| |
| John Banovich |
Artist & Conservationist
Lions have enchanted man throughout the ages with all of our ancient influencing cultures and current civilizations having rich lion myths, fables, and folklores. Historically this charismatic beast has been a symbol of all of the human traits we have come to admire.
But unfortunately today the popular "King of Beasts" is severely threatened in many parts of its range. In Africa, the human population has swelled to an estimated 780 million (and growing). With most of its rural people possessing livestock, the human/animal conflict has escalated to a point where lions in many areas are disappearing at an alarming rate. Often local communities, which must bear the brunt of those conflicts, have very little incentive to co-exist with predators. In the future the Lion will only survive if communities benefit from their presence.
We are proud to be partnering with the African Wildlife Foundation as they have a long history of working with African communities and linking wildlife to the economic well being of the people that live with them. Together, we have launched the Lion P.R.I.D.E. initiative aimed at saving lions through supporting important scientific research, preserving large conservation landscapes, and benefiting community development. This initiative is both an "educational and on the ground" project with all our resources being strategically placed at "the root of the issues." We pride ourselves on working with some of the most passionate and brightest scientific minds in the field today.
www.JohnBanovich.com
| |
| Patrick Bergin |
African Wildlife Foundation
President & CEO
Scientists understand that a strong predator presence is indicative of a healthy ecosystem – one that will support a viable balance of wildlife species. And this is why the African Wildlife Foundation and its researchers have put special emphasis on monitoring the African lion - to gauge the future of wildlife on the African continent.
Working in Africa for over 45 years, AWF has become increasingly alarmed at the dramatic decline in African lion populations. This disturbing decline is a result of a myriad of factors including habitat loss, increased human/lion conflict, and poaching throughout the lion`s range. Viable lion populations are being pressured to live in confined areas; increasing the chance of conflict with people and reducing opportunities for genetic exchange.
To address threats to the African lion`s future, AWF is pleased to partner with internationally acclaimed artist John Banovich. Funds raised by John`s P.R.I.D.E. initiative will be used to support on-going lion research and conservation efforts in Kenya, Tanzania, and areas in southern Africa.
AWF understands the importance of wildlife in intact ecosystems, and recognizes the need for sustainable community development that delivers tangible benefits to local people who are willing to co-exist with wildlife. By strategically guaranteeing the future of the African lion, AWF believes we can both ensure the future of Africa`s wildlife and enhance the prosperity of its people.
www.AWF.org