5 minute read
THE WOMEN ON A MISSION TO PROTECT OUR PLANET
― From conservation to activism, women are leading the charge in protecting our planet and creating a more sustainable future. Lightfoot Travel shines a spotlight on six remarkable women and female-led groups who are making a difference in global environmental conservation and advocacy.
By Lucy Jackson Walsh, Co-founder, Lightfoot Travel
At Lightfoot Travel we understand that pristine environments and natural wonders often form the backdrop for authentic travel experiences for our clients. Preserving these ecosystems ensures that all of us can continue to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences for generations to come.
The Black Mambas, an all-female anti-poaching unit in South Africa established in 2013, are pioneers in wildlife conservation. Choosing education over guns, this team of around 30 women patrols several reserves and national parks in South Africa, working tirelessly to remove poaching snares and traps in their quest to protect endangered rhinos, pangolins and elephants. Through close monitoring, community building, and education initiatives, they are making a significant impact in the fight against poaching.
Dr. Jane Goodall is a household name in the world of conservation. As the foremost expert on chimpanzees, she has dedicated her life to studying and protecting these intelligent creatures. Through the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots and Shoots program, which she founded in 1991, she continues to inspire and empower the next generation of environmental leaders in over 140 countries worldwide.
Sylvia Earle, also known as ‘Her Deepness’, is a trailblazing marine biologist and conservationist, named as a ‘Hero for the Planet’ by Time Magazine. As the first female chief scientist of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, she has dedicated her career to exploring and protecting the earth’s oceans. Through Mission Blue, her nonprofit foundation, she advocates for marine conservation and the preservation of marine ecosystems, in alliance with more than 200 ocean conservation groups and like-minded organisations.
Beverly Joubert, a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, has spent over 30 years photographing and researching wildlife. Alongside her husband, filmmaker Dereck Joubert, she co-founded the Big Cat Initiative and Rhinos Without Borders, working to protect endangered species and their habitats. The husband-and-wife duo are also the founders of Great Plains an organisation that uses ‘Conservation Tourism’ as a tool to sustain conservation programs with beautiful lodges and camps throughout Zimbabwe, Botswana and Kenya. Beverley and Dereck’s work raises awareness about the importance of conservation and the plight of animals in the wild.
Canadian scientist Dr. Birute Galdikas is a pioneer in orangutan research and conservation. Inspired by the work of Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall, she founded the Orangutan Foundation International in 1986, an orangutan research facility in Borneo, and has dedicated her life to studying and protecting these endangered primates. As President of the OFI, she continues to be a leading voice for orangutan conservation.
As the co-founder of Women on a Mission and the Founder of Her Planet Earth, Christine Amour-Levar leads a diverse group of women dedicated to empowering the underprivileged and protecting the environment. Through partnerships with organisations focused on climate change and women’s rights, they are making a tangible difference in communities around the world. Recent self-funded expeditions have included a Knuckles expedition in Sri Lanka, a 200km cycle in Greenland, a desert crossing in Namibia and a triple-challenge expedition in the Swiss Alps. With over 2.5 million dollars raised to support meaningful initiatives to support women, these organisations are proving that women have the power to drive positive, transformational change.
At Lightfoot Travel we are advocates for sustainable tourism practices that not only contribute to the preservation of the destinations we sell but also enhance the overall luxury travel experience through cultural and environmental preservation and responsible tourism practices. Reach out to one of our expert travel consultants if you would like to organise a tailor-made holiday with conservation and sustainable practices at the forefront.
Lightfoot Travel is an Asia-based luxury tour operator specialising in tailor-made holidays throughout the world. The company was founded in Singapore over a decade ago by industry experts - Nico Heath, Simon Cameron and Lucy Jackson - to offer guests a more exclusive way to discover the world, with insider advice to enhance every trip. Today Lightfoot Travel has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai, London and New York, with a cosmopolitan team who have all lived and worked around the globe - giving them the edge in creating highly personalised itineraries for their guests. Visit www.lightfoottravel.com for more information.
