OUR IMPACT
A lifetime of hands-on conservation
At Venture Wilderness, our commitment to conservation is deeply rooted in the legacy of the Robin Hurt Wildlife Foundation (RHWF).
Established in 1990 by Robin A. Hurt, with the support of Joseph F. Cullman III, the foundation operates on the principle that effective wildlife and habitat conservation must actively involve and benefit local communities.
The impactful work of the Robin Hurt Wildlife Foundation.
OUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS
Rural schools supported by our foundation
VILLAGERS SEEN ANNUALLY BY VOLUNTEER DOCTORS AS PART OF OUR HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM
DAYS PER MONTH SPENT PATROLLING BY OUR ANTI-POACHING CREWS
Community Engagement & Development
Understanding that human poverty poses a significant threat to wildlife preservation, RHWF has initiated numerous community projects aimed at fostering sustainable development and conservation awareness. These initiatives include:
Education Infrastructure
Constructing school classrooms, teachers’ accommodations, and libraries to enhance educational opportunities.
Healthcare Facilities
Building health dispensaries and organizing immunization clinics to improve community health standards.
Sustainable Livelihoods
Promoting eco-friendly practices such as beekeeping and tree planting, providing alternative income sources that align with conservation goals.
A key aspect of these projects is the emphasis on the direct correlation between community benefits and effective conservation practices, ensuring that local populations recognize and support the value of preserving their natural heritage.
Health and Wellness Programs
RHWF’s Health & Wellness Education Program has been active for over 15 years, delivering vital health education and services to communities within our operational areas. Collaborations with organizations like the Mary Tidlund Charitable Foundation have facilitated annual health clinics, providing comprehensive medical check-ups and training for village health workers, thereby strengthening local healthcare capacities.
Conservation & Anti-Poaching
Addressing the challenges of poaching and habitat degradation, RHWF maintains dedicated anti-poaching teams that work tirelessly to protect wildlife across vast wilderness areas. Innovative approaches, including the use of drones for surveillance, have been implemented to enhance patrol efficiency. Additionally, the foundation has engaged in wildlife population studies and supported conservation documentaries to raise awareness and inform strategies for species preservation.
Collaborative Conservation in Namibia
In Namibia, RHWF aligns with the country’s constitutional commitment to environmental protection, supporting communal conservancies that empower communities to manage and benefit from wildlife resources. This collaborative approach has contributed to notable successes, such as the world’s largest free-roaming populations of black rhino and cheetahs, and an expanding population of free-roaming lions.
Safeguarding the African Continent’s Natural Heritage
At Venture Wilderness, our impact extends beyond offering unparalleled safari experiences; we are actively engaged in safeguarding Africa’s natural heritage and enhancing the well-being of its communities. Through the ongoing efforts of the Robin Hurt Wildlife Foundation, we continue to champion conservation initiatives that ensure the survival and prosperity of wildlife and people alike.