Protecting nature is essential for our future generations. There are courageous hearts out there that are fighting to protect it - and ReWild wants to tell these stories. Our team members Carter Kirilenko and Justin Sullivan are currently out in Congo filming in some of the most remote and inaccessible corners of Upemba to capture one of these stories.
In the heart of the Congo, Upemba National Park is a forgotten landscape that was once rich in megafauna. However in recent years due to illegal mining and poaching, much of its biodiversity has plummeted. Elephants, zebras, and impala that once roamed in the tens of thousands have declined to just a few hundred. But the story doesn’t end here. Today, a small team of rangers, led by Major Fils, are fighting to restore what has been lost.
This short film was created last year while on assignment in Upemba, and it is the beginning of our journey to tell a longer story of restoring one of Earth’s most threatened and biodiverse places. These stories inspire us to keep doing what we do. They instill hope within us and act as proof that it is not all too bad after all. We have the opportunity to make a difference and it will only require a dedicated heart that invites others to assist. That is something we learned from these brave men. Collaborating and standing strong together can produce tremendous results.These rangers face many challenges; however, they have demonstrated unwavering courage and dedication in their mission to protect and preserve the natural wonders within their charge. They confront numerous obstacles, such as confronting poachers that present life threatening danger. Despite all these challenges they have shown unwavering will to protect depleting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Their tireless efforts are an inspiration to all, as they persevere day and night, patrolling vast expanses of land, tracking animal movements, and apprehending illegal hunters. Their resolve to keep the fragile balance of the ecosystem intact is a testament to their unwavering commitment to the cause. Places like Upemba must be protected. This starts with building a global community that values them for what they are.
Places like Upemba must be protected. This starts with building a global community that values them for what they are.
Visit www.upembafilm.com to sign up to receive behind the scenes updates and support the protection of Upemba
News from ReWild Africa:
Our managing director, Justin, is heading to the UK this weekend for a few weeks! He’ll be working remotely but also taking some much needed time off. Be sure to pop him a message if you’d like to connect.
Julian and Megan will be in Durban next week filming for SEED, about the incredibly inspiring company, Litter4Tokens - providing a ‘token’ for essential goods like food, sanitary pads, etc, in exchange for a bag of recyclable waste that a community member collects.
Alessandra is currently preparing for a VERY exciting project around Africa with Power Shift Africa.