Nature conservation: Burgers’ Zoo and GlobeGuards
Thursday, 21 July 2022
In this article, which is part of our monthly series on nature conservation, we want to introduce you to GlobeGuards, a non-profit federation of 23 Dutch organisations that focus on global nature conservation. GlobeGuards is active in more than 30 countries on four continents and cares for more than 100 endangered species and their habitats. Each member organisation has its own unique specialisation in the conservation, research or management of natural areas or specific species. GlobeGuards brings together practical experience so that members can share knowledge and support each other wherever possible. Several foundations affiliated with Burgers’ Zoo are also members of GlobeGuards, and Burgers’ Zoo supports and facilitates the federation’s work in various ways.
Fortunately, some people are committed to the protection of animals and the preservation of nature. They put their money where their mouth is, set up foundations and work hard to make a real difference for “their” animal species or “their” nature reserve. GlobeGuards, as an umbrella foundation, helps to join forces and offers a platform for exchanging experiences.
In 2001, a mixed group of people varying in age, background and approach united in a new federation, initially called FIN (Federation for International Nature Conservation) and later becoming GlobeGuards. GlobeGuards members include Dutch nationals who run conservation projects in the field, often in remote locations, and organisations that focus solely on raising awareness and funds for projects run by others. The variety of animal species and areas that benefit from the efforts of these passionate GlobeGuard members is impressive.
The diversity of Globeguards members is precisely why they work so well together. Everyone contributes their expertise. Some are adept at using social media to raise awareness and publicity, while others are very good at tapping into EU grants or other money pots. All GlobeGuards find the meetings empowering and appreciate that while they are unique, they are not alone. Stichting Future For Nature, ITCF Nederland (our Belize project) and Stichting Lucie Burgers, with whom Burgers’ Zoo maintains close relationships, are also members of GlobeGuards.
GlobeGuards also fulfils a valuable role for its members in terms of fundraising. Every year at the federation’s annual Dag van de Natuur (Nature Day) event, an auction takes place at the Safari Meeting Centre of Burgers’ Zoo, where unique nature experiences are sold at auction to wealthy nature lovers in the room. Burgers’ Zoo facilitates this auction. The auction proceeds are entirely for the benefit of GlobeGuards members and often make a substantial contribution to the annual budgets of the member organisations.
If, after reading this article, you have become curious about GlobeGuards, we recommend you visit www.globeguards.nl/projecten to read more about the diverse and inspiring conservation projects of GlobeGuards members.
