First of all we extend our gratitude to Safaritalk.net for giving organizations, such as ALERT, the opportunity to build awareness about our programs and a forum to discuss conservation issues. We at ALERT have always welcomed comments about our program, and through those comments, both positive and negative, we seek to ensure that our programs are as valid and effective as possible.

So, please allow me the chance to introduce ALERT and what we do. Over the coming days and weeks I will offer more info on our programs, and our progress. We thank all our supporters as we seek to conserve a wild africa for the future.

Kindest regards
David Youldon
ALERT Chief Operating Officer

The African Lion & Environmental Research Trust (ALERT) is a non-profit organization working with governments, wildlife authorities and private organizations to identify suitable release sites for African lions. ALERT will also provide infrastructure to those sites to facilitate the release and to protect local communities. It was founded in 2005 to support the work of the four stage African Encounter Lion Rehabilitation and Release into the Wild Program, founded in 1999 at Antelope Park in Gweru, Zimbabwe.

ALERT also carries out scientific research through the Conservation Centre for Wild Africa (CCWA), either in its own right or in conjunction with external conservation organizations and educational institutions. CCWA engages in a diversity of research and conservation related programs, not just for lions but on a wide range of African wildlife to ensure that we can pass on balanced eco-systems to future generations. CCWA is already undertaking a number of research activities throughout Zimbabwe’s National Park system.

In addition, the ALERT Communities Trust (ACT) is a means to give back to communities bordering conservation areas such that they receive tangible benefits for supporting those conservation programs. A primary element of this is our community education and awareness program to further understanding of the importance and relevance of sound conservation practices. Local communities are involved in eco-tourism ventures related to the conservation programs, and money generated by those programs goes back into development schemes agreed as priorities with the local community, such as building schools or providing medical supplies.