“The Game Reserve range of wines symbolises our unwavering commitment to restoring balance. The symbiosis between our wines, our people and the earth is the golden thread which runs throughout all our actions. Leaving a lasting legacy for tomorrow means we’re duty bound to take fundamental and far-reaching steps today – a responsibility we’re deeply passionate about, says Chris du Toit, CEO at Graham Beck Enterprises. “We thank everyone who have supported this project. Without you we would not be able to make this donation. We count on your continued support and trust that this project will grow even further.”
For every bottle of Graham Beck The Game Reserve sold globally, a contribution of R3 is made towards the Wilderness Foundation`s conservation and education programmes throughout Africa, the benefits of which support biodiversity and cultural, scientific, economic and spiritual values. The three projects that will directly benefit from the donation of R348 372 from the first quarter proceeds are:
The Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative
The Wilderness Foundation launched the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative in May 2011. The campaign aims to gather support from the public and various stakeholders to help the fight against rhino poaching in South Africa and save the rhino from extinction in the wild.
Pride – Environmental Education Project
The Pride Project (started in 1997), is managed and co-ordinated by the Wilderness Foundation. It was developed to fulfil the need for an environmental education outreach programme among disadvantaged youth from urban and rural areas. The various Pride Projects scattered throughout the wilderness areas in South Africa introduce over 3 000 previously disadvantaged, primary and senior learners to a one-day, sponsored entry-level outdoor experience every year. This experience has been proven to help stimulate the learners’ interest in their immediate natural environment and concern for its preservation and conservation.
The Rooiberg Breederivier Conservancy
The Rooiberg Breederivier Conservancy’s area of focus makes up 42 000km² of the Eastern and Western Cape. The Robertson project in the Rooiberg Breede River Conservancy is a branch of the research area focusing on the corridor linking the Overberg and Riviersonderend Mountains and the mountain ranges between De Doorns and Montagu. This area has been identified as an important conservation site as it forms a natural corridor for leopards and other wild species to link to one another.
“The Wilderness Foundation is very proud of our association with Graham Beck Wines. They have been pioneers in the field of bringing together the principles of wine production and biodiversity conservation and their estate is a model of how things should be done if our agricultural practices are to be sustainable. The funds that we receive as part of this partnership assists the Wilderness Foundation in carrying out our conservation projects across Africa,” added Andrew Muir, Executive Director, Wilderness Foundation.
The Game Reserve wine collection comprises nine single varietal wines, each offering wine lovers an authentic expression of the cultivar and unlimited drinking pleasure. Versatile and rewarding, these meticulously crafted wines display a wide variety of attractive characteristics, catering to a broad spectrum of tastes – truly delivering a wine for every palate and any occasion. The wines are also superb food wines, promising a seamless match for an endless array of delectable dishes.
Additional information on the Wilderness Foundation
It was the first organisation in Africa dedicated to providing a pure wilderness experience for people of all backgrounds, races and nationalities. During the troubled days of apartheid, the multi-racial education and experiential programme spawned a global network of conservationists from all sectors of life who are committed to preserving Africa’s precious natural heritage.
After 28 years of heading up the Wilderness Foundation, Dr Player handed over the reins to his mentee and fellow conservationist, Andrew Muir, in 2000. Muir has expanded the organisation’s influence through holistic social intervention strategies, incorporating a powerful conservation ethos into successful social projects targeted specifically at vulnerable youth. The Foundation is built on the values of respect for all living things; a passion for conservation and education; integrity and transparency; sustainability and innovation.
Recognising that the protection of South Africa’s unique wilderness areas and natural splendour is dependent on socio-political and economic conditions within society, the Wilderness Foundation takes a holistic approach to conservation. Focusing on four main programme areas (conservation; social intervention; experiential education and advocacy and awareness), the Foundation creates opportunities to encourage, plan and protect wild lands and the wilderness, uplift the knowledge and lives of citizens, and stimulate a culture of environmental awareness among current and future leaders.
The exceptional synergy between The Foundation’s ethos and that of Graham Beck’s well established and far reaching conservation and social upliftment projects, makes a partnership between these two dynamic entities a very powerful and successful vehicle for permanent change and long lasting results.