Corona Survival Packages

The Corona pandemic did not stop at Botswana either. Even though the country is far less affected than others due to low population density preventing a greater spread. Nevertheless, the consequences of the pandemic are hitting the country hard. The measures against the spread of COVID-19 mean that there won’t be any tourists. But tourism is vital for most people there – especially in the north-east. People work at safari lodges or have built a living on providing services to tourists.

SAVE recognized the urgency of the situation when first cases of poaching not related to gathering ivory or rhino horn became known but to get the meat of the animals. The so-called bushmeat poaching is considered to be a clear indicator of hunger.

While we usually plan specially targeted, individual technical projects and create sustainable educational opportunities, we had to take immediate measures here. We organized food packages for families to bridge the difficult period. A food package consisting of corn flour, oil and pasta as well as some hygiene products, helps a family survive for two months. In June, SAVE was able to hand over 300 packages to the village of Nxaraga. The village elder Gaolatlhe Kgosigaenyatswe officially accepted the donation for his village and thanked the local SAVE Wildlife project manager, Wabotlhe Letubo, for this spontaneous support.