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Communities at Matetsi

Sustainability at Matetsi Private Game Reserve

SUSTAINABILITY AT MATETSI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

At &Beyond we seek to maintain a low impact on the land while deriving high yield for our conservation initiatives by creating very small luxury lodges that support enormous tracts of biodiverse land, which remains untouched. At every lodge we seek out small (and sometimes not so small) but meaningful ways of putting our values into action every day. Each &Beyond lodge supports the conservation of wildlife and contributes to its neighbouring communities in one way or another. In addition, we seek to limit our impact in terms of fossil fuels, the use of renewable energy, water and waste management, and recycling.

For example, at Matetsi Water Lodge only four stroke boat engines are used. These engines do not burn oil, use less fuel and are much quieter than those previously used.

Current Sustainability projects at Matetsi Private Game Reserve

Sustainability

Conservation lessons at Matetsi Water Lodge

Children and teachers from two schools in the communities surrounding Matetsi Private Game Reserve were invited to partake in &Beyond's interactive conservation lessons.

Involving community children in Goal is Life

Goal is Life Soccer Challenge

In conjunction with &Beyond's "The Goal is Life" programme, Pollen Ndlanya (South African striker for the national soccer team) spent an exciting day encouraging and inspiring both the children and the staff of Matetsi Private Game Reserve to pursue goals in their lives.

Wild dog

Monitoring of Wildlife

&Beyond guides at Matetsi Water Lodge observe and document all interesting wildlife sightings including large herbivore movements, diet and birth, and mammalian predatory activity. Endangered Wild Dog often breed on the concession during the dry winter months. Records are kept of bird distribution, breeding and seasonal movements.

Riverboat cruise sundowers at Matetsi Water Lodge

New Environmentally Friendly Motors

As we all look for ways to conserve our environment and protect this precious planet, Matetsi Private Game Reserve has already taken steps to help keep the waters of the Zambezi clean.

Sustainability

Positive Health

Working closely with the Africa Foundation, Matetsi Water Lodge works with lodge staff and communities in nearby Victoria Falls to follow a Wellness programme geared towards developing and maintaining a healthy immune system. Diet, natural vitamins and minerals, and the cultivation of a positive attitude are among the key factors in fighting chronic illness including HIV/Aids.

African Fish Eagle

Support of BirdLife Zimbabwe

Financial assistance has been provided to BirdLife Zimbabwe for the creation of a local language bird identification guide for the Victoria Falls region. An understanding and appreciation of nature is one of the cornerstones of conservation, and birds are excellent indicators of ecosystem health.