Somkhanda Community Game Reserve, owned and managed in partnership with the Gumbi Community and Wildlands, has been added to the ‘Sustainable Destinations Global Top 100’ list.
At the end of 2014 a ‘Sustainable Destinations Global Top 100’ list was launched to celebrate the management efforts of the most sustainable destinations on earth. This is a joint initiative of four leading organisations in sustainable tourism – namely, Green Destinations, Travelmole, Totem Tourism and Tourism Vision.
“These 100 destinations stand out for making meaningful and measurable progress in their individual journeys toward greater sustainability,” said Dr. Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. “Measuring sustainability is not simple and straightforward. This list recognizes those destinations that are moving in the right direction according to the assessments of neutral experts utilizing objective criteria.”
When asked how he felt about Somkhanda Game Reserve receiving this prestigious title, Kevin McCann, Deputy Director of Conservation SPACE at Wildlands, said: “Wildlands has invested significantly, together with its many partners into Somkhanda Game Reserve, with the aim of developing a sustainable and viable conservation orientated enterprise with the Gumbi community. After many years of hard work, we are extremely pleased to be recognised as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations – this really is a proud moment for our staff and partners.”
Valere Tjolle of Totem Tourism and Vision Sustainable Tourism said: “We believe that sustainability is integral to both destination benefits and the healthy provision of quality holidays to visitors. Destination communities have more to gain (and lose) from sustainability in all its aspects – economic, cultural, social and environmental.”
Should you wish to visit Somkhanda Community Game Reserve in Northern KwaZulu – Natal, please visit www.africaninsight.co.za.
