Eco Defense Group (EDGE) Works with Communities To Stop Poaching

LOS ANGELES, March 15, 2018 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The non-profit working in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa sets its sights on a new conservation project: developing local African communities.

The group, founded in 2017 to carry on and develop a decade of efforts by its members and partners brings innovation to conservation.  EDGE develops genetic mapping programs alongside zoos, technology research and K9 and tactical programs with park rangers, among its many projects. 

Now EDGE is partnering with several on-the-ground foundations and groups to work on a diverse set of programs designed to help the communities where poachers are recruited. 

Says an EDGE representative, "Conservation begins and ends locally.  Our goal is to facilitate our partners on the ground in ways that they determine to be most effective." 

Starting this year, the EDGE team is focused on several community-based initiatives such as adding solar-powered pumps to village wells in Botswana, tech-based programs in several townships, and photography education for those living near and with endangered animals. 

Beyond sustaining and expanding these existing projects, EDGE will support a project developed by Rory Hensman Foundation, Joy of Healing and HO:PE Organization focused on the women and young girls of townships near current project areas. 

The project involves setting up sewing and training centers in four towns in South Africa to help women and young girls become self-sufficient with skills and training in sewing, farming and pre-school development. These women will be trained to run their own businesses making sanitary kits and reusable shopping bags that can be sold in markets around the world. 

This is a donor-based project and EDGE has set up a donation page: http://ecodefensegroup-3952.wedid.it

The EDGE spokesperson says the group is not a "solution organization," but a "service organization. Every dollar donated goes to support those on the front lines, whether the ranger standing between the rhino and the poacher or the child a mile away who has never seen one." 

For more information, visit EDGE's site: www.ecodefensegroup.org

Media Contact:Isabel Hayes, EDGE, 919-617-1990, edge@ecodefensegroup.org

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SOURCE Eco Defense Group (EDGE)