EHRA climbs Brandberg for Elephants
N$500,000 raised for elephant conservation!
On Friday, 10thSeptember, the team of Elephant—Human Relations Aid (EHRA) made its way up Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg, to climb its Peak, Königstein, in order to raise money for our elephant conservation work.
We had started our hike preparation in March, planning to hike in May or June when the mountain still holds water. But the team experienced many drawbacks as several team members had suffered from Covid-19 at different times. Each time the hike was moved because the aim was to do this together, as a team. New Regional Lockdowns restricted movements once-more and so EHRA hiked up Brandberg probably at the latest possible opportunity, in the second week of September. Fantastic porters from Uis dropped 200 litres of water at the first camp, and Mr Seth Ga’aseb from the National Heritage Council of Namibia guided the group up the mountain, making the hike possible.
We had to get creative to keep EHRA going!
Each team member got sponsored by international and national supporters and EHRA reached their aim of raising N$ 500,000.00 to continue our conservation work! We work to ease conflicts between elephants and people in the northern Erongo and southern Kunene Regions. “Covid-19 hit us badly as we generated 90% of our funds through volunteering and tourism initiatives, which was a sustainable financing strategy, until borders closed”, Rachel Harris, our Managing Director, explains.
As conflicts with elephants continued to increase, we were needed more than ever and could not stop our work. “We have had to get creative to keep EHRA alive! This includes new partnerships with international foundations, new merchandise campaigns and now, challenging the whole team to climb to the peak of Brandberg to raise money. The money we now raised will help us cover our operational costs for the next few months”, Rachel explains. We managed to keep all team members employed and did not have to retrench anyone.
Two days to reach Königstein!
It took our 12 members two days to reach Königstein (2573m above sea level) via the steep Ga’aseb gorge and one day to come back down. “It was a huge physical challenge, but the incredible team work made it possible for us to complete the challenge. Knowing we were in it together put me at ease. I think I have a newfound respect for the team and the work we do”, our Conservation Programs Assistant, Anna Sheehama, said. “Everyone can do it but you need the right mindset. I think it is something we will all look back at and recognize how much good we can do for our elephants together when we are determined.”, Anna said.
Thank you to all our amazing supporters, individual donors and Pupkewitz Motors, for sponsoring our awesome team to complete the challenge and raise funds for our important elephant conservation work.
