From the mysterious coast of Namibia, to the exotic wilderness of the Zambezi and the wildlife-filled plains of Botswana to South Africa's laid-back beaches, Natural Selection is a collection of exclusive stays in some of southern Africa's most unforgettable natural environments. Together, they are working towards creating change throughout the region with initiatives making a difference for nature and its communities.
A Foundation of Care
Natural Selection was founded with the mission of committing to the environment’s conservation and the protection of Africa’s wildlife areas. The aim is, essentially, that wilderness areas be seen as having economic value when they are left in their “pristine” state. This means protecting the fragile ecosystems and biodiversity in a time when human encroachment is causing more and more pressure on the environment and its limited resources. A way that this can be done is through sustainable tourism and this is where the Natural Selection group shines!
The group has managed to invest in tourism properties located in areas where they are able to provide refuge to wildlife and protect the natural surroundings. Each of these properties has helped in establishing ‘wildlife corridors’, which allows animals like elephants to continue on their ancient migrations across lands and over borders.
The Human Side of Conservation
Another important role that these properties play is that of a buffer between wildlife and rural land use. In other words, to protect wildlife by keeping conflict between animals and humans as low as possible. This can be done by educating the local population about the benefits of tourism, conservation, and wildlife.
The most important factor that comes into the success of what Natural Selection aims to achieve is that it incorporates locals wherever it can. Working with communities means employment at its lodges. It means ensuring teachers are paid consistently. Farmers are given support against damage by animals. Children from the community learn about the value of animals and how to use natural resources in a sustainable way.
