Wildlife lovers are coming together again to give back to nature and help protect endangered species and communities in Africa. Over 100 acclaimed wildlife photographers have donated a limited numbers of photo prints to be sold for US$100 each on printsforwildlife.org for the benefit of conservation non-profit African Parks. The fundraiser is taking place through Sept. 25.
With nearly 50% of Africa’s landmass suffering degradation, and the rapidly increasing affects biodiversity loss has on the climate crisis, it is critical to come together in support of conservation, says Prints for Wildlife, which adds that its goal is to help African Parks safeguard 30 million hectares of Africa’s protected areas, including adding new parks, and contributing to the global target of protecting 30% of nature on Earth by 2030.
“By purchasing an exclusive fine art print helping protect wildlife has never been easier or more beautiful! With the simple purchase of a stunning fine art print, everyone can help support this vital work,” says the organization.
How to participate:
• Visit www.printsforwildlife.org before Sept. 25, 2022 to purchase a print.
• Tell friends, family, and colleagues about the fundraiser.
• Give prints as gifts to loved ones
Created by photographers Marion Payr and Pie Aerts, Prints for Wildlife first launched in July 2020 as the devastating impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic started to be seen across Africa’s communities and wildlife areas. In the last two editions, Prints for Wildlife raised US$1.75 million for African Parks by selling over 15,000 unique wildlife prints.
This year’s fundraiser will feature more than 100 photos from acclaimed wildlife photographers, including Cristina Mittermeier, Paul Nicklen, Will Burrard Lucas, Beverly Joubert, Drew Doggett, Marsel van Oosten, Ami Vitale, Joachim Schmeisser, Karim Illya and Gaël Ruboneka Vande weghe. Each of the photographers has donated one fine art print each to the fundraiser, which will be sold for US$100 through the Prints for Wildlife online shop with 100% of the proceeds (after printing and handling) directly donated to African Parks.
African Parks
• African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization that takes on the complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks and protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities.
• African Parks currently manages 20 parks in 11 countries across Africa, including Kafue (Zambia), Akagera (Rwanda) and Liwonde (Malawi) National Parks, in partnership with governments for the benefit of local communities and wildlife – the largest and most ecologically diverse portfolio of protected areas in Africa under management by any one conservation organization.
• African Parks is looking to sign a number of new parks within the coming months and years, including Luengue-Luiana and Mavinga National Parks in Angola and Boma and Bandingilo National Parks in South Sudan, making sure that more exceptional ecosystems, endemic species, and natural habitats are being protected, while sustainably and holistically benefiting communities and wildlife.
“The key to conservation is putting people at the heart of the solution,” says Prints for Wildlife cofounder Pie Aerts. “This is done through community programs supporting health, education, job security, and sustainable livelihoods. African Parks, and their community-first approach to conservation, is ensuring that the protected areas under their management are safe places where wildlife and people can flourish. In safe places, magical things can happen. Therefore, choosing African Parks as our partner for this campaign was a no-brainer.”
PFW’S other co-founder Marion Payr adds, “Even in times of crisis, humanity can come together to spread hope and do good for our planet. Wildlife conservation, protecting valuable biomes and supporting communities has now found a place in the hearts and, with the stunning art of all the generous photographers, on the walls of thousands of homes across the globe. Now it’s time to support African Parks in their mission to grow to manage 30 parks by 2030.”