Samantha “Sam” Smith, a passionate conservationist, has dedicated her life to protecting the wild wonders of Zululand and Maputaland while empowering its communities through various projects and a team as driven as she is.
KwaZulu-Natal (12 November 2024) – Driven by a deep-seated passion for conservation and sustainable change, Samantha “Sam” Smith found her calling in protecting the wild.
Dubbed the “face of the wild”, Sam is the Strategic Manager for WILDLANDS projects and has been instrumental in driving transformative initiatives that balance human needs with environmental preservation in the Zululand and Maputaland wildlife zones.
Her efforts include driving initiatives like the Bhekula Biodiversity Stewardship & Sustainable Livelihoods Project which aims to enhance the resilience of rural communities in the Tembe area, fostering sustainable livelihoods, eco-tourism opportunities, and adaptation to global climate change.
Beyond Bhekula, Sam has also been involved in the Living Lakes Biodiversity and Climate Project, working to safeguard the delicate ecosystems of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site.
According to Wildlands, Sam’s strategic insight and commitment to sustainable development have enabled the organisation to expand its reach and influence, creating meaningful partnerships and laying the groundwork for a resilient, greener future.
Speaking about her environmental efforts, Sam credits her ambitious team for fueling her passion:
“Seeing the exceptional work that my teammates continue to do within our communities inspires me to keep working towards a thriving and resilient future for us all. Our work would not be as impactful without such a committed team.”
Sources: Wildlands
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