This
year’s
event
coincides
with
World
Tourism
Day,
making
it
a
significant
occasion
for
conservation
and
tourism
alike.
The
golf
day
will
see
128
players
competing
in
support
of
VFAPU’s
ongoing
efforts
to
combat
poaching
and
preserve
wildlife
in
the
Victoria
Falls
region.
This
year’s
event
holds
particular
importance
as
it
comes
just
a
few
months
before
Victoria
Falls
Safari
Lodge,
the
flagship
property
of
Africa
Albida
Tourism
(AAT)
and
a
founding
partner
of
VFAPU,
celebrates
its
30th
anniversary
on
14
December.
Additionally,
2024
marks
a
key
milestone
for
VFAPU,
as
it
will
be
25
years
since
the
unit
was
formed
in
1999
by
Victoria
Falls
Safari
Lodge
and
local
conservationist
Charles
Brightman.
Over
the
past
quarter-century,
VFAPU
has
played
a
critical
role
in
the
protection
of
wildlife
in
the
region,
making
this
golf
day
a
crucial
fundraiser
for
the
unit’s
continued
operations.
Ross
Kennedy,
director
of
AAT
and
a
Wildlife
Conservation
Coalition
(WCC)
board
member,
emphasised
the
importance
of
this
event,
saying,
“This
fundraising
golf
day
not
only
highlights
the
ongoing
battle
against
poaching
but
also
showcases
the
synergy
between
tourism
and
conservation.
As
we
approach
the
30th
anniversary
of
Victoria
Falls
Safari
Lodge,
it’s
important
to
remember
that
our
commitment
to
protecting
our
wildlife
remains
stronger
than
ever.
The
support
we
receive
through
initiatives
like
this
allows
VFAPU
to
continue
its
essential
work
on
the
ground.”
Nathan
Webb,
General
Manager
of
WCC,
which
was
formed
following
the
merger
of
VFAPU
and
The
Bhejane
Trust
in
2023,
added,
“The
Victoria
Falls
Anti-Poaching
Unit
has
made
significant
strides
in
protecting
our
wildlife,
but
the
fight
is
far
from
over.
Events
like
this
golf
day
are
crucial
for
raising
the
funds
needed
to
sustain
our
efforts
and
ensure
that
future
generations
can
enjoy
the
beauty
and
biodiversity
of
the
Victoria
Falls
region.”
The
fundraising
golf
day
which
offers
golf
enthusiasts
the
opportunity
to
help
conserve
Zimbabwe’s
wildlife
through
their
participation,
sponsorship
and
donations,
promises
to
be
a
memorable
event,
with
participants
not
only
enjoying
a
day
of
golf
but
also
contributing
to
a
cause
that
is
vital
to
the
preservation
of
Zimbabwe’s
natural
heritage.
The
event
will
include
lunch,
drinks
and
evening
snacks
as
well
as
a
host
of
incredible
prizes.
All
proceeds
from
the
fundraiser
go
directly
to
VFAPU,
with
Africa
Albida
Tourism
bearing
all
the
administrative
costs
of
the
day.
Since
its
inception
VFAPU
has
arrested
over
1,030
hardened
poachers,
removed
over
39,000
wire
snares
and
rescued
and
treated
over
600
mammals
injured
in
snares.
VFAPU
works
closely
with
the
Zimbabwe
Parks
and
Wildlife
Management
Authority,
the
Zimbabwe
Republic
Police
and
Victoria
Falls
City
Council
and
has
15
scouts
patrolling
daily.
The
unit
relies
solely
on
donations
to
fund
its
operations.
Post
published
in:
Business