the tourism industry.

Bhejane Trust is dedicated to preserving wildlife and maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Our work is crucial, especially as the drought's impacts intensify, leading to increased negative media attention and repercussions on tourism. Your assistance will ensure we can continue our vital conservation work without disruption, support the wildlife populations, and secure the livelihoods of the communities dependent on them.

Urgent Funding Needs

Cash Contributions

Your cash donations are crucial for maintaining our current operations. Key areas where your financial support can make a significant impact include:

• Anti-Poaching Rangers: Salaries for our 6 rangers are vital. Drought conditions lead to increased poaching as poor crop yields and struggling livestock push people to the bush for income. Our rangers are on the front lines, protecting endangered species and mitigating poaching threats. You can contribute directly to their salaries, ranging from $300 to $750 per month per ranger.
• Game Water Monitoring Team: Salaries for our 4-member team managing 52 water pumps are critical. These pumps provide essential water sources, and their proper functioning must be ensured, especially during the dry season. Regular checks and maintenance are necessary to prevent vital waterholes from drying up.
• General Operational Costs: We require $6,000 monthly to cover vehicle repairs, maintenance, fuel, and field rations for our staff. Our vehicles cover hundreds of kilometers on challenging roads, making operational funding indispensable.

In-Kind Contributions

In-kind donations are equally valuable. We urgently need:

• Borehole Drilling: We aim to drill additional boreholes across the National Parks to improve water availability and open new grazing areas. Each borehole costs around $10,000, with a trusted supplier offering systems at a reduced cost of $7,500.
• Vehicle: Our water monitoring team needs a new or second-hand vehicle to keep up with pump checks. One of our older vehicles is no longer drivable, making this a critical need.
• Fuel: We consume an average of 600 liters of fuel monthly to cover large operational areas. Fuel donations or fuel coupons are immensely helpful.
• Food/Rations: Feeding our 6 rangers daily is essential to keep them fit for their strenuous tasks. Food donations or direct payments to suppliers are greatly appreciated.
• Gear and Equipment: Our teams need reliable gear for fieldwork. Donations of tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, two-way radios, batteries, torches, GPS devices, and other essential equipment are always welcome.

How to Contribute

Please contact myself or Nathan Webb at [email protected] to discuss how you can help. Whether through cash donations, in-kind contributions, or spreading awareness, your support will make a significant difference in our efforts to protect wildlife and navigate the challenges ahead. We are also interested in exploring corporate partnerships, should your organisation be interested.

You can also donate directly here: ?

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Together, we can ensure that Bhejane Trust is able continues its vital work, preserving one of the most important natural heritage sites in the world for future generations. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our cause.

#WATER4WILDLIFE