Community Partnership Leads to Reconstruction of Tourist Lodge in Botswana

Great progress has been made in the past year through a partnership between AWF and a local community in Botswana.

Late in 2002, AWF signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with Sankuyo Tshwaragano Management Trust (STMT). STMT is a community trust located east of Moremi Game Reserve.

The Memorandum is facilitating collaboration for management of wildlife areas and conservation enterprises. This furthers our mission by linking local people with wildlife conservation efforts in their area that generate much-needed income for communities and individuals.

One of the first projects is the reconstruction of Santawani Lodge, a community-based tourist lodge. This summer six of the 12 chalets that make up Santawani Lodge, plus the dining complex and reception area, were renovated and furnished. The funds for this work were jointly provided by AWF and the Trust.

In addition to partnering with the community financially, AWF conducted staff training. In September, experienced hoteliers and lodge practitioners trained staff members so they can deliver even better service to clients.

Currently AWF is assisting the community in raising the funds necessary to renovate the remaining six chalets and complete the Santawani Lodge reconstruction.

About $160,000 is needed for this second phase of the project.