I recently completed my first safari in Africa. The safari was conducted in the Lower Zambezi Valley. During the safari, my PH and I stopped at the National Park's Mkanga field station to visit with the commanding officer. While my PH visited with the officer, I noticed a plaque (located on their office building) referencing a project currently being funded and managed by The Tashinga Initiative Foundation. The 501(c)3 approved Foundation is a NGO and is funded entirely by donations and is proactively assisting the onsite Park Rangers and their families. The Foundation has provided solar generated water systems, solar generated energy, communication equipment (including handheld radios and repeaters), anti-poaching training, improved accomodations for the onsite rangers and their families, etc. Without the funding provided by the Foundation, the Park Ranger's anti-poaching assignments would be much more difficult and a lot less effective. I strongly encourage everyone to visit the Foundation's website to obtain a much better understanding of their objectives, goals, and accomplishments!

The Tashinga Initiative is one of the few positive glimmers in a land besieged by negativity. Well worth supporting - proactive, productive. Behind it all is Lynne Taylor and I know Andries Scholtz has also been involved. I cannot tell you what they are doing now but we can be sure they are doing something, for I have witnessed firsthand what they have done in Matusadona national park. I could not believe it when I passed through there, a couple years back now. It was like chalk and cheese when compared to other parks/safari areas etc. The rangers are motivated, they actually go on patrols, they arrest and shoot poachers, they are on parade, smartly turned out, saluting the warden at 6am... Cajun has covered what the Initiative is doing for the rangers, and I can vouch for what a difference it makes. I spent some time in Matusadona, and came away thinking if only every park was moving in that direction...I am a member of the Tashinga Initiative's Facebook group and have had brief comms with Lynne over the years, so am sure I will be able to get some more details of their activities in recent times/contact details etc..

It's amazing how one comes across this type of operation/person here and there, when wandering about Zim. Inspirational people doing good deeds in a country most have long since given up on. The last of the few. Lynne Taylor and Andries Scholtz, Theresa Warth in the Chiredzi conservancy, the Vardens in Mavuradona...Fine folk all. And, of course, there are the last of the few hunting (not 'hunting') operators, who still strive, against unimaginable odds, to try and do things properly. I salute them all. Hang in there friends. Zim won't be rebuilt in a day, but when we do truly start rebuilding you are needed as foundation.

David

I Hope you had a great hunt Cajun, welcome to AR. Different first post - thoughtful, thanks.

David

Sounds like an excellent program, the rangers sound confident and motivated as a result.

Had never heard of either. Good program sounds like

David, thanks for sharing your observations with us. As per my recent correspondance with Lynn Taylor, The Tashinga Initiative's founder and director, the immediate need at the Mkanga field station (Chewore area) is for the drilling of a borehole sight (water well) identified through a water survey conducted a year ago. Apparently, all of the solar materials for the water installation have been acquired. Obtaining safe drinking water is a daily battle for the onsite wildlife rangers and their families. Unless the rangers are provided with all of their basic needs such as adequate living accomodations, communications, equipment, etc., they cannot accomplish their task protecting the Zambezi Valley's wildlife from the organized poachers. Maybe other members can share their observations and thoughts as well.

Lots of good info & pictures on their Facebook page.

Cajun, thanks for the update. We had some discussion here regarding the Initiative three years ago, and I had forgotten:

http://forums.accuratereloadin...121002101#1121002101

Cajun, sorry I didn't see your last response till now...

Ja, basically it's a morale boost for the rangers on the ground. As any of you who have hunted Zim will know, the vast majority of parks rangers earn next to nothing and have next to nothing. Hard to motivate any team with so little, and that's where the Tashinga Initiative has come in. This is not one of those fly by night affairs (like the Jimmy campaign for the Save conservancy, for example), the Tashinga Initiative has been around for a while, has achieved a great deal and continues to achieve. As I said, the difference they are making on the ground is an eye opener.

I have been in touch with Lynne and she is preparing an updated overview for AR members so will post it ASAP.

David

Does anyone know what percentage of Tashinga's budget comes from hunting outfitters?

Cajun
I got a chance to spend a little time with Lynn Taylor while I was in the Chewore a week ago. Sounds like mostly donations and a lot of volunteer labor to get things running. Great idea and one hell of a nice lady!

quote:

Originally posted by pagosawingnut:
Cajun
I got a chance to spend a little time with Lynn Taylor while I was in the Chewore a week ago. Sounds like mostly donations and a lot of volunteer labor to get things running. Great idea and one hell of a nice lady!

Greetings Pagosawingnut,

I agree with your observations regarding Ms. Lynne and The Tashinga Initiative. The Tashinga Initiative (TTI) is doing a great job of supporting the ongoing conservation efforts within the Lower Zambezi Valley. TTI, through donations and volunteer labor, has improved the
quality of life for the game rangers and their families. Initiatives have included the drilling of boreholes, installation of solar powered lighting, installation of VSAT, planting of vegetable gardens, distribution of books to the rangers' school aged children, furniture for the local schools, etc.