Marcopolis

South Africa Report

Marcopolis presents the South Africa Report focused on topics such as investments, doing business, economy and regional integration, featuring interviews with various South African leaders. The sectors under review in this issue are agriculture, hospitality, industry, oil & gas, retail and many more.

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VideosFebruary 16, 2024

Global Ecotourism Expansion: Paul Gardiner Shares his Vision for Terra Nova

Written by Sandra Francisco
Published: February 16, 2024

Paul Gardiner, Director of Mantis, Terra Nova and Bear Grylls Survival Academy, reflects on his environmental journey and articulates his vision for expanding ecotourism globally.

"Terra Nova boasts 30 years of successful endeavors. My vision is to extend this wealth of experience globally. We have excelled in various aspects of ecotourism, including designing lodges, eco lodges, off-the-grid accommodations, and enhancing guest experiences. My dream is to take all that we have accomplished in these three decades and bring Terra Nova's expertise to every corner of the world. We have honed our skills in rewilding, exemplified by the success of the Shamwari Private Game Reserve model in South Africa. I firmly believe we can apply this model anywhere globally. As an example, we have a longstanding collaboration with a gentleman in the Highlands of Scotland, who owns a magnificent estate, and with whom we have worked for many years. In this region, most lodge owners typically engage in stalking or hunting, locally referred to as stalking. Unfortunately, the land in these areas is ecologically depleted, often termed a "green desert." The biodiversity is severely diminished, just red deer, minimal bird life, and sparse tree cover. However, our partner at Alladale Wilderness Reserve, drew inspiration from my father's work at Shamwari. He has taken significant steps to rejuvenate the landscape. Planting a million trees is among his commendable efforts, aiming to reintroduce many species that once thrived in the area approximately 500 years ago. His ultimate dream is to bring back bears and wolves. Expanding such initiatives worldwide is a significant goal for Terra Nova. My focus is on engaging with passionate individuals globally, assisting them in expediting their projects. Additionally, for those with substantial financial resources unfamiliar with ecotourism, I am eager to guide them through the transformative journey I have been on since a very young age", says Paul Gardiner.

 

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