Singita Grumeti Reserves, located on the Western corridor of the Serengeti in Tanzania, has opened an Environmental Education Centre (EEC) on the reserve, answering the urgent call by government to boost environmental awareness within its communities.

Environmental education has been identified as a top priority in helping the country address the effects of climate change and the destruction of biodiversity in the country.

The project was established by the Singita Grumeti Reserves Community Outreach Programme, which aims to ensure that local communities experience the benefits of preserving the wildlife and natural environment of the reserves which they border, and are so encouraged to play a role in their preservation.

Focussing on education pertaining to the sustainable use of natural resources, the Environmental Education Centre offers environmental training courses to, primarily, youth from local Secondary schools in the bordering Bunda and Serengeti districts.

The project is endorsed by the Tanzanian Government, which has provided guidance in setting up the programme to ensure that the course syllabus is in line with the approved Tanzanian school curriculum.

Tanzanian Minister of State, Vice-President’s office (Environment), Dr Batilda Burian recently opened the Environmental Education Centre, deeming the project ‘a well-timed blessing’ for the country. She lauded Singita Grumeti Reserves as an exemplary model for eco-tourism and commended the initiative taken to establish the project.

The 5-day training course at the new Environmental Education Centre is being rolled out in two phases, which commenced at the start of September 2009. During phase one, the EEC is enrolling twelve trainees on a weekly rotational basis, all from secondary schools in districts. They are accompanied by two teachers from their respective schools, who will later provide mentorship to the trainees, supported by the EEC’s two permanent trainers. During phase two, community leaders and government representatives from these two bordering districts will be invited to attend environmental courses. These will be offered during the vacation periods when the youth are not in attendance.

The training provides basic understanding of ecosystem functioning and the identification of threats to the sustainability of the ecosystem, focussing on the primary factors that threaten the ecosystem in the region.  Trainees are encouraged and equipped to pursue their livelihoods in a more sustainable fashion, and to devise effective solutions to the primary factors that threaten the ecosystem within which they live. Enrolled groups are accommodated at the Centre for the entire period of their training, from the Sunday evening to the following Saturday morning, after they have ‘graduated’ from the programme.  The intention is for approximately 350 youth to complete this programme each school year.

Lindy Rousseau, Singita Group Sales and Marketing Manager says: ‘Ensuring the long-term sustainability of Singita Grumeti Reserves, an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, is of utmost importance, given that the reserve was proclaimed by the Tanzanian government to protect the path of the Wildebeest Migration, and the indigenous biodiversity within this vast ecosystem.

As custodians of this magnificent reserve, we are determined to protect its safety and longevity.  Within a national context for Tanzania, this project is critical, as it reaches a large number of youth, among whom are future leaders of commerce, industry and government. Instilling within these young people an understanding of, and responsibility for their environment, will have a far-reaching, positive effect.’ 

Singita Grumeti Reserves has funded the construction of the Environmental Education Centre, and finances the running and maintenance of the centre, which includes food and accommodation for trainees, as well as the employment of two permanent teachers, two trainers and support staff. 

Singita Grumeti Fund and Singita Grumeti Reserves: Key Conservation and Community Projects

Singita Grumeti Reserves has formed dedicated teams whose sole focus is to preserve the land and to protect and increase the wildlife to match its natural carrying capacity. This includes environmental care and anti-poaching. The reserve provides support to anti-poaching efforts and also conducts extensive wildlife research. The team at Singita Grumeti Reserves is working with Tanzania National Parks and The Frankfurt Zoological Society to translocate 34 Black rhino from South Africa to the Serengeti within the next few years.

Besides building environmental awareness, the Singita Grumeti Community Outreach Programme also supports local school efforts to enhance the quality of education they offer, and funds scholarships for Secondary and Tertiary level students. It furthermore works to encourage small businesses in the region, to ensure a thriving local economy, and facilitates community access to potable water.

Guest contributions and profits from commercial tourism operations are reinvested back into the Singita Grumeti community and conservation initiatives to create a better life for all.

Singita Grumeti Reserves employs 600 staff, many from the surrounding communities, thus generating financial support for these communities through tourism. The programme also encourages microfinance projects, which encourage self reliance and sustainability.

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Issued by FIVESTAR PR

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