Beau’s Pride rides for lion conservation

A group known as ‘Beau’s Pride’ is calling on Namibians to support the Desert Lion Conservation Project, which is a small non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of desert-adapted lions in the northern Namib.Beau’s Pride is made up of four passionate Namibian cyclists. Johan Liebenberg, Dewald Nel, Fanie Britz and Bibi Cornelissen have dedicated themselves to the project’s mission in honour of young Beau van der Westhuizen, who had a deep love and admiration for the endangered desert lion. Van der Westhuizen died due to cancer just a few days before his 16th birthday in 2022.“At the heart of our work lies an unwavering commitment to understanding and safeguarding these remarkable desert lions,” project founder Dr Philip Stander said.He added that their primary focus centres on collecting essential baseline ecological data on the lion population, delving into their behaviour, biology and their unparalleled adaptation to survive in the unforgiving Namib Desert. “This commitment to science and knowledge is a foundation upon which we build a better future for both the lions and the people who share their territory."Human-lion conflictHe added that one of their fundamental goals is to address the pressing issue of human-lion conflict. Stander said as these unique lions continue to navigate their harsh environment, they often cross paths with the human population.“We are fully aware that the coexistence of humans and lions is essential to the conservation of these magnificent creatures and the preservation of the delicate ecosystem they call home. Our work seeks to find common ground, forging a path towards mutual respect and sustainable cohabitation.”Furthermore, the Desert Lion Conservation Project understands the intrinsic value of these lions to the local and global community, he said. The project’s efforts are aimed at elevating the tourism value of these extraordinary creatures, ensuring that their presence not only enriches the lives of local communities but also contributes to the broader understanding of the importance of conservation.“Collaboration is at the core of our approach. We recognise that the challenges faced by desert-adapted lions extend beyond the purview of a single organisation. We actively engage with other conservation bodies - both regionally and globally - to pool resources, knowledge and expertise. “By working together, we can more effectively address the threats and challenges these lions face and, in turn, better secure their future,” Stander said.Collective supportMeanwhile, Beau’s Pride will embark on a courageous and heartfelt mission to partake in the gruelling annual Nedbank Desert Dash, starting on 8 December from the Grove Mall in Windhoek and finishing in Swakopmund on 9 December. “As Beau’s Pride dedicate themselves to the Desert Lion Conservation Project’s mission, we are calling upon individuals, communities and organisations to join us in this crucial endeavour. The Namib Desert and its iconic lion population need our collective support,” spokesperson Roux-Ché Locke said.“By contributing to the project, we are all helping to continue the team’s essential work in the field to gather crucial data and foster community-driven conservation solutions.”“Desert Lion Conservation is not just a project; like the character of Beau van der Westhuizen, it is a symbol of hope and a testament to the human spirit's capacity for compassion, understanding, and change.“Their vision is a future where desert-adapted lions not only endure, but thrive; where human-lion conflict is minimised, and where these magnificent creatures are celebrated as vital components of a unique and fragile ecosystem. Let us stand together in defence of the desert-adapted lions of the northern Namib," she said.For more information on how you can support the Desert Lion Conservation Project, visit desertlion.info.“Together, we can ensure that the desert-adapted lions continue to inspire and thrive in the Namib Desert, securing their place as icons of both natural beauty and the enduring spirit of cooperation” Locke added.Donate to Beau’s Pride and the Desert Lion Conservation Project here: Account holder name: Desert Lion Conservation Trust Account: 12990021277Branch: 461052Bank: Nedbank Namibia LimitedBIC/Swift: NEDSNANXReference: Beau’s

Beau’s Pride rides for lion conservation

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