Good Deeds in the World of Diamonds – De Beers Relocate 200 Elephants
As well as being an origin for
diamonds themselves, Africa has been a source of inspiration for jewelers across the globe. The wildlife, culture, and flora and fauna of this beautiful continent are the subject of art, literature, music, and jewelry design. So, naturally diamond house De Beers has continued to give back to the land that has given the diamond world so much.
De Beers’ most recent endeavor is a partnership with Peace Parks Foundation to relocate 200 elephants from the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve in South Africa to Mozambique. These efforts will protect the wildlife of the Venetia Limpopo reserve, and restore the elephant population of Mozambique.
The Peace Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization, concerned with the preservation of large functional cross-border ecosystems. The Venetia Limpopo reserve is currently unable to handle the number of elephants inhabiting the reserve; the move will allow the complex ecosystem to rebalance, allowing other wildlife and the overall environment to flourish.
By contrast, the elephant population in Mozambique has drastically diminished after the civil war. The Zinave National Park has the capacity to sustain a great number of elephants, but currently home just 60.
“Ecosystems require a range of fauna and flora to stay balanced. If you remove one species, such as elephants, it has a ripple effect on the whole system. The reintroduction of elephants to Mozambique will bring us a step closer to achieving our dream of restoring the landscape and establishing uninterrupted connectivity with seamless migration of wildlife across the parks within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area.”
- Peace Parks CEO Werner Myburgh
The Peace Parks Foundation will work closely with De Beers overseeing the reintroduction of the elephants and ensuring that their social groups remain undisturbed. The move is said to be the largest translocation of elephants recorded in South African history, so monitoring will be thorough to ensure these beautiful animals can thrive in their new home.
“There is no greater symbol of Africa than the majestic elephant. For us to be able to help secure their future in Mozambique, while also ensuring other species at our Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve can flourish, is something every employee is proud of. This translocation is born of a deep sense of responsibility and is part of our wider commitment to continue to invest in new and innovative ways to protect the natural world.”
- De Beers Group CEO Bruce Cleaver
This step towards eco-harmony will be supported by a $500,000 donation from De Beers to the Peace Parks Foundation over the next five years. The money will be used to enforce and improve anti-poaching measures such as hiring new rangers and opening to access roads to increase patrol coverage.
The collection is defined by sensitivity, symbolism, and the high standards of our jewelry. With De Beers leading the way, we plan to continue building upon our social responsibilities initiative, continuing our commitment to conflict-free diamonds and a strong connection with the lands from which they are mined, and ultimately hold ourselves accountable for the
Whiteflash Core Values.